022_LS561_W115_CNM_CNM 19/01/2012 11:46 Page 2
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Dear Jacquie Your queries about natural health answered by Jacquie Lane from the College of Naturopathic Medicine
Garlic is a natural immune system booster. It may stimulate the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and enhance the efficiency of antibody production. To get the full benefits of garlic, you should eat it raw or very lightly cooked. Typical garlic pills may have had the active enzymes in the garlic that provide the health benefits processed out.
Dear Jacquie I’m fed up with getting colds and chest infections at this time of year. Are there any prevention strategies I can follow? AB, Peacehaven
Zinc also increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells, and helps white cells release more antibodies. Good sources of zinc include beef, oysters, crab, turkey, scallops, oats, yoghurt, ginger, venison and spinach.
There are many things you can do to boost your body’s immunity. Specific nutrients and foods to do this are: Vitamin C boosts your immune system by helping to increase the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies. It may also increase your level of antibodies that coats cell surfaces, preventing the entry of viruses. Good food sources include parsley, broccoli, bell peppers, strawberries, oranges, lemon juice, papaya, kiwi fruits, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens and Brussels sprouts. Vitamin E plays an important role in the health of your immune system. The main cells of your immune
system patrol your body, waiting to attack a dangerous invader. As you age, your immune cells don't work as well as they used to, so your immune system is weaker. But vitamin E has been shown in studies to significantly increase immune cell activity, thereby making your immune system stronger. Good food sources are spinach, Swiss chard, turnip, greens, mustard greens, cayenne pepper, wheat-germ, hazelnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, asparagus and bell peppers.
Probiotics are great for enhancing your immune system, a healthy dose of beneficial bacteria that reside in your gut and make up about 70-80 per cent of that immune system. Look for sugar free probiotic plain yoghurts and probiotic capsules. Elderberry extracts and certain herbal ranges may also be beneficial so as always see your Nutritional Therapist for a personal plan. See your health professional for advice.
Jacquie Lane is a lecturer at the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) and the Director of Studies at CNM in Brighton. Jacquie also runs her own nutrition clinic in Brighton and manages a biological testing lab specialising in digestive issues. Email Jacquie Lane: sunshinenutrition@hotmail.co.uk
CNM open evening If you would like to train to become a nutritional therapist, please book to attend CNM’s next open evening in Brighton. Call 01342 410505 or visit www.naturopathy-uk.com