Immune System Protection Starts in Your Mouth

Cold and flu season is approaching. Would you like to fortify your body to support a healthier immune system?  I just finished an interesting article written by Dr. Uche Odiatu a dentist from Toronto, Ontario for the benefit of fellow dentists. His approach is more than just taking Vitamin C and Echinacea.

Moderate Regular Exercise Is Good For Your Saliva

Why is this important? Because 95% of infections start in your mouth. Exercise can increase the key chemical in your saliva that protects your body from viruses. That chemical is immunoglobulin A or IgA.

A recent study compared an active group (minimum 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 3 times per week for twelve weeks) to an inactive group. The results showed the active group increased their immunoglobulin A or IgA, by up to 50% improving their immune system.

By the way, if you are an endurance exerciser Dr Odiatu urges you to take it easy. Marathon and Gladiator type of exercise is more likely to deplete the most abundant antioxidant in your body Glutathione or GSH. GSH regulates your immune system and low levels of GSH increases your chances of upper respiratory infections.

Added Benefits of Regular and Moderate Exercise

There are more benefits of regular and moderate exercise than just strengthening your immune system. It improves you in so many ways.

Regular and Moderate Exercise Can:

• Increase your metabolism helping you lose weight
• Prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues
• Improve your muscle mass making you stronger to counteract reduced muscle loss and minimize osteoporosis
• Make you happier
• Help you sleep better
• Increase your energy level

Do whatever works for you. I enjoy a good jog. If find there are many opportunities to participate in a 5k walk/run event. I find them not too long but definitely not short either. Weight lifting has become a favorite. Most dentists have back problems from hunching over to treat patients. Staying active prevents the back issues and keeps me healthy.

If you want to lower your chances of getting the flu, cold, even pneumonia this winter- exercise regularly, but moderately.

Look for our next blog in this series about how to strengthen your immune system based on suggestions from well respected dentist,certified trainer and holistic coach Dr. Uche Odiatu.

Source: TPD Magazine pps 60-62