Improve your diet to boost your immune system this winter

• Eat a healthy diet - a good daily intake of fruit  and vegetables (especially raw or lightly steamed) will help provide you with key vitamins, minerals,antioxidants, fibre and enzymes.
• Avoid: processed foods; sugar (if you want a little sweetness try agave nectar); damaged fats e.g. in pastries, cakes, biscuits, margarines etc; table salt (a little sea salt or Himalayan rock salt arehealthier options); alcohol; caffeine; too much wheat or dairy.
• Allergies: if you think you may be allergic to certain foods, it's worth considering a food allergy test. We offer this service at Lilliput Health, please ask your Nutritionist for details.  By removing these triggers, our immune cells are strengthened.
• Consider taking supplements to boost the immune system.  

MANJULA'S CHOICE OF IMMUNE BOOSTING SUPPLEMENTS

1. VITAMIN C tops the list of immune boosters for many reasons: it increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies, helps maintain normal blood cholesterol levels, aids the growth and repair of tissue, aids iron absorption AND is a powerful antioxidant.   It is available naturally in fruits and vegetables or you can take it in supplement form.
2. ECHINACEA is one of the most scientifically studied herbs. A potent anti-viral and antibiotic herb that enhances the body's own defences and fights unwanted foreign invaders. 
3. VITAMIN D helps boost immunity but also stops the immune system over-reacting.
4. ANTIOXIDANTS: Up your intake of antioxidants by eating plenty of fruit and vegetables with a mixture of colours - generally the stronger the colour the greater the antioxidant content e.g. blueberries, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, turmeric and mustard.  You can also supplement with antioxidants such as Zambrosa - a powerful and delicious antioxidant drink.
5. DEFENCE MAINTENANCE - this targeted supplement synergistically boosts the Immune system.
6. LIQUID CHLOROPHYLL helps to detoxify the body and strengthen at cellular level. Chlorophyll is a wonderful way of building healthy blood as it activates enzymes and renews tissue in the body.
7. Nutri-Energetics Systems (NES) - state of the art technology designed to detect distortions within the Human Body Field.  These are addressed with NES Infoceutical drops and once integrity is returned to the HBF the body's innate healing mechanisms will be activated.  If you are new to Nutri-Energetics systems, please contact the clinic for further details.  NES have also just released a powerful range of supplements, including AOenz - a natural, high-potency, super-antioxidant formula.  You can purchase these from the clinic.

All supplements are available to order from the Nutritionists at Lilliput Health.

get your lymph  moving

The two most important functions of the lymphatic system are maintenance of fluid balance and immunity.  This system helps to keep us free from illness and disease by destroying foreign substances and producing antibodies. It is important to keep the lymph moving to prevent toxins building up.  Do this by:

1. REGULAR MODERATE EXERCISE (excessive exercise may suppress the immune system function). Working out regularly can mobilize your T cells, a type of white blood cell known to guard the body against infection.
2. DRY SKIN BRUSHING using a natural bristle brush use long sweeping strokes towards the heart. (Do not do this over varicose veins, open wounds or when constipated).
3. DEEP BREATHING - research has shown that this is one of the most effective ways to get the lymph moving.  Proper abdominal breathing also helps to reduce stress. 

AND FINALLY....

• REDUCE STRESS - think about taking up a yoga, meditation or qi gong classes to help calm the mind and restore balance.
• SUPPORT THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM - regular bowel movements are key to supporting the body's immune system.  When the bowels are working efficiently it prevents a build up of waste products.  If you suffer from constipation it is advisable to seek help from a nutritionist.
• KEEP THE SKIN HEALTHY - this is the body's outer protective layer.  Therefore use natural products on your skin so the skin can breath properly and also drink plenty of water.
• FRESH AIR - Most of us spend a great deal of our lives indoor, breathing recycled air.  A brisk walk outdoors is great for our immune system and helps release endorphins to boost our mood. 
• STAY HYDRATED - aim to drink approximately 6 to 8 glasses a day (this doesn't include tea and coffee!).   Try and cut down or better still cut out caffeinated and carbonated drinks and swap to herbal teas and water.  Coffee and tea deplete the body of minerals and will dehydrate you
• GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP! Sleep is essential to allow the body and mind time to rest and recharge.  If you suffer from sleep problems there are many supplements to help restore the body's natural rhythms.  Asphalia is a particularly effective one - again available from your Nutritionist.  Meditation, relaxation CD's, a bubble bath before bedtime all help to create the right atmosphere for a restful night.
• LAUGHTER really is the best medicine.  So remember to keep a sense of humour and not take life too seriously! When you're happy you're far less likely to get sick.

Manjula Coté DNN, FNTP is a qualified Nutritionist, NES therapist, yoga teacher and remedial massage therapist.  To find out more about how these therapies can improve your health and well being, call the clinic on 01202 725090.