How to revitalise your mind, body and soul

There is no doubt that what you eat and drink has a direct effect on your health and therefore a healthy diet is non-negotiable to keep your body and immune system in tip-top shape.

Sometimes however, despite our very best efforts to stay healthy, we may fall prey to a dreaded bug. Should this happen, Hester van Zyl, owner of health store, Earthwise, reminds us that tried and trusted home remedies have become part and parcel of how South Africans approach feeling unwell.

According to Van Zyl, wellknown for her stance on natural remedies, the most important thing you can do is avoid all forms of sugar, whether it be in fruits that are overly sweet, or undiluted 100% fruit juice as these can work against your immune system for a couple of hours after consumption.

Your body will give you the first signs, she says: tiredness, headaches, a sore throat, swollen sinuses and a general feeling that you are unwell. Van Zyl advises that you spring into action immediately if you notice these symptoms, starting by gargling with salt water, rinsing your nose with salt water, or with h202 (2%).

Scientific studies, says Van Zyl, have also shown that vitamin D has a variety of effects on the immune system’s functioning and that a deficiency may be linked to a weakened immune system and a greater susceptibility to illness. Van Zyl offers this advice on ways to combat the aches and pains with these natural immune boosters: Vitamin C: 1 000mg or more every two or three hours for the first couple of days.

According to Van Zyl, vitamin C boosts white blood cell function and the production of interferon (a protein that defends cells from invasion) and antibodies. In general, viruses cannot survive in a high vitamin C environment, she says. “Echinacea contains immune stimulatory compounds such as echinacin, echinacoside and inulin,” she adds.

“It enhances antibody activity, speeds up the migration of white blood cells to areas of infection, and boosts interferons. It appears to block viral receptor sites on cell walls, and prevents connective tissue permeability which prevents the virus from become more invasive.”

Van Zyl points out that the plant Cat’s Claw increases phagocytosis (the ability of certain white blood cells to engulf and attack harmful viruses, bacteria, etc.) According to her, studies have also shown that elderberry reduces the duration and severity of influenza A and B from six days to 48 hours as it has a mechanism that restricts viral replication. Olive leaf she says is also great for viral infections and reducing fever.

She adds that an adaptogen found in the fruit of the schisandra is beneficial in helping the body cope with various stressors such as illness. A deficiency in any essential nutrient compromises your immunity, but zinc even more so, says Van Zyl.

This is because the mineral is involved in every facet of immunity, including thymus function (the master gland of the immune system).

This benefit of zinc is especially critical, she says, for the restoration of immune health in the elderly. Finally, she advises, “Drink ginger tea every day to keep the doctor away”. To read more about Balance, mind, body and soul, click here.