6 HACKS TO STAY HEALTHY in the WINTER!

Thanks for your continued loyalty to eastMED Pharmacy! Moving forward, I want to keep you up to date with what’s happening in the area and share tips and trick to keep you and your families healthy.

Did you see the recent TVNZ Sunday episode regarding a Researcher in Australia exploring the benefits of probiotics in relation to peanut allergy?

The aim of the probiotic and peanut immunotherapy treatment is to try to combat the rising number of allergy cases, and improve the quality of life of sufferers. The results are promising so far and I really hope that the researchers will eventually be able to use the knowledge gained from the trial to find a cure for people with a peanut allergy.

Speaking of probiotics, there is growing evidence highlighting the benefit of probiotics to prevent loose bowel problems associated with the use of antibiotics. Probiotics can give our immunity a boost and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in our gut.

It has been clinically proven that a course of antibiotics can have a detrimental effect on the number of good bacteria present in your gut. One of the fastest ways to restore the level of good bacteria in your gut is by taking oral probiotics.

I often come across customers taking multiple courses of antibiotics and worry about the state of their immunity! What’s more concerning is that majority of them are not aware that there something they could do to restore the level of good bacteria in their gut, giving their immunity a significant boost.

I’m a strong advocate of the benefits of probiotic use.

As winter is right at our doorstep, my usual combo that I suggest to my customers to help prevent them from winter illnesses is to:
1. Get the flu vaccine (helps prevent contracting or spreading the flu)
2. Have a course of a bacterial vaccine (e.g. Buccalin) (helps prevent the progression of a cold or flu into a secondary bacterial infection such as chest infection)
3. Take probiotics at least 2 to 3 weeks before winter approaches and continue every day during the winter if possible to boost immunity
4. Increase your natural vitamin C intake (through fruits) and sunlight (vitamin D) whenever possible
5. Eat a balanced diet – every meal should have a balanced amount of carbohydrates, protein and fibre. Try not to overindulge. The key is moderation!
6. Regular exercise.

If you do all of the above, I can guarantee you that your immune system will be much better equipped for what lies ahead in the winter – victories belong to those who are well prepared!

Stay on the lookout of my next email (check your spam/junk folders too!)

Best,
Chris
Pharmacist