3 Lesser-Known Ways to Stay Free of Sickness

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Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there’s been constant hygiene instructions and reminders on television, on the internet, and on signs in every public place: “Wash your hands with soap and water for a time of 20 seconds or more, cover your face when you cough or sneeze. Stay no closer than six feet away from people whenever possible. Sanitize all surfaces.” All of this is sound advice, and you should follow it. With that said, there’s more you can do to stay healthy.

Your immune system needs to be in top form to help fight off exposure to anything. If you happen to fall ill, a robust immune system can significantly speed up your recovery time. Here are three lesser-known ways to stay healthy during this pandemic that will support the function of your immune system.

1. Eat Stinky Food

That’s right. Eat stinky foods. Which stinky foods?

Cruciferous vegetables, broccoli, and cauliflower are recommended, although the cruciferous veggie family has many members. There’s a reason wise moms everywhere are making (or at least attempting to make) their kids eat these veggies.

“It’s good for you!”

But why is it right for you?

These vegetables give off that characteristic smell because they contain sulfur-based compounds. Sulforaphane is one of those compounds, and it’s been widely studied for its many health benefits. The International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology from 2012 states that sulforaphane promotes detoxification.  It is antiviral and can boost the immune system. It’s also been examined for its effects on cognitive health, with promising preliminary results.

Raw broccoli sprouts have some of the highest concentrations of sulforaphane, so if you’re looking to find them in the Lake Forest or Mission Viejo areas, your local grocery store should carry them in the produce aisle. Better yet, sprout them at home yourself - it’s more economical, and you’ll get the benefit of having the freshest source of dietary sulforaphane.

2. Contrast Showers

This technique isn’t for the faint of heart. Contrast showers involve alternating hot and cold water for specific intervals of time over 4 or 5 cycles (1 cycle = 3 minutes of warm/hot, 1 minute of cold, as cold as you can handle. Always end the shower on cold). 

This activity can boost the immune system by increasing white blood cell count, which fights off viral pathogens, stimulates the circulation of blood, and lowers inflammation. One study found that employees who did contrast showering reduced their sick days by nearly 30%.

It takes much mental strength to endure the cold part of your contrast shower, but it works wonders and is one of the most cost-effective ways to boost your immune system function.

3. Tongue Scraping

Tongue scraping has been a wellness practice for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, which puts much emphasis on the health of the mouth as an indicator of health in the rest of the body (Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a similar approach).

Tongue scraping is precisely what it sounds like; gently scrape the bacteria from the tongue, using a tool made of plastic or stainless steel. It is said to boost the immune system by preventing toxins from getting reabsorbed into the body.


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Dr. Nardeep Jawanda is an expert chiropractor, practicing every week in Lake Forest, California at his practice, Mission Hills Chiropractic.

Dr. J, along with his partners at Mission Hills Chiropractic, have a mission to help people get and stay out of pain through chiropractic adjustments and general health knowledge.

Some people say the Mission Hills team are the best chiropractors in Lake Forest or even the best chiropractors in Orange County! We agree with those people.

If you’re looking for the best chiropractor in Orange County, you’re looking for Dr. J.