Keeping Well Post Lockdown
As we move into level one and life and socialising returns to normal, plus with winter well on its way it’s vitally important that we build up our immune system. Being exposed to more people means exposure to more bugs. Along with hygiene practices that help prevent infections, it’s good to do what you can to keep your immune defences in top shape to avoid those winter ills and chills.
How?
• Eating lots of good nutritious food – especially antioxidant rich vegetables and fruits – remember your 5 plus a day.
• Less of the fast junk foods (the ones we missed in level 4!) and more of the fresh home-cooked and nutrient-packed foods (that you enjoyed making in level 4!) and add in those green smoothies and nourishing herbal teas.
• Keep well hydrated. Warming drinks such as lemon ginger and honey are soothing on a winter’s day
• Sunshine – for vitamin D which greatly increases immunity.
• Exercise – regular 20 to 30 minutes a day.
• Sleep – so important for immune maintenance, studies show sleep deprivation drastically alters immune function.
• Good gut health – keeping regular with fibre and maintaining the good bacteria in your gut with probiotics.
Add nutrient and herbal supplements to really pep up your immunity – zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, garlic, ginger, echinacea, olive leaf, and others. These nutrients and herbs are widely available in a number of immune–enhancing formulas.
There is a lot you can do to improve your immunity and keep well post lockdown. For healthful advice or if you’d like to know more, give me a call today.
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
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The tiger who came to tea
Trays are such a useful item to have in the home – they are obviously great for serving food and drinks, particularly breakfast in bed! Find out how to create your own with Resene wallpaper and Resene Colorwood wood stain with these easy step by step instructions.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.