Beaconsfield Together (formerly Beaconsfield Local) November/December 2019 Issue

Avoid colds and influenza
this winter
We’ve reached that time of year
when colds and coughs are circulating.
There are more than 200 different
common cold viruses and you might
think that catching one is inevitable,
but I have a top tip for you to help fight
them off - and I bet it’s not one you’d
expect! Forget vitamin tablets and
superfood powders – I’m talking about
your gut!
Did you know that more than 70% of your
immune system is based in your gut?
Research has shown that it’s possible to
reduce the frequency of catching coughs
and colds by supporting the beneficial
bacteria that live there. This is often my first
advice for clients who come to me seeking
advice on boosting their immune system.
Luckily, there are lots of simple ways you can
keep your gut ‘happy’.
HEALTH NEWS
fermented foods. These are foods that contain
live bacteria to populate the gut – sometimes
referred to as ‘probiotic’ foods. Unsweetened,
natural live yoghurt, milk or water kefir, kombucha,
sauerkraut, kimchi and miso are all examples of
fermented foods and most can be found in large
supermarkets or your local health food store. You
might try adding some natural yoghurt or kefir
to some granola and berries for breakfast, or sip
some warm miso as a comfort drink (don’t make
the miso too hot - it will kill off the bacteria).
Gut bacteria thrive on fibre, so increasing your
intake of fruit and vegetables is an easy way to
help. Aim for five a day – more if you can (one
portion is about 80 grams) and try to ‘eat a
rainbow’. Just as we have different preferences,
so do different strains of bacteria. So, eating a
wide variety is the best way to ensure that each
strain is getting what it needs. Another way to
pack more fibre into your diet is to swap refined
carbohydrates for complex carbohydrates – brown
pasta and grains rather than the white varieties
(which are much lower in fibre and nutrients).
Another way to support gut health and keep
your immune system working effectively is to try
The gut is a great place to start but there are
many more simple ways in which you can support
your immune system with food. For more tips
on how to stay healthy over the Autumn and
Winter period you can find me on Instagram
@laura.nutrition
Laura MacDonald DipION
mBANT CNHC is a qualified
Nutritional Therapist offering
support for a wide range of
health issues in Beaconsfield,
Amersham and the surrounding
areas.
To advertise please call 07786 735 711 or email marketing@beaconsfieldtogether.co.uk
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