Healthy hints to chew over

IF you are feeling fatigued, suffer from sinus or hayfever problems, annoying rashes, digestive issues, mouth ulcers or just can’t shake that cold, naturopath Yolanda Falivene says it may all be down to your immune system needing a boost.
“With a myriad of factors influencing immunity, it can be confusing where to start,” she said.
Yolanda said that if you give your body a chance, it will fix itself, though sometimes it may need a little help.
“The immune system is precisely that – a system, not a single entity,” she said.
“To function well, it requires balance and harmony. Genetics play a role but just because you have inherited a family predisposition to allergies or asthma doesn’t mean that the condition will necessarily manifest.
“Genes can be switched on and off and the influencing factors which affect your genes can also affect everyone’s immune system.”
Yolanda said these factors could vary from person to person but adequate nutrition was the first line of defence.
“Correcting diet and lifestyle is imperative for strong immunity,” she said.
“Adequate sleep, exercise and relaxation influence immunity, as well as nutrients such as zinc, iron, selenium vitamins A, C and D are vital in defending your body against bacteria or viruses.
“Eating dark, leafy vegetables and bright-coloured fruit is recommended. Other foods like garlic have antimicrobial effects. Decrease sugar intake as studies have shown that sugar inhibits immune system cells that attack bacteria and decreases Vitamin C absorption.”
Which brings us to gut health, Yolanda said.
“If you can’t digest and absorb all that good nutrition how can your body work properly? Certain bacteria in the gut influence aspects of the immune system, such as correcting deficiencies and increasing the numbers of certain T cells, so probiotics can help here,” she said.
“Awareness surrounding your exposure to environmental chemicals is important too. Preservatives in foods, pesticides, cleaning products, cosmetics, chemicals in water and plastic containers all place a strain on your body to detoxify, drawing on your nutritional stores, causing deficiencies, depressing immunity and potentially affecting your genes.”
For more information or help with boosting immunity, naturopath Yolanda Falivene at Noosaville Natural Health Centre uses modern diagnostic equipment including the 3-D body scan to determine underlying causes.
Bicom Bioresonance Therapy can desensitise allergies, intolerances and bacterial/viral problems and treat compromised organs, facilitating a return to good health. Phone 5470 2408