10 tips for summer health
1. Drink water
When the heat is on, the body can be prone to dehydration and even heatstroke. The prime liquid coolant for the body is water. The aim is to drink enough water to ensure that the urine stays pale yellow throughout the day.
2. Take probiotics to prevent traveller's diarrhoea
Diarrhoea blights many a trip abroad, but some protection may be taken by stocking up the gut with healthy bacteria (probiotics) that help keep intruders at bay. The supplement TravelGuard is specifically designed for the prevention and treatment of tummy bugs. It ingeniously contains a capsule full of probiotics surrounded by another capsule which contains plant oils (including oregano, cinnamon, clove, ginger and rosemary) that have been shown to kill a variety of organisms, including salmonella and e.coli. TravelGuard is available by mail order on 0121 433 3727.
3. Ease hay fever with natural supplements
Summer is still hay fever season, and many of us will suffer from its sneezing and sniffing symptoms. Natural substances with antihistamine properties include vitamin C, the plant compound quercetin and the herb nettle. Respir-All contains a blend of these, and other, anti-allergic agents and can provide considerable relief from hay fever. Respir-All is available by mail order on 020 8795 3730.
4. Try Nasaleze
Nasaleze is a natural hay-fever remedy based on plant cellulose. Once inhaled, it creates a film of mucus that provides an effective barrier against pollen. One squirt of Nasaleze in each nostril is said to give relief from hay fever for 12 hours or more, and has to be healthier for you than snorting steroids. Nasaleze is available by mail order on 01535 691756.
5. Avoid using sunscreens
Despite being recommended, studies have found that sunscreen is associated with a significantly increased risk of malignant melanoma. This may be because, though sunscreens can block the rays that burn the skin, they allow greater exposure to the harmful part of sunlight's spectrum. Wear appropriate clothing or sit in the shade instead.
6. Feed the skin for sunburn protection
Sunburn is largely due to the action of molecules, known as free radicals, that are formed in the skin when it's exposed to bright sunshine. Certain nutrients , such as betacarotene and its close chemical relatives, lutein and zeaxanthin, can reduce the damaging effects of free radicals, thus protecting against sunburn. Natural sources of betacarotene include carrots, spinach, apricots and mango. Lutein is found in spinach, leeks, peas, kiwi fruits, black grapes and romaine lettuce, while rich sources of zeaxanthin include sweetcorn, red peppers, nectarines, papaya and honeydew melon. Eating plenty of these can help protect against the ravages of the sun. Taking about 8mg of each nutrient every day in supplement form may also help tanning.
7. Take L-tyrosine, B6 and copper to aid tanning
Certain nutrients help in the production of melanin - the protective pigment produced by the body when exposed to the sun. A chief component is the amino acid L-tyrosine, and taking 1000 - 1500mg of this each day can help to promote tanning. The conversion of L-tyrosine into melanin is aided by supplementation with vitamin B6 (50mg a day) and the mineral copper (4mg per day).
8. Take garlic to ward off nasty pests
Garlic odours literally ooze out of our pores and deter insects (as well as people). One study found that people who take garlic capsules are much less likely to be bitten by ticks compared to those taking placebo (inactive medication). The effective dose appears to be about 1g per day. Garlic can be taken in sup plement form, but a clove of raw garlic each day should have the desired effect.
9. Use natural repellents
Candles containing citronella protect against insect bites. Another natural repellent is eucalyptus. One study found that a eucalyptus-oil-based repellent offered more protection against mosquitoes than those containing Deet (the ingredient found in chemical-based repellents).
10. Use bromelain for insect bites and stings
Insect bites can cause considerable discomfort, but this can be relieved by taking a supplement of bromelain. Actually an extract of pineapple, bromelain has natural anti-inflammatory properties, and soothes any itching caused by flying pests. 500 mg should be taken three times a day on an empty stomach. Bromelain can help provide relief when applied to bites too. A ground-up bromelain tablet or the contents of a capsule should be made into a paste with water and used to coat affected areas.
