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It is that time of the year again (how quickly it comes around!) when the chill is starting to set in. I find this a particularly challenging time of year because my health no longer relies on just me but is largely dependent on others around me. Wishful thinking can only get you so far if you want to avoid catching the colds and coughs that are already rearing their ugly heads.
As we can’t all stay home and avoid interacting with the world it is very important to take care of ourselves. I will repeat this till I’m blue in the face but hand-washing is the number one form of defence that we have. It’s so easy and effective – I prefer the old-fashioned soap and water way but if you’re out and about, hand gel is just as good. If you’re going to sneeze or cough, do so into your elbow instead of into your hand. It is much harder to transfer germs with your elbow; your hands touch so very more things that you can imagine.
But ultimately it is about boosting your system and that is mostly a preventative measure. Sitting home with cups of lemsip after the fact really isn’t as good as trying to not get ill in the first place. Here are some simple nutrients that do wonders:
Vitamin C is essential for our immunity. Find it in fresh, colourful fruit and veg like kale, sweet potatoes, peppers, dark fruits and fresh herbs like parsley. If you’re already showing signs of a cough though, I recommend staying away from citrus fruits or orange juice. In Chinese medicine, oranges, clementines and mandarins induce phlegm and are not helpful at all when you’re already coughing. Lemon is fine when combined with hot water and honey to help soothe the throat. I know that may sound confusing but it just shows how it’s the combination of food that is important not individual components. In the same manner, actual vitamin C tablets are fine (even orange flavoured!) just not the actual oranges themselves.
Zinc is just as important as vitamin C as it promotes antibodies to fight against infection. Find it in poultry, sunflower seeds, seafood and oily fish. Wild salmon tend to have higher levels of zinc and iron.
Vitamin D helps to regulate our bacterial defences. The easiest way to get it should be through sunlight which unfortunately isn’t that easy at all in the UK so supplement it with oily fish and mushrooms or take a 2000 IU strength vitamin D pill. Despite the name, vitamin D is a hormone, not a vitamin and is best used as a preventative measure than treatment. This means that unlike vitamin C, taking lots of vitamin D doesn’t help when you’re already sick. Many symptoms like chronic fatigue, depression and aches and pain could all be attributed to vitamin D deficiency but they are often misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
As we go into the colder months, stews, soups and casseroles are your new best friends. Visualise your body as a fireplace that needs to be stoked with warmth every single day. The fire should never be roaring but nor should it really ever burn down to just the embers.
A scarf is imperative, especially if you’ve spent all day in a toasty office and have to brave the great urban outdoors. Listen to your body, sleep if you’re tired, take it slowly. Sometimes even if you’re not unwell, rest is a well-deserved treat.
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Cough Medicines Are a Waste of Money Admits the NHS
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Hot water with honey and lemon is recommended over medicines. Or I also suggest lavender, sage and marjoram herbal infusion (not recommended during pregnancy) to boost your immunity. Alternatively infused elderflower is suitable for everyone.
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As we move into autumn, our bodies' needs are different so less cold, raw foods like salads and more warming foods like this winter squash soup.
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Work + Home + Community + Self
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Forget work-life balance. Here's how to integrate every part of your life.
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If you have been kind enough to refer someone to me – I want to say a big THANK YOU. That is the highest compliment and it’s warmly appreciated every time.
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Other News: What is Acupuncture?
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Here is a link of my chat about acupuncture last month with the lovely Sam Bearfoot.
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A client told me about The Unseen Sea, a mesmerising short video that features one of my favourite music tracks by Nick Cave. Spend three minutes watching this and feel your brain relax. Hope you’re having a great time in New York, Lily!
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Thanks,
Ka Hang Leoungk
Managing Editor, Pointspace
Comment, compliment, feedback: send us your thoughts.
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