Although we’re technically well into springtime, the last sputtering gasps of winter are still with us. Oh, you hadn’t noticed?
If your immune system has taken a pounding, consider a few precautions and some self-care which will see you safely into spring and summer in great health.
Spring weather is often changeable, so don’t get caught without a sweater handy. And continue to get plenty of sleep; that’s when the body performs its ‘running repairs’.
Both stress and exercise impact on your immune system. Moderate doses of both are fine, but be wary of excess; too much of either can have depressing effects, making you vulnerable to illness.
Most importantly of all...
Improve your Diet. Eat Well and be well!
Eat Freely:
Fresh raw fruit — especially those in season which are high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
Fresh vegetables, especially eaten raw. Have salads and vegie juices daily — be creative!
Unprocessed, wholefoods. Look at your plate with your next meal. How close is your food to its natural state?
Include nutrient-dense foods such as ‘superfoods’ — barley grass, spirulina, acai berries, and bee pollen.
Eat organic food whenever possible — free of pesticide/herbicide chemicals and genetic modification
Keep up your fluid intake of purified water and herbal teas, and remember to eat regularly throughout your day to keep blood sugar stable and avoid cravings.
Avoid:
Refined sugars & carbohydrates — these leach nutrients & are nutrient poor themselves (including high fructose corn syrup & artificial sweeteners commonly used in food today)
Processed foods especially those containing additives like colour, preservatives and MSG.
Limit mucus-forming foods — dairy, wheat, banana, egg white
Avoid foods that you know you are allergic/intolerant to as they can trigger unfavourable immune system activity
Limit alcohol, especially at the onset of a cold
Avoid exposure to others who are unwell whenever possible
Avoid exposure to others who are unwell whenever possible. However, if you have fallen victim to a cold or influenza, you can avoid passing it on to other family members, friends and associates by:
Avoiding cross-contamination of viral and bacterial infections by sanitising hands often, particularly when handling food
Covering the nose and mouth with tissues when sneezing or coughing and dispose of used tissues hygienically
Coughing and sneezing into the elbow rather than the hands when there are no tissues close by.
Some supplements to consider at the onset winter ills and chills:
Saline/Bicarbonate rinse helps to deal with sinus infections.
Got Kids? Sleep might be impossible, but read next month’s tips on ‘Ways To Help Kids Overcome Colds & Flu’s Quickly’ so you can get a good night’s sleep!)
A B-cell is a type of lymphocyte (white blood cell) that produces antibodies. An antibody is a protein found in the blood that fights the effects of an antigen.
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