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We have already reached May, sad to say time is flying by so fast. We have seen Easter and Pesach come and go, gee, what a busy year it has been so far.
Looking at up and coming events, good luck to all taking part in the Comrade’s Marathon, we support you every step of the way!
Also, wishing Sally well on her relocation to Australia, thank you so much for your time with us. Keep us up to date on your adventures Sally!
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Pain and your Immune System
Latest research has indicated a direct link between how much pain we feel and our immune system. Our immune system controls foreign bodies, bacteria and viruses. It is the 'army' that eradicates these unwanted 'invaders'. The diagram below indicates which organs are directly responsible for our immune system. We all know how our bodies feel when the immune system is under 'attack' mode, generally tired, a little achy and we feel some pain. These are normal and healthy responses to aid the immune system to work optimally (i.e. don't go run a marathon when feeling like this, so your body has the energy to fight the'bug').
Very simply, pain is the message from the brain in response to incoming messages, (i.e. your foot is on a very sharp thorn, is this a problem brain?) to tell you to stop doing something; (take your foot off the thorn) or to change your behavior (i.e. stop walking quickly to assess, or next time please don't walk over a big patch of thorns) to stop actual or potential damage to the body. This is normal and a good thing as it helps keep us alive! These messages move to and from the body parts to the brain and back along the nerves.
The latest research has discovered that immune system cells (glial cells) actually insulate and assist in bridging the gap between cells (at the interneuronal synapse and nodes of Ranvia). These immune cells ALSO 'hear' the message coming in or away from the brain and they can decide to either excite or inhibit the messages by adding or absorbing the messages or neurotransmitters. This way less or more of the message reaches the brain.
The immune cells can also detach themselves from their insulating spot and go 'chat' to other immune cells along the 'messages' road to amplify the excitation or inhibition of the message.
This means YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM CAN DIRECTLY CONTROL HOW MUCH PAIN YOU FEEL!!!
How many times do you have a sprained ankle; but your whole body gets tired, you want a rest and all your joints feel a little painful? This is your immune system getting involved!
What does this mean for us? Maintenance of a healthy immune system is important, and managing what could possibly make the body feel under threat, can help your pain. Things such as EXERCISE, exercise, exercise (with it's high anti-inflammatory effects), healthy diet, sufficient sleep, relaxation (such as meditation or listening to gentle music etc.) and gentle lighting are a few examples the latest studies have been exploring.
Can you think of any other environment or internal changes you could make to decrease your body feeling under threat?
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Rooibos, Strawberry and Orange Smoothie
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Ingredients for 1 serving
1 – 2 rooibos tea bags
125 ml boiling water
225 g frozen strawberries
½ a peeled and chopped orange
125 g silken tofu
1 tbsp vanilla protein powder
1 tsp liquid honey, optional
Step-by-step
Place the rooibos bags in a teapot or heatproof jug and pour over the water. Steep for 8 to 10 minutes, then remove the bag. Leave to cool.
Place the tea, berries, tofu and protein powder into a blender and process until smooth. Sweeten to taste with honey and pour into glasses. Serve immediately.
Handy tip
- Silken tofu adds a lovely creamy richness
- Replace the rooibos tea bag with a red berries rooibos tea bag
https://sarooibos.co.za/recipes/smoothie-recipes/#toggle-id-1
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