As we move into the depths of winter, it is important to look after our immune systems, for our physical health as well as our emotional well-being. There is a well known link between viral illnesses like the ‘flu and mood changes (see, for example, Smith, A. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2013 Jun; Vol. 38 (6), pp. 744-51).
Here are some suggestions to help your body stay strong:
1) Have a teetotal January
We all dabble with excess over Christmas but did you know that drinking too much can weaken your immune system, making your body an easier target for infection? Just drinking a lot on one single occasion can make it harder to fight infections up to 24 hours later. For more information see http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body
2) Quit smoking
If you smoke, quitting is the single best thing you can do for your immune system. Cigarette smoke contains toxic compounds like poly-aromatic hydrocarbons that weaken the immune system. This is one reason why smokers are more likely to get sick, as well as becoming vulnerable to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis in the future. Give yourself a boost by resolving to quit. Read more at http://smokefree.gov/health-effects
3) Try a multivitamin?
People over 65 or those on a restricted diet are more vulnerable to catching the ‘flu. One reason may be reduced amounts of essential nutrients caused by eating less or by getting used to a limited range of foods in the diet. If you think you may fall into either of these categories you may find a general multivitamin supplement helpful. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist first if you are not sure whether this is the right thing for you.
4) Follow the wisdom of Chinese medicine
This has been handed down for over 2000 years. This tells us to eat warm, cooked foods during the cold months. If we do this, our health in spring and summer will be better.
5) Immune boosters
Our immune systems are incredibly complex. Even though it is a nice idea, unfortunately it is way too simplistic to think of taking a single supplement to boost them, especially if we don’t explore the rest of our lifestyle and diet. Having said that, ancient herb lore considers Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra) a natural immune tonic. Some studies have shown that it can reduce the duration of ‘flu symptoms. (see http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/elderberry for more details)
Unless you know what you are doing, it is best to buy this as a tincture or tablet because most parts of the plant are poisonous until cooked.
Remember that herbal remedies are active compounds that can interact with other medicines you might be taking, so please check with your doctor if you are not sure.
Here are some suggestions to help your body stay strong:
1) Have a teetotal January
We all dabble with excess over Christmas but did you know that drinking too much can weaken your immune system, making your body an easier target for infection? Just drinking a lot on one single occasion can make it harder to fight infections up to 24 hours later. For more information see http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body
2) Quit smoking
If you smoke, quitting is the single best thing you can do for your immune system. Cigarette smoke contains toxic compounds like poly-aromatic hydrocarbons that weaken the immune system. This is one reason why smokers are more likely to get sick, as well as becoming vulnerable to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis in the future. Give yourself a boost by resolving to quit. Read more at http://smokefree.gov/health-effects
3) Try a multivitamin?
People over 65 or those on a restricted diet are more vulnerable to catching the ‘flu. One reason may be reduced amounts of essential nutrients caused by eating less or by getting used to a limited range of foods in the diet. If you think you may fall into either of these categories you may find a general multivitamin supplement helpful. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist first if you are not sure whether this is the right thing for you.
4) Follow the wisdom of Chinese medicine
This has been handed down for over 2000 years. This tells us to eat warm, cooked foods during the cold months. If we do this, our health in spring and summer will be better.
5) Immune boosters
Our immune systems are incredibly complex. Even though it is a nice idea, unfortunately it is way too simplistic to think of taking a single supplement to boost them, especially if we don’t explore the rest of our lifestyle and diet. Having said that, ancient herb lore considers Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra) a natural immune tonic. Some studies have shown that it can reduce the duration of ‘flu symptoms. (see http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/elderberry for more details)
Unless you know what you are doing, it is best to buy this as a tincture or tablet because most parts of the plant are poisonous until cooked.
Remember that herbal remedies are active compounds that can interact with other medicines you might be taking, so please check with your doctor if you are not sure.
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