5 tips to boost immunity

Post Christmas – darker days for a short while, being indoors more, a richer, sweeter diet over the holiday, – all have a negative effect on our immune systems. Sugar depletes our defences. Stress depletes immunity. Just getting off the treadmill of can bring on a cold or worse. If you are getting through loads of tissues maybe take a look at these simple tips, to give yourself a boost before the year really ramps up to top gear. (Taken from an article by Healthspan technical team and other sources)**

 

  1.  “Get giggling”. Enjoy favourite comedy shows and films. Laughing boosts the level of white blood cells which fight infection, in the blood stream. It relaxes us and lowers cortisol levels – stress hormones.
  2. Take probiotics. Much of our immune system is in our gut. A healthy population of “friendly” bacteria prime immune cells that defend the body against infection. Some trials indicate that a balanced population of gut bacteria also contributes to etter quality sleep. Capsules are more effective than yogurt as the contents are formulated to survive the acidic stomach and reach the small and large intestine where the bacteria need to be.
  3. Garlic capsules may strengthen immunity, though it has not been proven. Garlic may also help to control overgrowth of unhelpful bacteria in the gut. It may be worth trying it out; report back on your experience!
  4. As mentioned, sugar depletes our immune response to the common cold as well as encourages growth of the unhelpful strains of bacteria in the gut amongst other negative effects. Reduce sugar intake. Be mindful of hidden sugars. Keep an eye open for products that have three different types of sugar like sucrose or maltose, including glucose-fructose syrup, which is very addictive. I bought a “healthier” flapjack which was loaded with sugar in 4 different forms! I couldn’t eat it. Too sweet. Read labels!
  5. Feeling part of a “community” helps with immunity. Family, friends, neighbours, choirs, sports clubs etc all make a difference to life in general, as well as your immunity.

If you are already sneezing, Patrick Holford suggests taking vitamin C (up to 3000mg* ) + 15mg Zinc helped boost your recovery, as well as elderberry syrups, oranges, more fruit and veg in the diet.

*Not if going through Chemotherapy. Speak to your medical team if you feel unwell. If your stools get looser just reduce your dosage.

**This is not a medical article and is not intended to replace trained medical advice. Please contact your Doctor if coughs get worse or your temperature spikes, especially with children.

May you enjoy a healthy, abundant and joyous 2019.

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