By Tim Howden
Many people in the community feel anxious at the prospect of repeat immune challenges. Especially the recurrence of Covid. We hear mixed reports from mild illness to extreme disease with fatal outcomes for some. But this need not make us afraid. In fact there is a lot one can do to bolster the immune response in a safe and integrative manner.
Let me share with you some effective tips.
Your immune system will respond well if your underlying health can be as robust as possible. If this is not the case it would be worth your while to improve your vitality in the following ways.
Eat brilliantly. Now is the best time to prioritise your diet and eat an array of nutritious whole foods. Aim for 15 different foods every day, all colours of the rainbow as this will give you an array of macro and micro nutrients to support health and vitality. Keep your hydration high with pure filtered water and utilise herb teas, cold pressed juices and super smoothies.
Increase foods that are high in bioflavonoids, vitamin C and zinc. Citrus, berries, orange vegetables and seeds and nuts should do the trick. Supplement your diet with vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc. These are safe to use with other medications and will do no harm. If you are unsure, seek professional advice.
Engage in appropriate intentional exercise five times a week. Run, walk, dance, swim and remember to breathe fully and deeply. You don’t need to bust a gut, just get yourself moving. Moderate exercise makes most people feel better in themselves. We are born to move and it will support healthy circulation, mental health and energy production.
Be sure to get enough sleep, remember the hours before midnight are worth double. So tuck in a bit earlier if you’re feeling under-slept. Your immune system will love you for it too. It does a lot of surveillance when you sleep.
If health is priority in ‘23 then make time to resolve any niggling health problems you have. Don’t let these things linger, you’re worth it. Gather around you a team of great health practitioners to guide you on your wellness journey moving forward.
I warmly wish you all the best for a safe and dynamic Christmas and New year. Remember, supporting the foundation pillars of your health will give your body the best outcomes at whatever life throws at you.
