MEDIA RELEASE: 12th June 2003 Fighting
Winter ‘Flu through Food
With the brisk chill in the morning air, we know
winter is on its way and with it the inevitable, dreaded winter
colds and ‘flu. So what can you do to arm yourself against these
uninvited, annoying bugs ?
A look at what you eat and your lifestyle can be a good place to
start. Here are some tips for feeding your body’s natural defence
systems so that it can ward off the unwanted colds and ‘flu.
Vitamin C, iron, zinc, and some naturally-occurring antibiotic
substances (eg in honey and some herbs) are some of major boosters
for our immune system so try:
- Adding an extra serve of high vitamin C fruit each day. Good
choices include citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins,
tangellos and grapefruit); kiwi fruit; strawberries; pineapple;
and rockmelon.
- Aiming to include at least one or two vegetables with a good
content of Vitamin C eg the brassica family ( cabbage, Chinese
cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli), tomatoes, capsicum, potatoes
(unpeeled).
- Including the age-old remedies and protectors against colds
and ‘flu – onions and garlic, in your cooking, as well as lots
of fresh leafy green herbs, such as, parsley, well-recognized
for its excellent vitamin C content.
- Letting your body stock up on its supply of iron and zinc –
both essential in your body’s fight against those winter ‘flu.
Best sources include red meat for iron and shellfish (especially
oysters) for zinc.
- Including Vitamin C-rich foods at meals can help to increase
your body’s absorption of iron from food
It is also important to take note of other aspects of your lifestyle
and make sure you are:
- Getting a good night’s sleep (6-8 hours is about right for
most adults)
- Being active – try for some regular walking, cycling or swimming
or any other exercise you enjoy at least 3 times a week.
Making sure you leave some ‘total relax’ time so you can help
your health with the good mood hormones (the endorphins).
So if you are aiming to escape the ‘flu this winter check out the
Nutrition Australia website (www.nutritionaustralia.org)
for information, food ideas, and publications(see website / “On
the Bookshelf”) that promote a healthy lifestyle as your body’s
weapon against disease!
- ENDS -
For Further Information and Story Opportunities Contact:
Aloysa Hourigan
Senior Nutritionist
Mobile: 0417 078 956
Nutrition Australia (Qld.)
Phone: 07-3257 4393
Fax: 07-3257 4616
Email: qld@NutritionAustralia.org
Lucinda Dobson
Executive Officer
Nutrition Australia (Vic.)
Phone/Fax: 03 - 9528 2453
Email: vic@nutritionaustralia.org
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