With the change of season come several elements that may affect your body if your immune system is not working properly.
Disorders in the immune system can result in dangerous health conditions like infections that can be easily prevented by following a handful of tips to boost it:
- Exercise. It is the simplest way to keep your body moving and it costs nothing. Exercise helps strengthen your immune system and prevents overweight, another important factor in the development of chronic disease.
- Lower your intake of sugar and fat. Consuming too much sugar or fat suppresses the cells that fight bacteria. Instead, it is recommended you eat foods with high nutrient content like vegetables, fruit and whole grains.
- Reduce your stress. Even though short-term stress may boost the immune system, constant stress has the opposite effect and exposes the body to cortisol and adrenaline, which suppress the immune system proper functioning.
- Be social. Wether you interact with a small or large group of people, being in contact with others will help make your immune system much stronger.
- Eat antioxidants. A diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants will help fight infection. To get enough of this in your diet expert recommend eating an abundance of brightly colored fruits and vegetables, like berries, citrus fruits, kiwi, apples, red grapes, onions, spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots.
- Adequate rest. Simply put, fatigue increases your susceptibility to illness. Most adults need from 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night.
- Practice relaxation techniques. Laughing and meditation are the easiest way to reduce stress levels. Who wants to be on edge all the time?
March 13, 2012 | Categories: Exercise, Nutrition | Tags: exercise, immune system, Massage At Work, nutrition, tips | Leave A Comment »
Salt is essential for keeping the body running properly and for good health.
Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, prescribed saltwater inhalation therapy for bronchial and lung disorders.
The National Academy of Sciences recommends that Americans consume a minimum of 500 mg/day of sodium to maintain good health. Individual needs, however, vary enormously based a person’s genetic make-up and their lifestyle. Nowadays, more people are rediscovering and enjoying the benefits of salt therapy.
When shopping for culinary or bath salt, it is important to find the words “all natural” on the packaging and avoid highly refined salts, for they are bleached and chemically treated.
In its natural form Salt is an easily processed nutrient that influences the body in three distinct ways:
- Reduces stress. Unrefined salt is rich in calcium and magnesium, the latter being a key mineral to keep the body free of stress.
- Improves overall health. Salt helps carry nutrients into the cells and regulates several body functions, including bolstering the immune system and enabling healthy digestion. It also has a large variety of minerals needed for optimal health, many of which are missing from our daily diet.
- Assists in detoxifying the body. Salt baths with warm water help open the pores, allowing toxins to be released and permuting the body absorb minerals.
Most of our salt comes from foods, some from water. Doctors often recommend replacing water and salt lost in exercise and when working outside. And just like with everything in our life, balance is crucial for optimum results.
December 1, 2011 | Categories: Exercise, Nutrition | Tags: exercise, immune system, Massage At Work, MAW, nutrition, relaxation, salt, therapy, unrefined salt | Leave A Comment »
Fight off colds this season by incorporating ginger into your diet. It’s an “herb” with strong flavor that is unmistakable AND has medicinal properties.
Ginger has been used for several health properties for hundreds of years in many different cultures. Some of the benefits include:
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Calm nausea and motion sickness
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Aid digestion
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Increase blood circulation
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Lower cholesterol
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Boost the immune system and
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Acting as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
Try this energizing drink that is packed with vitamin C, antioxidants and beta-carotene to start your day.
Pear Ginger Smoothie
1 ripe Anjou or Bartlett pear—peeled, cored and chopped
1/4 cup fresh carrot juice
1/4 cup skim milk
1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
1/2 cup crushed ice
Combine all the ingredients in a blender until smooth and enjoy!
January 12, 2011 | Categories: Nutrition | Tags: anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Beta-carotene, blood circulation, cholestorol, cold, digestion, flu, Ginger, Health Benefits, Herb, immune system, nausea, Pear, Smoothie, Vitamin C | Leave A Comment »
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