10-11 IMMUNE DEFENCE:Layout 1 28/10/08 02:53 Page 1
FEATUREIMMUNEDEFENCE
BUILDING
DEFENCES
Flu jabs and cold cures are all very well, but a key factor in good health throughout
the winter is your natural immune system. Is yours as strong as it can be?
D
amper, colder weather, shorter days and one of the Another natural (and tasty!) preventative choice is Ransom
busiest times of the year makes for a dangerous mix. Not Health - Medibee Active Manuka Honey. For centuries honey
only are colds, influenza and other bugs at their height has been used for both its sweetening and nutritional properties,
from October through to April, but damp, chilly weather and and research carried out in New Zealand indicates that Manuka
limited hours of sunshine can affect us both physically and Honey has significant antibacterial action which may help
mentally – so it is hardly surprising that few of us make it maintain a healthy digestive system.
through the winter unscathed!
A strong, healthy immune system is your best defence against CHINKS IN THE
the winter onslaught. Not only are your natural defences armour ARMOUR
against bugs and infection, a well-working immune system will The colder, darker winter
speed up your recovery from illness. months can make you feel
less vital. Feeling less
PLAN OF ACTION energised or more
Start by looking after yourself; a healthy body requires essential stressed is not good for
vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. Wholegrain, oily fish, seeds your immune system or your
and nuts are particularly good foods for immune system health. general spirits. Don’t leave the
Garlic is a useful anti-microbial and can be taken in supplement back-door open for bugs to
form as well as in your diet. Zinc is an essential trace mineral get in!
which will boost the immune system. Find ways to relax and
Too much caffeine can suppress the immune system’s ability to unwind. Essential
fight off infection, whilst extra Vitamin C is needed by white oils for
blood cells to fight off infection. However, Vitamin C cannot be massage
manufactured in the body, so should be taken daily. A really high or dropped
potency of vitamin C is effective once a cold has started, but only in bath water can
take really high levels for the duration of the infection. help you to de-stress
10 GOHEALTHYNOV/DEC2008 READ THIS & PREVIOUS EDITIONS ONLINE AT WWW.GOHEALTHYMAG.CO.UK
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