Resveratrol, Exercise, & Multi-Vitamins Helped Strengthen My Immune System!

I was conversing with a reader of My Resveratrol Experience who brought up taking resveratrol and how it seems to help build up defenses in our bodies against common illnesses.  After thinking back over the past year I noticed this seems to be true.   Here is why...

Since I can remember I've been a person who was susceptible to all sorts of standard illnesses throughout the year.  The common cold, the dreaded 2 week bouts with the flu, seasonal allergies, and numerous sinus infections always seem to plague me prior to early 2008.  It was a running joke with my family that I would only get the flu during the holidays so I could get out of all of the family functions.

The truth was I was susceptible to getting sick because I hadn't been taking care of my body.  Poor diet, no exercise, and horrible sleep habits had broken down my immune system to a point where the slightest contact with sickness and I got it!

Since deciding to turn-around my health routine I've had nothing more then a short lived common cold.  No flu, no major sinus infections, and my allergies were so minimal I didn't need any medications to get through the spring pollen season.

Now as you all know I am a big proponent of scientific evidence and realism, but when it comes to how I feel, I truly believe making the following proper health adjustments have saved me from another year of stuffy noses, sore throats, and congestion.

If only I knew it wouldn't be nearly as difficult to achieve as previously thought I would have changed my habits years ago.  It wasn't easy, but it wasn't hard either!  Habits, are both positive and negative, something I will post about in the near future.

Resveratrol:  I began taking it with the hopes we all have, "I wanted to live longer and feel better doing it!"  Well, I am still alive and I feel better.  Grant it I am only 33 years old, but I certainly feel trans-resveratrol has made a difference.  I feel more balanced taking it, so whether it's anecdotal or not I am happy for what it has done for me so far.

Exercise:  3 days per week for 30-40 minutes per session.   You DON'T have to workout for 2 hours a day, 6 days a week for it to be effective!  

Now I am not talking about going to a gym and doing a few reps of bench press and then some barbell curls.  The 30 minutes I spend in the gym are intense!  Typically consisting of 8 exercises, 3 sets each, and 6-12 repetitions.  Some days we go heavier on the weights and others its more about lighter weight, control, and higher reps.

If you can get a trainer.  The added support is well worth it.  If it's something that is not available try and get a friend to workout with you.  Support, friendly competition, and having someone "not to let down by canceling" is a great way to keep up with your gym routine.

Multi-Vitamins:  I take a very inexpensive multi-vitamin made by Optimum Nutrition  called " Opti-Men."  (check out the link to see a list of ingredients)  There are numerous multi-vitamins on the market and many of them are good.  After researching the different types out there I found Opti-Men to be right for me.  So far, I feel it has been a good addition to my routine and further helps to support my immune system and overall health.

I like not being sick all the time and I look forward to a healthy 2009.  My routine seems to be working so far.  How about you?   What type of routine for health do you have?  Please comment below!

Live Longer,

Markus