REV UP YOUR
A HEALTHIER YOU
immune system
With COVID-19 still very much present and the winter flu season on our doorstep, we need to stregthen our immunity to stay healthy, writes Lynne Gidish
r
ight now, says Giulia Criscuolo, a registered pharmacist and complementary health practitioner, we’re all pretty much sitting ducks for infections this winter. “Our level 5 lockdown last year meant that colds and flu were almost nonexistent,” she explains. “But being out so Giulia Criscuolo often these days could result in us becoming sick.” This, says Criscuolo, is because most of us are dealing with depleted immune systems due to the ongoing emotional and physical stress that’s become part of our daily lives. However, there’s plenty we can do to fight infection.
GIVE YOUR BODY A SUPPLEMENTARY BOOST
Here’s Criscuolo’s favourite choices for supplementation. • Vitamin D can reduce incidences of colds and flu by 50 per cent – low levels of vitamin D have also been associated with a higher rise of COVID-19 hospitalisation. • Vitamin C – preferably liposomal (fat-soluble) – boosts your immune cells, helps to increase the production of antibodies and may shorten the duration of a cold. • Selenium may improve your immune response to viral infections. • Zinc may help shorten the duration of colds and flu by up to 40 per cent. • Probiotics – a healthy gut equals a healthy immune system. • Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory. They help boost your immune system and have been shown to help lower the risk of COVID-19 by 12 per cent. • Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and helps to support a strong immune system. All of these can be taken safely by the whole family, says Criscuolo, who recommends always discussing any form of supplementation with your health practitioner or pharmacist.
Most of us are dealing with depleted immune systems due to the ongoing emotional and physical stress that’s become part of our daily lives.
REVIEW YOUR LIFESTYLE
“Remember that supplementation is just one aspect of what you can do to support your immune system,” says registered pharmacist and complementary health practitioner Giulia Criscuolo. “Lifestyle is vital too; making healthy choices will go a long way in assisting your body to function optimally.” These include: • eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and good quality protein – never before has “you are what you eat” been more important • exercising regularly • getting enough sleep • spending time in nature • meditating regularly • getting some morning sunshine • doing more of what you love to do – whatever fills you up inside • taking long, deep, calming breaths – anywhere, anytime • being discerning about what you listen to, watch and read • connecting meaningfully with others.
THE BIG PICTURE
The number of overweight and obese children is increasing around the world. Our expert weighs in on why this is happening Malnutrition is a condition caused by eating a diet that lacks a healthy amount of one or more of the important nutrients needed for your body to function optimally, says registered dietician Minette Schoombie. “Globally, at least one in three children under the age of five is not growing well due to malnutrition, causing manifestations of stunting and wasting as well as obesity.”
THE CAUSES
According to Schoombie, childhood obesity is a complex chronic disease that has multiple causes. “There are several factors linked to this,” she says. “The environments that children grow up in these days make it much easier for childhood obesity to occur. Children are often exposed to high-sugar, high-fat, high-salt and energy-dense foods that lack micronutrients. While these foods tend to be much cheaper, they are also much lower in nutrient quality, resulting in vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Minette Schoombie
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