13/02/2021
Simple ways to look after ourselves π
HOW DID WE NOT KNOW HOW ANNOYING MASKS ARE??
It will be so nice to be free of them next week.
But what happens next?
Last week I talked to my bestie, who is super passionate about health, and her question was "When are we going to talk about things other than masks to protect ourselves?!"
So this one's for you wellwiselife...
* How to look after your immune & respiratory systems *
Aims:
1. To care for mucous membranes, which are your first line of defence (eyes, nose, mouth, throat, lungs, digestive tract).
2. To support the digestive system, the upper portion which can destroy bacteria and viruses, and the lower portion, which holds large portions of lymphatic immune tissue and beneficial bacteria.
3. To support the blood cells which recognise and destroy harmful bacteria and viruses.
Recommendations:
+ Water: 2L filtered water per day, to keep mucous membranes clean and moist; to be able to produce digestive juices which kill bacteria and viruses; and to keep blood flowing.
+ Sleep: This is when your body repairs and restores. See a naturopath if you're not getting enough.
+ Exercise: For the health of your gut flora, stress management and circulation.
+ Sunshine: Required for vitamin D to be formed in your skin from cholesterol. Get a safe level of exposure, without suncream.
+ Cod Liver Oil - Contains vitamin A for mucous membrane integrity, vitamin D for immunity, and omega-3s for inflammation.
+ Green Vegetables - fibre for your gut flora, nutrients for vitality, and alkalising to combat inflammation.
+ Orange Vegetables - betacarotene to produce vitamin A, plus fibre.
+ Protein - to make immunoglobulins. Add nuts, seeds and legumes to breakfast, lunch and snacks.
+ Zinc - activates white blood cells, best to supplement.
+ Vitamin C - works with zinc, plus is a potent antioxidant.
+ Herbs - there are excellent natural options for nipping a cold in the bud, shifting a persistent cough or making a swift recovery. A couple of my favourite brands are Oriental Botanicals and Kiwiherb.
+ Pre- & Pro-biotics - Feed your gut flora with a prebiotic powder, and consider a probiotic specifically formulated for immune support.
So many options! You don't have to do them all, I hope this inspires you towards just a little more self-care.
Please make a booking if you would like personalised natural health advice from a qualified and accredited naturopath.