Welcome to the change of season!
Here in Queensland, the weather’s turned from the humid and hot summer to slightly more chilly
and brisk mornings and evenings.
With the cooling temperature and change of season come winter illnesses. Illnesses like
influenza, rhinovirus, and pneumonia. I’m already starting to see some of these infections hit
slightly earlier than usual.
So, what can you do to support your body against winter illnesses?
Remember, you don’t have to suffer from winter illnesses.
At Easter time each year, I start to use medicinal herbs and nutritional supplements to support my kids’ immunity. I continue this until the weather warms up again. I prefer to be proactive in
their health.
The immune system is extensive and includes many cells and organs. Today I would like to focus
primarily on the white blood cells and the proactive steps you can take to support these cells.
These cells include neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and many other immune cells
circulating through the blood.
Their primary role is to serve as our defence force.
When we look at them as our defence force, think of the immune cells like soldiers. Their role is to find infective agents like bacteria and viruses. Part of the role of white blood cells is to detect and eliminate bacteria and viruses via phagocytosis (essentially engulf the bacteria or virus and
deactivate it).
The white blood cells need to be mobile and active to do this process.
Now comes how you can help. Certain specific nutrients are fantastic at supporting the health and mobility of the white blood cells.
Nutrients such as –
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Glutamine
These all fuel for these white blood cells to move.
If you’re deficient in any of these nutrients, these white blood cells are less active and mobile.
They are not as able to defend against microbes like viruses and bacteria.
As a naturopath, I utilise nutrients and herbs to support my clients’ immune systems.
There are so many herbs traditionally used to support the immune system. Some of my favourites include:
- Reishi
- Shiitake
- Cordyceps
- Astragalus
- Perilla
- Andrographis
Reminder
Please do not self-prescribe because it’s very important to be specific about what your body needs to help support the immune system.
There are specific herbs or nutrients for specific immune situations.
I’m all about proactive health, but a problem can occur when people self-prescribe without
understanding the role of the herbs or nutrients.
For instance, many people took Andrographis for several years without a break during the pandemic. It is not advisable to take this herb for that extended period of time.
I have also seen situations with clients who have been told to take high-dose zinc by a friend. The dose was too high for the individual, and side-effects can occur as excess zinc accumulates in the
body.
Selenium and Vitamin D are other nutrients that needs to be used with caution and monitored for the dose.
The intention of this article is to arm you with scientific health information, with a caution to undertake qualified health advice that is tailored specifically for you.
I endorse you to be proactive in your health. Take action to support your immune system, but seek guidance, so you know what you need specifically.
If you are seeking qualified naturopathic support and guidance, I would love to be of assistance and help you in the right direction.
Ready to kick start Gut Health? Book a Call!
This is how gut microbes can influence weight!
Probiotics can help you gain weight or lose weight by interacting with our genetics, food and metabolism.
And yes, I did say lose or gain weight……..
Firstly, let me explain that the trillions of microbes in the gut need to be varied, meaning that there should be a large variety of species. There are many different species (or breeds) of microbes, and they all have their place in aiding health — the more variety and balance, the better health results.
Back to the weight loss or weight gain issue….
Do you eat yogurt and berries for breakfast? Thinking that it’s helping you lose weight?
Well, Lactobacillus acidophilus (like the species found in yoghurt) has been connected to weight gain.
I am not saying throw your yoghurt and berries in the bin. Instead, I am suggesting looking at the overall picture. If Lactobacillus acidophilus is the predominant micro-organism of the gut, then weight gain can result.
It is about the variety of species of gut microbes. Imagine if we only have trained german shepherd guard dogs in the world. It may be a safe world, but I am sure that other breeds may be more suitable as a family pet.
While Lactobacillus acidophilus is associated with weight gain, other Lactobacillus species correlate with weight loss.
Species like Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacteria animalis have been found to support weight loss.
Want to lose weight?
Look at your gut flora to support your goal.
Tests can be performed to identify the predominant species of the gut, and specific species can be utilised to support weight changes.
Want more information about your gut health?
Or want to look at all the factors contributing to weight gain, I’d love to be able to help.
