Ten Easy Ways You Can Enhance Your Immune System While Working

By April MacIntyre Apr 5, 2011, 5:28 GMT

Dr. Melamed is now a well-known clinician and an originator and interpreter of the growing body of work in neuro-immune inflammation. He holds several medical patents related to immunology, has participated in more than 100 research trials for the FDA and the National Institute of Health (NIH), and has been published more than 80 times in leading medical journals and textbooks.

Dr. Isaac Melamed, M.D., is one of the leading physicians field of immunology. He believes in the power of dogs to lower stress and prolong life.  “He’s a good listener,” Dr. Melamed quips about Larry, his German Shepherd who he walks every morning and afternoon.

Born in Israel soon after World War II, Dr. Melamed was among the first generation to be raised entirely in the young nation-state. His parents were both Holocaust survivors, as were his wife’s, and he believes that eventually came to influence his career choice. By the time he was an adolescent he already had an interest in medicine, particularly neuro-surgery,  but his mandatory stint in the Israeli army convinced him to become a physician specializing in immunology.

Dr. Melamed is now a well-known clinician and an originator and interpreter of the growing body of work in neuro-immune inflammation. He holds several medical patents related to immunology, has participated in more than 100 research trials for the FDA and the National Institute of Health (NIH), and has been published more than 80 times in leading medical journals and textbooks.

Dr. Melamed's core practice is based on the belief that inflammation is the root cause for most diseases – neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastro-intestinal, dermatological, hormonal and even cancer. Together, “allergies” and immune deficiencies can link to begin a cascade effect, overwhelming the body’s natural defense mechanisms.

Dr. Melamed took time out to talk about some basics people need to know to preserve their immune system, along with having a loving pet to shower affection on. "Don't underestimate it, pets matter," says Dr. Melamed.

A southern California resident, he also has a home in Colorado and has three IMMUNOe Health Centers located in metropolitan Denver, Colorado.  These centers receive patients seeking relief from a wide range of ailments as well as professionals seeking the latest in immunology innovations. His approach is both holistic and preventative, and based on decades of experience both in hospital and research laboratory settings.

Dr. Melamed shared ten top tips for a healthier you at the office:

1. Morning exercise is best: Work out for an hour before you sit down at your desk each morning.  Exercise enhances the neuro-immune and endocrine-immune pathways that are vital to promoting good health.  You are less likely to blow it off if you power through the early AM walk, run or do an elliptical/treadmill workout.

2.  Love your work: If the workplace is not making you happy, and not a good fit for you, try and find something else.  Stress chips away at the immune system, so if you’re constantly feeling pressured at work, it may be time to change jobs.   Remember, nothing is more important than your health…not even your job.   
                                    
3.    Keep it natural. Environmental factors can have a toxic effect on immunological pathways.  Whenever possible, make sure that your desk sits on wood flooring or carpet from natural fibers…and be sure to avoid mold and dusty areas at all costs.     
    
4.    Sun is good! Sunlight and Vitamin D have so many beneficial effects on the T-regulatory cells that control autoimmune pathways, so try to position your desk in an area that receives the maximum amount of sun exposure. Mental and physical health needs it.

5.     Drink up some early morning caffeine: Consider starting your day with a cup of espresso.  Espresso ‘upregulates’ T- cells, major players in our immune system (and key components in keeping us healthy). Those who cannot do coffee can try tea.  Have a nice pot of breakfast black tea. Drink Green Tea during the day.

6.    Appreciate beauty and stop to marvel at it. Keep a vase of fresh flowers on your desk. A picture of your family or loved ones. Studies have shown that appealing visual elements have a positive effect on our neuro-immune pathways (and on keeping us well).

7.    Music soothes the stressed-out beast: Play relaxing music while you work--auditory stimulants have a soothing effect on our neuro-immune pathways.

8.    Skip potato chips: This will make you feel lighter and healthier. Keep fresh fruits, dried berries, good nuts like walnuts, cashews and cut-up veggies on hand for a snack attack fix.  They are all rich in anti-oxidants and positively impact your inflammatory pathways, making them the perfect mid-morning and late-afternoon snacks.

9.    Skip soda, even diet sodas. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, as hydration has a powerful effect on immunological pathways.  Keep a bottle of mineral water on your desk so that it’s always close at hand.

10.  Break time!  No matter how busy you are, or how much work you have to do, take breaks.  Stop what you’re doing, get out of your chair and move around for 10 minutes.   Sedentary office work makes blood pool in the legs. Movement is critical to good health as it enhances circulation and flushes both toxins and inflammatory components out of the bloodstream.

http://www.immunoe.com/