By Jodi Van Dyk. It's that time again. The weather is slowly beginning to turn colder and Jack Frost may be visiting your neighbourhood. It is this time of year that people become more aware of the threat of a cold or flu. People begin to avoid others who are sporting red noses, tissues up sleeves and that niggling cough.
So what can you do to arm yourself against winter baddies? And just maybe get through winter without feeling sick, run down or even just getting a relatively mild case of what is doing the rounds?
As always my first piece of advice is to take a look at your diet. Many of us (myself included) tend to turn to the more stodgy variety of food as the weather turns a little more crisp. However it is now that it is important to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole foods. This will ensure you are getting adequate nutrients to support your immune system. Fresh juicing might be an option for some people at this time and it really is a great way of getting heaps of vitamin and minerals in raw form. My favourite is beetroot, carrot, ginger a little bit of apple. This is great for cleansing the liver and giving the body some natural warming from inside thanks to the ginger.
Keeping up your exercise regime is also important as is getting enough sleep.
There are some simple vitamins and minerals which may be useful as a preventative measure and may boost the immune system. These include vitamin C, zinc, Echinacea and probiotics. It may be worthwhile looking into some of these if you feel you could do with an extra boost!
All in all, the message is to keep healthy through diet, exercise and sleep. Be kind to yourself and take this colder weather as an opportunity to perhaps get some much need R and R and down time.
Jodi Van Dyk has been a fully qualified practicing naturopath for 2 years after completing her Bachelor of Health Science degree in Naturopathy in 2007. Prior to becoming a Naturopath she studied a Bachelor of Science at the University of Sydney and worked as a microbiologist in a large hospital pathology laboratory for 5 years. These days Jodi splits her time between working with patients on issues ranging from women’s health, hormonal imbalances, immunity and children’s health as well writing, teaching and researching within the natural health industry. As a Naturopath Jodi combines her science background and evidence based research with traditional knowledge of naturopathy. She is passionate about natural medicine and teaching those around her the benefits of approaching health from a perspective of prevention whilst using natural approaches.
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