This article has been contributed by Sheila Zhou, Scientist at USANA.
Last year the number of flu cases in Australia was up by over 50 per cent, causing many to claim this winter will be our worst flu season ever. However ‘cold and flu season’ is actually a myth, as the virus lives through every season, whether it may be summer, autumn, winter, or spring. According to Sheila Zhou, expert Scientist at USANA, and leading producer of high quality supplements, “Without knowing or realising it, every day our immune system is fighting a battle against colds and flus. Colds are considered a mild illness in comparison to flus because their symptoms are easier to decipher and battle. A cold will give you a runny nose, sore throat or watery eyes, while the flu won’t let you get out of bed, makes you ache from top to toe and gives you a severe headache.” Whether you catch a cold or the flu it is important to know what we need to do to keep our bodies away from sickness. To understand how to help keep our immune system strong and healthy, Ms. Zhou explains her expert tips through the acronym “ARMOUR”: A - Always exercise regularly. This is crucial as physical activities may help release bacteria out of your lungs and airways, reducing your chances of getting a cold or flu. R- Remember to take an immune boosting supplement. Reishi and Shiitake mushrooms are known to enhance immunity and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to strengthen vitality. Reishi and shiitake Supplement helps keep your immune system strong and healthy, and assists with immune cells to work more efficiently even under stress! M- Must get enough sleep every day. Lack of sleep can cause an impaired immune system. Sleep is one of the key factors that help keeping immune cells healthy that our body needs to fight sickness. O- Over analysing everything will only lead to stress, so do your best to avoid it. Stress weakens the immune system and can lead to chronic conditions including diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. U- Understand the importance of getting regular medical check-ups. Visiting the doctor regularly for an annual check-up will keep you updated on the health status of your body. Medical check-ups will show what your body is lacking and help you make an informed decision to address any potential health concern. R- Remember to eat a healthy diet filled with fruits, veggies and whole grains. Eating the right food with a balance of all essential vitamins and minerals will help keep our immune system strong and healthy. Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Use only as directed. Always read the label. To view the full range of USANA Health Sciences nutritional, weight management and personal care products visit www.usana.com. USANA Health Sciences was founded in 1992 in the United States by microbiologist and immunologist, Dr Myron Wentz. The products are backed by an accredited team of scientific experts and USANA has been awarded a 5-star rating for its nutritional products – the highest of any available in Australia in the Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements (4th Ed) by Lyle McWilliam, an independent Canadian biochemist.
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The average Australian visits their doctor seven times every year, and with our latest life expectancy exceeding 82 years, that’s an enormous 574 doctors appointments in our lifetime.
According to Shelia Zhou, expert Scientist at USANA, leading producer of high quality supplements, “Nobody enjoys getting sick, and whether it happens during summer or winter, it’s still something everyone wants to avoid. Many people believe that getting sick is just a part of life, which often it is, however there are numerous things you can do to throughout the year to stay illness free.“ 1. Take them off. It might sound trivial, but shoes can be the cause of many sicknesses. They often carry harmful residues, such as chemical pesticides, so when they are worn or brought inside they can expose us to damaging toxins. So just by kicking your shoes off at the door you could be saving yourself from getting sick. 2. Laugh. Having a giggle is one of the best things you can do when it comes to staying healthy. Laughing alone boosts immunity, strengthens the heart, and improves lung function – along with numerous other healthy benefits! On a more long term scale, laughter actually releases neuropeptides which help fight stress and potentially more serious illnesses, so the more you laugh the better. 3. Pick your defense. We all know what we eat plays a huge part in our health, but there are numerous products we consume that impact our levels of wellbeing. Supplements, such as Vitamin D, are simple and effective ways to ensure our immune system is able to ward off illnesses, and when consumed with a balanced diet, they make for a winning combination. 4. Try it cold. Exposure to cold water is known to increases metabolic rate. Once cold water hits your skin, it stimulates certain brain activities. Brief cold shower reduces production of serotonin and felling of fatigue. It also stimulatea sympathetic nervous system and increase endorphin level, therefore may help boosting your feel-good mood. 5. Be different. Changing up your workout routine is a great way to keep both your body and mind functioning at its best. Many people make the mistake of getting stuck in a particular exercise pattern, but varying what you do each session strengthens different muscles groups, , boost performance, prevents boredom, and keep you more focused. 6. Put your hand up. If intensive exercise routines aren’t for you, never fear, stretching also goes a long way in keeping you safe from sickness. Not only does stretching prevent injury by lengthening your muscles and tendons, but it also improves your circulation, releases tension and increases energy levels. 7. Get cracking. Visiting a chiropractor can be a great preventative measure in maintaining your health as it inhibits spinal degeneration, restores normal nerve supply, improves immunity, allows better sleep, whilst also slowing the aging process down. Alternative medicine practices, such as acupuncture, can also be effective ways to maintain sustainable physical health and increase mental clarity. To view the full range of USANA Health Sciences nutritional, weight management and personal care products visit www.usana.com. USANA Health Sciences was founded in 1992 in the United States by microbiologist and immunologist, Dr Myron Wentz. The products are backed by an accredited team of scientific experts and USANA has been awarded a 5-star rating for its nutritional products – the highest of any available in Australia in the Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements (4th Ed) by Lyle McWilliam, an independent Canadian biochemist. As the temperatures begin to lower and Australians layer up, it’s clear that winter is about to set its cold mitts on us. With over 200 different viruses responsible for infecting us with a cold every year, it can be difficult to avoid falling victim to its nastiness. According to Sheila Zhou, expert Scientist at USANA, leading producer of high quality supplements, “The key to staying healthy during the winter months largely lies in the foods that we eat. There are a number of foods full of rich vitamins and minerals that actively fight the symptoms of viruses and promote a healthy immune system, plus they are delicious so they’re guaranteed to liven up those cold nights.” Ms. Zhou shares five foods that will help you keep the common cold at bay this year: 1. Honey. There’s a reason Winnie the Pooh loves this sweet treat so much! Research has found that honey is much more than just a sweet treat prized by hungry bears. Honey is not only great for the skin; it is also full of a special protein called defensin. This protein actively breaks down bacteria and strengthens the body, so whether it’s on porridge or in your tea, make sure you use honey to sweeten up your winter. 2. Salmon. From the depths of the ocean to the bench of the kitchen, salmon is full of beneficial omega 3 essential fatty acids. These oils have been found to reduce the production of prostaglandins 2-series, compounds in the body that can worsen inflammation. Salmon is also a major source of Vitamin D, which promotes the activation of cells within the body that maintain the immune system. 3. Dark Chocolate. A pesky cough is one of the most persistent and annoying things about developing a cold. While it may seem like an unlikely saviour, the regular consumption of dark chocolate may help alleviate these symptoms. Research has shown that Theobromine, a derivative of cocoa, reduces the intensity and length of coughing. So whether it is melted in a fondue or baked in a cake, unsweetened dark chocolate lets you indulge while staying healthy during the cooler months. 4. Citrus fruits. Oranges, lemons, or mandarins, all citrus fruits are important sources of Vitamin C, which is vital in maintaining strong bones, muscles and blood vessels. Vitamin C is also a key ingredient in supporting a healthy immune system which means your body is able to eliminate the threat of a virus before it strikes. 5. Chicken Soup. No matter how hard you try, sometimes it’s impossible to beat a classic. Chicken soup is often the first port of call Australians turn to when they start experiencing signs of a cold. However, chicken soup is also a beneficial meal for people who want to make sure they escape the clutches of a pesky cold. These hearty meals are full of fluids that keep you hydrated and prevent the more severe symptoms of a cold from developing. To view the full range of USANA Health Sciences nutritional, weight management and personal care products visit www.usana.com. |
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