If you guessed “Germs” you are incorrect. We are literally covered in trillions of germs both inside and out at all times regardless of being sick or healthy.
Our skin is actually our first line of defense to protect us from harmful bacteria and viruses!
Regular thorough handwashing and/or hand sanitising is essential to maintain good hygiene, however you may need to moisturise your hands as well, to prevent them from drying out! Dry and irritated skin can possibly damage your skin’s integrity and increase the risk of harmful bacteria and viruses particularly now wintery weather is here! Particularly if you have sensitive skin issues like eczema or psoriasis. Natural hand lotions and salves are ideal! If you wear protective gloves you may want to consider avoiding the use of petroleum or mineral based moisturising products as they can impair the integrity of protective gloves! There are other helpful ways to protect your skin's integrity, to find out more make an appointment with us! The ultimate source of vitamin D comes from the sun, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. When the sun changes its tracks and clocks go back an hour the hours of sunlight become less and the decline in vitamin D uptake from the sun begins.
Did you get much sun over summer? If you didn’t and/or if you don’t eat many food sources of vitamin D such as cod liver oil, oily fish, eggs and sprouted seeds then you might benefit from some nutritional support. There are many conditions accompanied with vitamin D deficiency such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, psoriasis, osteoporosis, depression, anxiety, hormonal imbalance and many others. Who is at risk of vitamin D deficiency? Adults and children are both at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin but technically a hormone (vitamin D3) that is produced by the sun’s ultraviolet rays when your skin is exposed to it, then transported to your liver then to your kidneys to change it to active vitamin D. Vitamin D is a major anti-inflammatory hormone which assists in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, re-absorption of calcium from your kidneys, removal of calcium and phosphorus from bone and helps to regulate your immunity. So it can lessen inflammation, pain and many other symptoms. Vitamin D deficiency is the cause of higher incidents of colds and flu during winter months! So as you can see vitamin D is of great importance when it comes to your health, so it’s worth considering a consultation with a clinical nutritionist (me) to find out whether you need nutritional support. Colds and the flu are highly infectious illnesses caused by viruses! Symptoms include fever, aches, pains, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite and coughing!
The flu generally has a sudden onset whilst a cold has more of a gradual onset which begins with a runny nose and sore throat. Fever and headache are not normally experienced with having a common cold except if your sinuses are congested! Viruses can be transmitted by sneezing or coughing. You’re infectious for up to 2 days prior to showing symptoms and up to 5 days after you show symptoms! But does it mean you will catch a cold or flu? No, not if you have a strong immune system! Having a strong immune system means protecting yourself from viral infection and preventing the spread of viruses to protect others! There are many natural remedies to help support your immune system so that you can protect yourself like vitamin D, Garlic, Elderberry, Zinc, Vitamin C, Echinacea, Selenium and many others! Anyone seeking some help to deal with cold and flu symptoms more effectively or would like to know more about cold and flu prevention may benefit from a consultation with the friendly Naturopath and Clinical Nutritionist at Believe To Achieve Holistic Health. Having colds and flu's can be taxing on both the mind and body!!
Having a strong immune system combined with good digestion and lymphatic flow are three of the many keys to achieving optimal health and preventing cold's and flu's. Antibiotics, Cold and Flu tablets, Cough syrups and Flu vaccinations don't really protect or enhance the immune system or reduce symptoms of a cold or a flu they actually prolong them and mutate natural immunity not to mention they also disrupt the gut flora which in effect is where most of the immune system resides. A way to improve natural immunity is through mind body rhythmic movement! Qigong and Tai Chi involve gentle mind body rhythmic movements that reduce stress, build stamina, increase vitality, enhance the immune system, improve cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive functions which all serve great importance and benefit in the prevention of colds and flu's along with achieving optimal health. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKeZFODGK0Q |
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November 2023
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