IMMUNITY In Our Community BARB ANSTEAD, Holistic Nutritionist
READY OR NOT, HERE "IT" COMES
Yes, it's that time of year again - With the return of school, we often see a rapid increase (and a wide variety) of very vigorous and enthusiastic viruses and bacteria. All of these invaders are looking for any opportunity to introduce themselves to you - school, home, your workplace... The advent of a quickly approaching fall, less sunshine, shorter daylight hours, confined spaces with indoor heating and often recirculated air, can combine to create a perfect storm - a potential for a Petri dish of epic proportions! At Dover Apothecary, we offer a special level of care to our clients. We know that as a society and within our own community, we need to be vigilant of those more vulnerable. Fatigue, stress, poor nutrition/diet, compromised immune status, the elderly and very young - these are just a few examples of people at higher risk. Individuals identified at a higher risk are not just more likely to contract illness, they are more likely to have a harder time fighting it off and are often vulnerable to secondary infections (or as my very wise Grandma used to call it "the dreaded complications").
THE BEST DEFENCE
Since the best defence is a good offence (an age-old adage), your immune system is no exception when it comes to preparing and utilising an arsenal of defence strategies. Start as always with a solid foundation - A healthy, nutrient dense whole foods diet (alkalising foods reduce inflammation and support immune function), sugars and mucus forming foods are best avoided as they can reduce immune function. Maintain a good sleep routine, fresh air and exercise, plenty of clean water and healthy stress management techniques. Hand Washing with soap and water - there is no practice that replaces good hygiene practices. Clean and wipe surfaces and door handles, your steering wheel and your mobile devices - if you are out in public, avoid touching your face with your hands until you have washed them! While we should strive to get our nutrients through a healthy diet and maintain a sensible lifestyle, it's often necessary to offer our bodies some added support. Many of us fall short of therapeutic levels of certain nutrients for a variety of reasons, and our climate
and geographic location limit our sun exposure and availability of local fresh produce. Consider discussing the following supplements with a qualified health professional to see if they are right for you and at what dosage: Vitamin D; Vitamin C; Zinc; Probiotics; Omega 3; and a Multivitamin. Many herbs (and spices) are also beneficial and are worth investigating: Garlic; Astragalus; certain Mushroom extracts; Ginger etc. Sinus rinses can be very helpful and keeping your nasal passages moist is another suggestion that assists many - you may even decide to employ a variety of these strategies depending on your circumstances.
WHEN PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES AREN'T ENOUGH
If you happen to fall prey to these opportunistic organisms, there are still many protocols you may be able to employ to reduce the length and severity of whatever managed to catch you! Along with all of the supplements and strategies already mentioned above, these are some things to consider: Echinacea, Oil of Oregano, Elderberry extract, plenty of warm broths and teas and fluids. Tissues, extra T.L.C. and rest are key. Proper medical attention for symptoms that are severe or persist is a must - especially for anyone with a pre-existing condition or immune-compromised system. Again, Immune status is very individual and different age groups and populations are more susceptible, vulnerable and at risk recovery takes longer, and complications can be serious. Being as conscientious and mindful of others as a society and within our community is key. TIPS FOR THIS SEASON Keep an eye on relatives, friends and neighbours - especially if you know people that are living on their own! Social isolation can compound risk for many reasons as it often goes hand in hand with poor nutritional status and self care. Reaching out to lend a helping hand or letting others know you care, can make a bigger difference than you may realise. Let's strive to be an exceptional community - after all, the only difference between being "human" and being "humane," is the letter "e." Barb Anstead, NNCP Holistic Nutritionist
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