Staying Young and Healthy

With all of the news about the rising costs of health care, it is important not to forget that there are plenty of things you can do to keep yourself healthy without spending a fortune. Here are some expert tips on how to keep your body in top shape while avoiding those costly visits to the doctor.

Boost Your Health


The immune system is probably one of the least understood systems of the body and one that is a key health indicator for a healthy body and to aid in slowing down the ageing process. For instance, whilst many people know the thymus, spleen, lymph system and white blood cells are major components of the internal immune – system; many people do not realize that there are also external components, such as the skin, eyes, nose and mouth that do a lot of the work. Tears and mucus also play a role in keeping us well-they contain an enzyme (lysozyme) that breaks down the cell wall of many bacteria. Saliva is also anti-bactericidal. Any bacteria or virus that wants to gain entry into your body must first make it past these defenses.

The three main functions of the immune system are to prevent new bacteria and viruses from entering the body, eliminate viruses when they become active, and to detect problems (even cancer in its early stages). Any disturbance or weakening of the body’s immune system will make you vulnerable to illness and disease.

Ways to boost your health and protect from disease and ageing

Drink plenty of water and herbal teas, or even a slice of ginger in hot water

Vitamins C, A and zinc activate the immune system. Foods that are high in Vitamin C include red peppers, kiwi fruit, broccoli, brussel sprouts, red cabbage, strawberries, oranges and blackcurrants. Foods high in Vitamin A include parsley, carrots, sweet potato, spinach and squash. Foods high in zinc include ginger root, pecans, split peas, almonds buckwheat and walnuts

Increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables as they are high in vitamins, nutrients, fiber and more importantly – prana (life force in yoga)

Decrease your intake of tinned foods, take aways, reheated and microwaved foods

Herbal medicines such as Echinacea, Astragalus, Cats Claw and Chinese mushrooms boost immune function and are anti-viral and anti-bactericidal

Reduce stress and work overload. Stress weakens the immune system functions by impacting on the production of white blood cells. It over stimulates the nervous system and the adrenal glands, triggering the release of hormones, namely cortisol, which cause the thymus to shrink. This precipitates a cascade of events that further depresses the body’s immune function

Sleep is vital for a healthy immune system. Deep sleep, the non REM phase of sleep is when immune enhancing hormones such as intereukin-1 increase in production

Exercise enhances the immune functions, improves mood and decreases stress. What’s the best exercise to do? The one you enjoy!

A holistic yoga approach that blends physical postures, breathing and meditation with the above recommended lifestyle guidelines will certainly support your hard-working immune system throughout your life

Last but certainly not least – choose to be happy! The immune system is tangibly energized when your attitude is optimistic and when you are happy. “Happiness’ is a state of mind you can actually choose to experience rather that one that ‘just happens’ to you – so choose to be happy, come what may!