It pays to give your body the best chance of fighting off a pesky cough or cold, especially in the winter months. So, instead of huddling under the duvet as the days get shorter as the winter germs multiply, get yourself out and about. Regular exercise has been shown to help boost the immune system so aim to get outside for about 15-20 mins. brisk walk each day and especially should you have a pet dog, he or she can help you !! It also helps you to maximise the chances of getting some natural light which helps your body produce Vitamin D which is important in helping avoid Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD).

As the colder and frostier days approach, do not be tempted by the short term satisfaction of stodgy comfort food which are higher in sugar, salts and fats and although you might find them tasty or temporarily appealing, it is important to try and enjoy a healthier, more balanced diet. Strive to get your 5 a day by making the most of seasonal fruits as available and so plenty of satsumas will help as it is a good source of Vitamin C. Also Zinc combined with Vitamin C can be very beneficial.

With longer winter nights we often sleep that bit more and this is nature’s way of healing, resting and recharging our body. Poor sleep patterns leave us vulnerable to lower immunity and leave us susceptible to winter ailments. Herbal preparations such as Valerian Formulas and Flower Essences are developed specifically to help natural sleep.

Finally, Echinacea has been used for centuries to protect against infection and so many people still use it today either as a preventative measure or at the first sign of a sneeze, sniffle or a cold. ·

Miscellaneous issues

Ladies:

More and more these days you might well notice adverts in public/department store /shopping centre/car park toilets about ladies who are having to cope with regular hot flushes and suffer excessive night sweats. The herb Sage is now available in tablet form and feedback suggests that it is a great success and so many ladies report that they cannot do without it now.

Gentlemen:

Lots of men setter from not being able to empty their bladder fully at night time. Saw Palmetto can help with this annoying condition but only with products containing the oil from this plant as dried products seem to have less effect. A zinc or fish oil supplement can also help and pumpkin seeds should also he added to your diet.

Party Time:

The Festive Season will soon be upon us and parties are now likely to be in full swing. At this time please remember that Milk Thistle helps with liver metabolism and hangovers whilst artichoke leaves and dandelion root all aid digestion and flatulence.

Whatever you are all doing, and as the old saying suggests, with everything in moderation, please be sure to enjoy this very special time of the year.

With our very best wishes for Christmas and a very Healthy 2012 ahead.

Comments are closed.