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Do you always get the dreaded cold or flu? Do you feel your immune system is fighting the battle but not winning? Are you just sick of being sick? Sneezing, coughing, runny nose and sore throats? Missed days of work or school?
The cooler months seem to bring about a plethora of bugs and viruses. These viruses that cause the common cold and influenza strains can be spread easily by just breathing and eating contaminated foods. We huddle closer to each other as we try to keep ourselves warm and this can make ‘catching’ the bugs much easier. The good news is that we are constantly being exposed to these pathogens and for the most part our bodies are equipped with an immune system ready to wage war on the invaders. Unfortunately, there are the times when we are more vulnerable and in need of support. Some of us seem to catch a cold or flu virus every year no matter how hard we try and avoid it. Luckily there are some steps that we can take to try and minimize the effects and even try and prevent ending up with one.
There are few steps that can help to minimize this and your health practitioner can help you with that. But we believe prevention is better than cure (and even better than having the disease at all). So I suggest a few steps to take now to help you prevent ending up in bed.
1. Exercise and fresh air. A nice brisk walk for 20-30 minutes 4-5 times a week will help to make you feel great and don’t forget to keep warm when you have finished. Metabolism will speed up to help you keep body warmth which is an added bonus if you’re looking to avoid those extra winter kilos.
2. We know now stress can have an impact on our immune function so remembering to have ‘time out’ to enjoy yourself. Why not take a yoga class or learn meditation to reduce stress?
3. Good nutrition. This is very important as we need our vitamins and minerals to keep our immune system buzzing along. Where possible always choose organic, pesticide free and seasonal. Eating with the season ensures our bodies are getting the nutrients we need for the time of year. Our bodies enjoy cooked nourishing foods to keep healthy in winter. Soups and stews are easy to make and full of nutrition. Grass fed beef, lamb, chickens etc. are great base for your stocks. They also have some amazing amino acids which can help with neurotransmitter synthesis, keeping us happy. Remember to eat colourful vegetables and fruits as these contain high amounts of antioxidants and essential nutrients.
4. Hygiene. It is important to reduce the risk of spread of virus and infections. Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing, generally if you use the inside of you elbow then you reduce the risk of spreading with your hands also. Wash your hands well with warm water and a natural soap to further reduce the spread of infection.
However, even though you might have taken all the steps to be prepared we know that sometimes we still fall victim to winter illness. This is where your natural health practitioner can devise an individualized plan just for you. There are some proven supplements and remedies that can also reduce the severity and duration. So why not start today and speak to us about strategies to support a healthy immune system.