Learn how to support your immune system naturally
Whether out in the cold or sheltered in an air-conditioned office, our immune defence systems are constantly being challenged by bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses
If you want to ward off seasonal ills then it is worth boosting you and your families’ immune systems now – prevention is better (and cheaper!) than cure.
Maintaining a strong immune system helps to protect the body from invasion and damage from a wide variety of micro-organisms, such as bacteria and viruses. It is important to ensure white blood cells are able to be produced when needed and the resulting inflammatory response is regulated to prevent damage to tissues.
Nail those bugs!!
If you want to stay fit and healthy all year long it is well worth you and your family putting a strategy in place to strengthen your immune system. Here are a few things you can do to build up your immune system today.
Find out how strong your immune system by booking in for a consultation with Sheena Hendon Health. We will check:
- your diet and lifestyle,
- nutritional status (blood tests and questioning)
- Physical health from hormone imbalance to autoimmune conditions (such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, to Lupus or Rheumatoid arthritis)
- for food allergies or sensitivities
- Stress levels as this can really give your immune system a knock
We will then get a good indication of how well your immune system is working and then develop a plan with you to have you in optimal health including immune strengthening foods, lifestyle changes, supplements and herbs.
Specifically, the nutrients that the immune system needs are:
Zinc – helps the body fight infection and produce antibodies. Good dietary sources of zinc are lean meats, whole grains, legumes and oysters.
Vitamin C – gives all-round support to the immune system, has antiviral properties and helps fight colds and stress. Most fruits and veggies are high in vitamin C. For a great immune-boosting drink squeeze a fresh lemon in a cup containing a tsp of manuka honey and a couple of slices of fresh ginger. Pour hot water into the cup and stir. (Note: children just love honey and lemon but you might want to omit the ginger)
Vitamin D – It has both anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties and is crucial for the activation of immune system defences. Contrary to modern medicine beliefs you can be outdoors every day and still have a deficiency, so worth having a blood test to check out your levels
Vitamin A – is an antioxidant that reduces the rate of infection. Fish liver oils are the richest natural source of vitamin A but it is also found in milk, butter, cheese, egg yolk, liver and in some oily fish. Read the label carefully as too much vitamin A can be toxic to the body.
Beta-carotene which strengthens our immune response is found in green leafy veggies as are carrots, yellow and red fruits and veggies.
Selenium – an antioxidant central to the immune system. Good sources include fish, cereals and lean meat.
Take immune-boosting herbs such as Astragalus, Echinacea, Siberian ginseng, Garlic, Goldenseal and Olive leaf. Sheena Hendon Health can make you up an immune-boosting herbal formula that is suitable and safe for you as an individual.
The magic of mushrooms - Mushrooms contain powerful compounds that enhance and balance your body’s ability to fight disease and stay healthy. These fancy fungi are jam-packed with healing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components that destroy infections, slow down aging, and regenerate nerve cellsThe most powerful varieties include Reishi, Shitake, Cordyceps, Maitake and Turkey Tail.
For the kids and babies. Sheena Hendon Health uses a great range of kids’ health professional-only supplements and herbs. They are great not only because they work but also because the kids like the taste. I know with my own children that one of the issues with natural medicine can be compliance…yet I very rarely have problems with these.
Take a probiotic supplement, particularly if antibiotics have been taken. There are plenty of options available BUT I really recommend you consult a registered practitioner like myself or visit a health store to get the strains specific to your needs
· Essential oils: From eucalyptus, oregano and tea tree to thyme and frankincense. Personally, I love the Doterra range
· Lifestyle factors such as regular exercise, a good diet, supplementation and a balance between recreation and work in your day will lay the foundations for good health
Where to from here?
We would love to see you in clinic zoom (whether in person or via video conference) so Book in for a consultation, detox programme or have your allergies and sensitivities checked. Sheena Hendon will also advise you on which supplements and herbs are right for you – from immune-boosting supplements containing both herbs, vitamins and minerals to individual herbal medicines.
