I hate getting sick as much as the next person, so I like to do everything I can to ensure I stay free from illness, particularly during those cold winter months.
Pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi enter the body through the air we breathe, the food and drink we consume or openings in the skin. If we are not careful the cold virus can spread quickly via these pathways.
Once in the body the strength of our immune system then determines if we can fight off these pathogens or if we succumb to the effects of the dreaded cold.
Keeping the immune system strong is the best way to combat the risk of catching illness. The best way to keep the immune system strong is to remove anything that will make it weak:
- Extended cold exposure
- Alcohol
- Excessive exercise
- Eating unhealthy foods
- Stress
Now that we know the immune killers, we can maximise our cold and flu defence through immune boosters – these strengthen our bodies response to stress and will help fight off those nasty pathogens before they take over.
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Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the safest and most effective supplements – It’s the body’s immunity protector. When we catch an illness there is a strong chance our bodies are deficient in Vitamin C. Taking this supplement daily can boost and support the immunities defence system.
Foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, and oranges are naturally high in vitamin C, however it can be difficult to consume enough from these sources alone.
Keep in mind, our body requires higher doses when sick or stressed, so we should up our intake during these times.
I like to take 1 g capsules in the morning and at night (more if I’m getting cold and flu symptoms)
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Activated Coconut Charcoal
This supplement is basically a vacuum cleaner for your insides, it works extremely well for general detoxification but is also used for relieving digestive issues, antidotes for drugs and ridding skin ailments[1].
One of the main causes for illness is often a build-up of toxins in the body usually from the consumption of unhealthy food and drink. Activated charcoal is an extremely effective at removing these toxic chemicals that can damage our cells and deplete the immune system.
I take 1-2 capsules before bed after consuming food of questionable quality and/or alcohol. Let’s face it, we all have cheat days every now and then; supplements such as these can help ensure you don’t pay the price.
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Meditation
The therapeutic use of meditation has now become a widely talked about topic. There is now scientific evidence to suggest the structure of the brain relating to attention and emotions alter in response to meditation[2].
Regular meditators report the ability to emotionally detach from situations while maintaining attention – a study published in the journal Depression and Anxiety 2012 showed meditation significantly reduced levels of stress hormone cortisol and epinephrine[3].
Adopting a meditation practice you can dramatically reduce your chances of catching a stress related illness. Managing our emotions is crucial if we want to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
People tend to forget that psychological well-being has a direct impact on physical health!
We have enough external stressors in our lives, do not create them internally by allowing thoughts and emotions to affect your body’s natural energy state.
You can find more on the benefits of meditation here.
Stay healthy,
Jordan
[1] J. A. Riese and F. Damrac, “Use of activated charcoal in gastroenterology: value for flatulence and nervous diarrhea.” J. Am. Ger. Soc. 12: 500, 1964.
[2] http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/da.21964/full
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