Now the that flu season is over, you might want to consider building your body back up so it’s less susceptible to common ailments that slow us down, ie colds, low energy, sprained joints, insomnia, etc…  A good baseline is to keep your body alkaline by:

• increasing vegetable intake (you can’t eat too much),
• drinking spring water with minerals in tact, and
• decreasing acidic foods such as meats and fats.

Bad bugs can’t grow in an alkaline environment and it’s unlikely you’ll suffer muscle spasms and joint pain from the adequate minerals you’re getting through alkaline foods. Adequate minerals for an alkaline environment also allow muscle relaxation and better sleep. Taking daily pro-biotics (good bugs we recommend are Garden of Life's Primal Defense & Original Medicine's Multi-Probiotics* only available through doctors like us - email below for more info.) before bedtime will set your body towards the right path of strong immunity as well.

For low energy - rest and build up your adrenal glands (little walnut-sized glands above your kidneys) by:

• deceasing sugar intake (which are found in most simple carbohydrates that come in the form of store-bought baked goods and candies),
• increasing B-complex vitamin rich foods such as legumes, nuts, and whole grains (http://vegetarian.lovetoknow.com/List_of_Common_Whole_Grain_Foods),
• and supplementing with a whole-foods based b-complex supplement until energy is normalized. (We recommend Standard Process' Cataplex B* available only through doctors such as us or Garden of Life's Vitamin Code RAW B-complex).

It is possible that your stress & energy expenditure are higher than the nutrients found in all the foods you could possibly eat… in this case, you’ll need either a serious re-evaluation of your lifestyle and make changes, or  include whole foods B-complex supplementation as part of your daily regimen.

Lastly, there’s no substitute for right thinking, ie you CAN be strong and healthy by making good choices, and not be victims of bad bugs, social pressures and uneven road surfaces. Only a small population with a biblical ‘thorn in their flesh’ suffers from ailments out of their control. Most of us function within the laws of science and physiology set in motion by our Creator. Take responsibility for your ailments, make good choices, and you’ll find an extra spring in your step!

* Standard Process and Original Medicine are doctor-prescribed lines of products.  Contact us for a Health Consultation to see if these will be helpful for you.

The above information is derived from our clinical experience in helping patients restore health. 

Olivia Chang, D.C., CCSP (sports medicine) practices at dr Chang Health in La Jolla, CA with her team of therapists.  She is also a professional Hollywood Stunt Performer and martial artist.  Her comprehensive, cutting-edge whole person approach includes helping patients connect brain to body dysfunctions, clinical nutrition & cognitive-based rehabilitative exercise re-training.  Chronic pains and conditions disappear when the brain starts being engaged in the healing process.  She travels the world to discover treatment methods immersed in different cultures & find quality health products for her patients and clients. Visit her @ www.drChangHealth.com or email drchang@drchanghealth.com