3 minute read
Feed a cold
Despite vaccinations and the measures in place to reduce the chance of catching the Covid-19 virus, that’s no guarantee that you won’t still catch a cold. Having a cold is so common that it’s often dismissed as a minor inconvenience, but it can make for a miserable Christmas and the after-effects can linger for several weeks. Given that prevention is better than cure it’s worth learning how to boost your immunity and ward off those winter bugs. Your diet is key, as vitamins and minerals, naturally found in fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds, all play a huge part in cold-proofing your body. Increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables in your diet can help to improve immune function. Foods rich in vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in the body’s immune system, include orange and yellow fruit and vegetables such as apricots, mango, sweet potato and carrots. Vitamin C is a super immune and all-round health booster that can also be effective in minimising asthma symptoms. Dietary sources of vitamin C include kiwi, strawberries, oranges, tomatoes, steamed broccoli and green peppers. Vitamin E is another great immunity booster due to its high antioxidant levels. Fruits such as berries are antioxidant-rich so fill up on these at snack or dessert times whenever possible. Vitamin E-enriched foods include avocado, carrots, almonds, Brazil nuts and sunflower seeds. If the early signs of a cold are already present, zinc is an important immunity-boosting addition and can also help you to recover more quickly. Foods rich in zinc include dark leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, tofu, lentils and sesame seeds. Omega-3 oils, which are naturally found in oily fish varieties plus flaxseeds, linseeds, almonds and walnuts, can also help to boost immune function, reduce our susceptibility to infections and reduce the inflammation associated with colds. It may not be the most obvious, or the most popular smelling food, but garlic is a fantastic natural antibiotic. It has anti-viral properties due to its active ingredient allicin, which is effective in opening up airways and easing allergy and asthma symptoms. Try to minimise your intake of refined ‘white’ food items such as bread, rice and pasta (choose wholemeal instead) as these can depress the immune system. If you struggle to eat a varied colourful diet, opt for a good-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement. However, experts warn that although taking a multivitamin will help to fend off cold infections, they will not replace all of the immune-boosting benefits of a healthy diet. Finally, being physically active and getting a good quota of sleep can additionally help to boost your immunity. Don’t fall into the habit of using the cold weather as an excuse to stay indoors. Getting outdoors, even for moderate exercise such as a brisk stroll, really helps to boost the immune system by strengthening the body and making it better able to fight seasonal viruses and infections.
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WHEN I picked up most of a discarded magazine strewn near the cemetery in Groby, I embarked on a search for a litter bin.
After a walk of nearly half a mile, having passed numerous red dog poo stations, I finally deposited the rubbish in the Co-op car park bin.
It’s hardly surprising our village has lots of unsightly litter if it’s the Council’s intention to have nowhere to throw rubbish.
Do they really want us to discard it ‘willynilly’? Grumpy of Groby Thank you
PLEASE could I thank and congratulate the “hedgestylist” who has so beautifully cut the hedges and shrubs along Sacheverel Way recently.
The term ‘hedge-trimmer’ seems so demeaning for such a professional and quality exercise. The result is truly exceptional and achieved with such a massive piece of machinery. The “stylist” in question must surely be a high class barber in his spare time! David Knight
Garendon Way
Long gone
Customer (to headwaiter): “Just for a point of information, did the waiter who took my order leave any family?”
