As Urijah Faber rightly observed, “Good health is the epitome of wealth.”
This truism holds particularly true in Preston, especially during seasonal epidemics like the flu. Health is indeed the most critical asset we have and the cornerstone of our overall wellbeing. Although we can adopt preventative measures, such as washing our hands frequently, getting vaccinated, and ensuring we have sufficient rest, we must also give our immune system the much-needed boost by consuming the right vitamins and minerals.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Within our body, there exists a vast network of bacteria known as the microbiome. A disrupted microbiome can lead to infections, a deterioration of gut health, and a compromised immune system. Probiotics act as the body’s tiny soldiers, defending our microbiome. They are the beneficial bacteria that assist other good bacteria and combat the harmful ones. We can obtain probiotics from fermented foods like sauerkraut, yoghurt, and kimchi.
Prebiotics act as nourishment for these tiny soldiers, or probiotics. The prebiotics empower and nurture the good bacteria. Foods like bananas, greens, onions, and artichokes are rich in prebiotics.
However, not all our dietary intake provides the exact quantity or variety of prebiotics and probiotics that our bodies need. This deficit can be fulfilled by taking supplements rich in probiotics and prebiotics, such as those found in products like LiFiber, ProBionic, ProBionic Plus, Bios 7, Immunizen, and Hawaiian Noni.
Green Tea Catechins
Another immune booster is green tea, lauded not only for its natural energy revitalising properties but also for its role in sustaining immune health. The catechins in green tea are natural antioxidants that defend the body against oxidative stress— the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants. Plus, those who drink green tea have lower chances of catching influenza. If you’re seeking an extra health shot, the dried matcha leaves exhibit thrice the quantity of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (ECGC), a potent antioxidant, compared to regular tea leaves. Products like Unicity Matcha, Bios Life E, Unicity Matcha Focus, and others contain green tea catechins.
Zinc
Zinc, the second most abundant mineral in the body after iron, is an essential immunity building block. Critical in the healthy growth and functioning of immune cells, it also helps reduce the duration of common cold symptoms. Zinc contributes to protein synthesis, wound healing, and counteracts age-related macular degeneration. Given that the body lacks a designated zinc storage system, a regular intake of zinc, found in products like Core Health, Quadplex, Complete, among others, is recommended.
Vitamin C
In sickness, particularly during common cold, Vitamin C emerges as a go-to antidote. An indispensable weapon in the immune health toolkit, it aids cellular function and supports immune defence. It is important to source Vitamin C from a variety of supplements for constant circulation within the body, as different sources are metabolised at different rates. It is found in a wide range of products like Bio C, Vitamin B Complex with Vitamin C, Core Health, and many others.
Echinacea
Another famous immunity enhancer is echinacea or the purple coneflower. Known to alleviate sore throats, colds, and coughs, it has proven to reduce the duration and frequency of illnesses and the severity of symptoms. Echinacea, rich in anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, battles oxidative stress. It can be sourced from supplements like SIG and Red Clover.
By integrating these essential vitamins and minerals into our diet, we can build a robust immune system and enjoy good health.