Day: 14 April 2021

Prevention is better than cure. We know, you’ve heard the statement one time too many. But, considering the present COVID-19 pandemic, this statement is ever pertinent.

The human body is an intricate composition of parts that contribute to the whole. Plainly put: a system. As with any system, each part is dependent on the other to ensure optimum functionality.

The neglect and deterioration of a vehicle, for example, all comes down to one key principle: maintenance. It is generally easier to rectify and maintain small defects than it would be to purchase an entirely new vehicle. Right? So why would we treat our bodies any different?

The primary system that drives holistic health in the human body is the immune system; a system that requires daily maintenance.

Lately there has been a lot of talk about immunity. An array of information has flooded the internet since the COVID-19 outbreak.

Hundreds of generic tips and ‘How-To’ articles have been published and shared. It can be overwhelming to sift through the information to find credible , do-able advice.

The simplest way to look at the subject of immunity is to look at the basics.

What is the Immune System?

The immune system guards us against the invasion and spread of harmful pathogens into our bodies. It is responsible for regulating the body’s response to foreign substances such as food or internal organisms such as the body’s own cellular tissues. It builds up a memory bank of every single substance that the body interacts with.

We are exposed to pathogens as we develop and interact with our environment. For example: catching a cold or getting the flu. The symptoms of these illnesses that we experience is the immune system’s way of fighting off pathogens and creating a record of how to kill off future invasions. The memory bank grows and so our immunity is strengthened. A compromised or weakened immune function can result in susceptibility to certain diseases or allergic reactions.

A weakened immune system is a system without support. Caring for the immune system requires a fundamental understanding of its parts.

Parts of the Whole

The immune system consists of several organs that form the wall of defence we need to be healthy. This defence is comprised of inner and outer organs and vessels such as:

The skin

Mucous membranes in our nasal and oral cavities and internal organs

Friendly bacteria that reside in and on our bodies
The epicentre of our immune system resides in the gut.

Our digestive system begins in our mouths in the form of enzymes in the saliva right through to our intestines. The bowels comprise of a micro-biome which produces more than half of the antibodies (white blood cells) our bodies use to recognize, evaluate, and eliminate harmful intruders. A healthy micro-biome is needed to ensure that the body is not deficient of its guard of cells. Once the intruders have been eliminated these cells store information (memory bank) on how to respond to similar invaders in the future. The micro-biome also contains the essential bacteria of the gut known as gut flora. This kind of ‘bacteria’ is necessary for the process of organ nutrient absorption, hormone production and, of course, immunity.

Gut health is thus the focal point of immunity.

It feeds all parts of our system to produce the correct genetic information needed for a healthy mind and body.

Veganuary has come to an end. We hope you really enjoyed the benefits of trying out veganism this past month, but veganism may still seem a little daunting to you. Who says it has to end there? Plant-based holds so many possibilities for the rest of the year and we think you should explore them!

Embarking on a mission to create a more plant-based lifestyle can be intimidating at first. It requires a level of commitment that takes a little more time and effort when done right. I want to assist you in trying out some methods on how to maintain a plant-based lifestyle beyond Veganuary.

BALANCE

It is easy to find and stay in a single direction when you are in unchartered territory. However, this takes away from the journey’s experience, wouldn’t you say? It is easy to veer in the direction of easy vegan or plant-based meals such as quick meat substitutes or vegan junk food. As awesome as it is that we have these options to add a little something extra to our diets, basing the majority of our dietary consumption on them can lead to an unhealthy plant-based lifestyle (yes, it is possible). One may start feeling sluggish, demotivated, and unenthused by the prospects of going plant-based.

Nature offers an abundance of nutrients. We just have to make the effort to give our bodies the nutrition it needs. But how do we know we are getting the right amount of nutrients in one meal? A little piece of advice: eating the rainbow (with an especially generous serving of greens).

Exercise helps our bodies circulate these nutrients to our organs. They are then converted into essential chemical compounds. Ensure you create an exercise routine each week that works for your body. Drink plenty of water to keep your blood circulating and energising your system.

Balance is essential in extracting the full (and indisputable) benefits of going plant-based. A lifestyle is multi-faceted. It requires several factors to occur holistically.

PLAN AHEAD

Make a shopping trip every week to get your essential fresh produce. Make time on the weekend (record or download that TV show for later!) to prep a few meals for the week ahead. Start small and build on those veggie dishes you already enjoy before trying to reinvent the wheel and becoming overwhelmed. A simple fruit salad, nuts, seeds, roast veg, lentils, and leafy greens are great, versatile ingredients to start off with. They are durable, tasty, and satisfying. Veg soup of any kind is a great prep meal and can be frozen for dinners in the coming week.

Planning is a building block of success. It does not guarantee that everything will run smoothly but it surely facilitates the process. Life is a rollercoaster. Factor in a few plant-based healthy alternative snacks into your grocery list for those days when life takes an unpredictable turn. Include family and friends in your meal prep to mitigate the pressure and to hold yourself accountable.

It will take time for your body to adapt to this new lifestyle. Cravings will come and go. Allow yourself a plant-based treat now and then. Your body can signal exactly what it needs at the right time.

Listen to your body with an informed intuition and allow it to nourish itself in the best way. Emotions do factor into a lot of our craving impulses but try not to let them sway your decisions entirely. Think ahead for your future self. Plant-based is not about restriction but a holistic lifestyle that aims to improve not only your health but the wellbeing of the earth and every creature that inhabits it.

Soon you will be excited for meal prep each week!

REMEMBER YOUR ‘WHY’

Remember how far you have come and most importantly: Remember what works for you! Who knows your body better than you do?

Speak encouragements to yourself as often as you can. You have no idea how strong you are. Give yourself a chance to find out.

ENJOY COMMUNITY

Treat yourself to a variety of plant-based foods from different cooks in your own home and from restaurants that offer these options. In this way, you can discover new recipes, insights, and a community of support you never knew existed!

It is so easy to feel alone in this transition. Maybe you are the only one in your family or your friend group. That does not mean you are the only person in the world on this journey. Thankfully, the variety of plant-based options have grown and so has the community.

Reach out on social media, share your food with your family and friends and you may be surprised by how many people you inspire and encourage.

EXPRESS YOUR CREATIVITY!

Enjoy the journey, your body will thank you!

As the golden days of autumn gleam on the horison, we are no strangers to the annual sniffle and sneeze that comes with changing seasons. A new season does not only mean colder weather, but a completely new cycle for the natural world, human beings included. Environmental factors have a direct impact on our health and if we are to ward off bad elements in our environment we should fortify our bodies with the means to do so.

Autumn is a beautiful but temperamental season, and we want to share a few tips on how to keep you and your family thriving and healthy this autumn.

Get to the Root of It

While we witness the loss of summer’s lush foliage, we must remember that nature’s cycle requires decay before life. Each season yields superfoods essential for optimum nutrition unique to that time of year. The dead foliage of autumn returns to the ground to nourish the soil and feed the roots of the earth. Root vegetables and spices such as ginger, turmeric, garlic, pumpkin, squash and sweet potato are all natural superfoods, with pumpkin serving as a good source of Vitamin A, C and E.

Root vegetables are one of the many plant-based sources of beta-carotene, essential for healthy organs and immunity. As a source of both soluble and insoluble fibre and delicious to boot, we can safely say that root vegetables are a nutrient-packed superfood ideal for the changing seasons. A comforting roast veg oven bake or sweet potato cottage lentil pie are all healthy ideas to spoil your family’s taste buds with this winter.

Kick into gear!

It is so tempting to become a cosy, couch potato as the days get cooler. We know! But your immune system will not thank you for it. You have to shift your body into gear to gear up for the changing environment. A body that is active is operating at its optimal functionality.

Exercise allows the body to secrete unwanted toxins from the blood stream, improves the functionality of the organs (especially essential organs for healthy blood such as the liver, spleen, kidney, lungs and heart) and consequentially builds the immune system.

If our blood is not being circulated and cleaned regularly, we tend to feel sluggish, develop brain fog and create a build-up of toxins that can lead to flu, colds and other typical seasonal illnesses.

The lymphatic system slows down in an inactive body. If you do not enjoy traditional exercise methods, try gardening (rake up those leaves) or evening strolls. In these ways you can enjoy the last of the season’s good weather before the cold of winter whilst getting your blood moving and your heart rate up. Exercise must go hand in hand with a balanced diet and plenty of water. Remember, our bodies are unique and respond to different lifestyles in different ways. Drink enough water, eat appropriately and exercise sufficiently for your body’s needs this autumn!

To keep a consistent exercise schedule, it is recommended that you take advantage of earlier hours. Early morning exercise allows you to energize your body for the day and gives you more free time in the evening to settle in and relax. You also avoid the risk of getting sick by staying indoors in the cold evening weather.

Rest

Autumn is a season in which nature is preparing to rest for the winter ahead. The falling leaves indicate nature becoming inert to preserve their seedlings and recuperate during the winter.

We should take a page out of nature’s book in this regard. We are constantly busy and it takes its toll on us mentally, physically and emotionally. As the days get shorter we should adjust our sleep schedules accordingly. We should wind down our days as the sun goes down. As far as possible, try not to cram too much into your day, prioritise that which is important and schedule anything else for the next day. Spoil yourself with quality sleep during this change of season.

We hope these few tips will help you and your family stay healthy and happy this autumn. Enjoy the balmy afternoons and crisp mornings, and take time to embrace the joys and wonders of nature’s changing colours. Most importantly, take time to be mindful of the earth and how it nourishes us as we take care of it.

Happy Autumn!