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Perhaps you've been struggling with a condition for which the only known solution is surgery. And perhaps you have been avoiding the surgery because you're afraid that the stress on your body will compromise your immune system. This article will guide you through five recommendations known to help build up the immune system so that you'll recover from your surgery with ease.

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EditSteps

  1. 1
    Get life from your food. What exactly does this mean? Choose foods that are closest to their natural source. For example; if you were to choose between an apple and an apple pie, the apple would be the better choice as it is the real thing with no added ingredients. This doesn't mean that you have to eat only a raw or vegan diet. It is simply a suggestion that the closer you eat to the original food source, the more unaltered, natural nutrition you will receive from that food.
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  2. 2
    Breathe deeply. Whether you're sitting in traffic or hiking in the woods, deep breathing feeds your cells with life-giving oxygen and activates endorphins making you feel energized and relaxed. To do this, gently rest the tip of your tongue behind your top teeth, and breathe in slowly to the count of 4. Hold a moment and then exhale on the count of 4. Repeat 4 times or go longer if you have time. You'll receive the same benefit from deep breathing when you exercise.
  3. 3
    Try acupuncture. Numerous studies have shown that patients who receive a series of acupuncture treatments prior to surgery recover faster and with less pain. This is because acupuncture works with the body's innate healing system by boosting white blood cell activity. Other complementary therapies such as massage, reiki, and reflexology can help boost the immune system and address pre-surgery jitters. For best results, get at least 3 sessions in before your surgery.
  4. 4
    Go to bed. Sleep is our body's way of rejuvenating itself. This is when our bodies do their best work to protect us from illness. It makes sense that a well rested body is a healthy body. For best results, retire by 11:00 pm and take short naps during the day if you can. You'll feel better and think clearer too!
  5. 5
    Laugh. Laughter is a great way to boost the immune system. This is the easiest, most enjoyable medicine available. Borrow a humorous book from the library, have a night of playing board games with your family, or watch a comedy. The choice is yours. Get as much laughter as you can and feel your stress melt away.
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EditSources and Citations

  • http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456
  • Acupuncture May Stimulate Anticancer Immunity via Activation of Natural Killer Cells. Michael Francis Johnston, 1 Elizabeth Ortiz Sánchez, 2 Nikola L. Vujanovic, 3 and Wenhui Li4
  • Li4Bodywide health boost that busts stress — for free! By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D.King Features. Published: Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 6:01 a.m. Last Modified: Monday, September 30, 2013 at 4:17 p.m.
  • Can Better Sleep Mean Catching Fewer Colds? Lack of sleep affects your immune system. WebMD Feature Archive by Denise Mann. WebMD Feature, Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD
  • Acupuncture Today. June, 2014, Vol. 15, Issue 06, "Common Sense Nutrition For Your Patients" by Marlene Merritt, DOM, LAc, ACN

Article Info

Categories: Conditions and Treatments

Recent edits by: BR, Lovely Nunu, Anna

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