WINTER WELLNESS WARRIOR

Disease causing viruses or bacteria can enter your body simply by breathing or eating! Fortunately, only a few of these, particularly viral, ‘pathogens’ result in a cold or flu because you are equipped with an immune system specifically designed to fight off unwanted invaders. That said, are you one of the many people, for whom a string of colds and flu is a way of life in winter? Perhaps getting rid of the seemingly endless sniffles, sneezing and sore throats seems like an unachievable ideal. Fortunately, it is possible to improve your immune system function and reduce the frequency and severity of those nasty winter lurgies with a bit of awareness and some simple strategies.

Prevention beats cure every time

If you are stressed out, unfit, run down and/or consuming a nutritionally poor diet, you are likely contributing to the demise of your immune systems defences and setting yourself up to succumb to one of the viruses floating around. Therefore, preparing your immune system to withstand this winter’s lurgies begins with a few simple foundational strategies:

• Reduce stress – being stressed reduces immune system function, so make sure you incorporate regular time-out, meditation and/or ‘green’ time, such as walking outdoors or playing with pets;

• Enjoy regular exercise – remaining active reduces the risk of contracting a cold by up to 46%;

• Sleep – aim for 7 to 8 hours each night to restore energy and increase resilience;

• Eat your vegies (and fruits!) – at least three cups of fresh vegetables and/or salad, plus two serves of fresh fruit every day! Fill your plate with a rainbow of colour to ensure an abundance of essential nutrients and antioxidants that will help support healthy immune system cells; and

• Regularly wash your hands – simple soap and warm water helps reduce cross-contamination with unwell people.

  Nevertheless, although being prepared is the best strategy – realistically it may be difficult to achieve everything you are ‘meant’ to do, which is where our Gold Coast Naturopath Practitioner can help.

  With access to natural medicines and the Stress Less, Wellness and Healthy Ageing Programs; creating an individualised prescription for your needs can make a lasting difference to your health and vitality.

  Marvelous medicinal mushrooms

  If you are one of those people that experiences recurrent infections then your immune system could benefit from some more specific additional support. The advantage of natural medicine is that it is not just to treat illness, but improve your own natural immune defences. For example, theimmune-boosting medicinal mushrooms include cordyceps, coriolus, shiitake and reishi – four, not only traditionally used, but widely-studied and clinically proven mushrooms available. Individually, each species of mushroom has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in immune enhancement, to help resolve chronic, and/or recurrent infectious conditions. What’s more, this combination of mushrooms provides symptomatic relief of upper respiratory tract infections, including reducing mucus congestion. But that’s not all…

Healthy gut – healthy immune system!

Did you know that approximately 70% of your immune system is located in your digestive system? This emphasises how important it is to also look after your gut health. Many people are aware that certain probiotics can support digestion, but did you know there are specific probiotics that support a healthy immune system? The beneficial strains, Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL 9, Lactobacillus paracasei 8700:2 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG®) all help enhance immune system function, making this combination a valuable aid to winter wellness. As a healthy immune system is supported by the right microbial balance in your gut, speak to our Naturopath Gold Coast Practitioner about which probiotic combination is the most appropriate, to help overcome your immune system concerns.

No need to hibernate

There’s no need to experience ongoing or recurrent illness this winter, or hide away at home on the couch. Start by modifying what needs to change in your diet and lifestyle, and speak to your Practitioner today about specific strategies to help support a healthy and resilient immune system and avoid any winter worries.

Talk to our Gold Coast Naturopath about Winter Wellness today call 07 5518 7608