By Healthworx
The seasonal cycles in nature allow us to prepare for a sustainable future. Without adequate preparation and food storage for the lean Winter we could not survive.
Our biorhythm cycle is a similar system of existential cycles that regulate our health, emotions, and intellect. By acknowledging our biorhythms, we are respecting ourselves and being proactive about our wellbeing.
In the cycle of life, our health is compromised by seasonal changes. We need to understand the miracle of our immune system, our body’s defense against pathogens, germs, bacteria, and other factors threatening our health.
Our immune system is made up of five litres of blood and lymph fluid. They work together to transport immune system elements throughout the body to protect from harmful substances.
White blood cells are critical aspects of the immune system response. These cells race to the scene of any trouble and fight off the pathogens and are the body’s natural killer cells which terminate cancerous, precancerous, or infected cells by utilising a special enzyme or chemical. They also terminate cells that have been overrun with viruses and are responsible for creating antibodies to attack toxins, viruses, and bacteria infiltrating the body.
One drop of blood can contain a total of 25,000 white blood cells. The average lifespan of a white blood cell is only a few weeks.
Cold weather and the body’s immune system response is interconnected. Cold weather lowers the immune system’s defenses due to the reduction in Vitamin D levels from less sun exposure. Vitamin D is needed for maintaining a healthy immune system. Spending more time indoors during the colder months, and anywhere people are forced into proximity, causes viruses to spread more easily.
Blood vessels are also affected by the immune system in Winter. As cold, dry air is breathed in, the blood vessels located in your upper respiratory tract start to contract to conserve heat. White blood cells can then not reach your mucous membranes leaving fewer fighters warding off germs, thus it is easier to catch a cold in Winter.
Ways to support your immunity this Winter:
Good, old-fashioned chicken soup.
Need we say more?
Sleep and Rest.
During the deepest levels of sleep, potent immune-enhancing compounds are released, greatly increasing immunity.
Liquids.
Liquid consumption offers several benefits. When the mucous membranes that line the respiratory tract get dehydrated it provides a much more hospitable environment for the virus. Consuming plenty of liquids and/or using vaporiser maintains a moist respiratory tract that repels viral infection and improves white blood cell functioning by decreasing the concentration of solutes in the blood. Water and herbal teas are best.
Plenty of Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is antiviral and antibacterial, but its main effect is improvement in the host resistance. It boosts immunity, enhances white blood cell production, and increases interferon levels.
Zinc
Zinc is a critical nutrient for optimum immune function. It also possesses direct antiviral activity against many viruses.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is vital for the absorption of Calcium and Phosphorous and facilitating normal immune system function.
Keep those vitamin, hydration, and comfort (chicken soup for the soul!) levels up and prioritise sleep to stay healthy and strong this Winter!
