At this most critical time, when it is most important to remain healthy and try and avoid any cold virus and flu, most people are aware of hygiene rules, but sometimes it is inevitable when you are out constantly, working in public environments, to avoid contact of sort. However, what people can do is build up the immune system in order to at least fight off any viruses with its best and most brutal force capacity, should it happen. The healthier the body in the first place, the better the fight. You wouldn’t expect a boxer to go in the ring unprepared, tired and without previous attention to be in tip top condition. A good fighter puts a good strategic wordplay to be in peak condition. This is how people in general should prepare for taking on a fight for good health, following basic rules in nutrition, with a little more care and attention to detail in building up the natural defence system that can make the difference.
In days of old, when people ate pure and natural, wholesome, homegrown foods and fresh home cooked food, the natural body defence system was different to that of today. People had far less processed foods; Chocolate and sweets were rare; Breads, biscuits and cakes were freshly made without all the additives and bad fats; Fresh fruit and vegetables were prepared and eaten more, whilst meat and poultry would have been a limited treat for many and possibly limited weekly. Eating fish was a regular and many traditionally would eat this on a Friday night for religious faith purposes.
It is not a case of good food or bad food, but the good old fashioned balanced way approach of eating. In times of shortage or rationing in certain food types, the body was susceptible to disease or disorders. A simple reminder would be like that of scurvy, which is a disease resulting from lack of vitamin C. The early symptoms of deficiency included weakness, feeling tired with sore arms and legs, followed with decreased blood cells, gum disease, skin and hair problems.
Rickets usually occurs because of a lack of vitamin D or calcium, a problem that affects bone development. It causes pain, poor growth and soft, weak bones.
Anaemia is a common cause of iron deficiency. Iron deficiency occurs when the body doesn’t have enough of the mineral iron. Common causes of iron deficiency are because of an inadequate iron intake due to a poor diet or restrictive diet. Other causes can be during pregnancy or heavy blood loss through heavy menstrual cycles or other bleeding.
Iron is needed to make haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen around the body. If the body doesn’t have enough haemoglobin, the tissues and muscles won’t get enough oxygen and won’t be able to work effectively. The body will look pale in colour all over and look and feel physically fatigued with poor concentration. Headache and dizziness can occur as not enough oxygen can reach the brain. Blood vessels can swell, causing pressure and headaches. Breathing rate will change as the body tries to get more oxygen. A shortness of breath is a common symptom.
Essentials in your diet
Vitamin C – be sure to include plenty of citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, strawberries, blackcurrants, papaya and kiwi. Vegetable sources include brussel sprouts, kale, cauliflower and broccoli.
For calcium and vitamin D, try to include some form of dairy such as milk, cheese or yoghurt, eat oily fish like tuna, mackerel and salmon, beef liver, eggs yolks and fortified breakfast cereals and include green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cabbage, and sweet potato. Also include soy milk.
Foods rich in iron source are shellfish like oysters, clams and mussels, liver and other organ meats like kidney and heart. Legumes beans, lentils chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans and soybeans are a great source of iron, especially for those who are vegetarian.
Spinach is a good source and is also rich in antioxidants carotenoids which is known to reduce inflammation.
So boost your immunity system with good healthy eating. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Your body will work and function at its best to ward off all as best it can.
Love and Sparkles
Samsara x
