When the threat of communicable infections are brought closer to home, thoughts understandably turn to how we can protect ourselves from exposure and developing an illness. There are general considerations that you can implement to mitigate your risk of developing infections. Boosting your immune health can be achieved through good hygiene practices and some simple, holistic health strategies.
How can you reduce your risk of getting sick?
• Move away from people that appear ill and displaying symptoms such as coughing and sneezing
• Avoid greeting people by shaking hands, hugging or kissing if that person appears unwell
• Wash your hands after touching public surfaces and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
Keep your immune system in good shape
• Engage in moderate exercise regularly
• Ensure you get adequate sleep
• Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of colourful plant foods, protein from lean meats, eggs, legumes and nuts. Reduce processed foods, sugar and too much salt.
• Add herbs and spices to your diet such as garlic, thyme, oregano, clove and chilli, all known to have anti-bacterial and antiviral properties.
• Add foods rich in antioxidant nutrients; Vitamin C (parsley, citrus, capsicum, broccoli, strawberries) and Zinc (seafood, sunflower seeds, eggs)
• Keep well hydrated with drinking filtered water, herbal teas and eating fresh fruits and vegetables.
Support your health with individualised care
Complementary therapies provide a holistic approach to health care. Immune health can be strengthened with further nutritional support with quality supplements and western herbal medicine that is provided based on evidence-based information to suit your specific needs.
Louise Rubic
MPH B.HSc (Comp Med) DRM
Naturopathic Nutritionist, Herbalist and Homeopath
Remedial Massage Therapist
Lecturer and Nutrition Clinic Supervisor
