Food and Nutrients provide the energy and building materials for the countless substances that are essential to the growth and survival of living things. The manner in which nutrients become integral parts of the body and contribute to its function depends on the physiologic and biochemical processes that govern their actions.
Proteins, fats and carbohydrates all contribute to the total energy pool, but the energy that they yield is all in the same form. Utilization and conservation of this energy to build and maintain the body requires the involvement of vitamins and minerals. They function as coenzymes, catalysts and buffers in the miraculous watery arena of metabolism.

” Let food be your medicine and let medicine be your food “
– Hippocrates

There is a growing appreciation of the role of diet in determining our level of health. It is now established that certain dietary practices can cause or prevent a wide range of diseases. In addition, research increasingly indicates that certain diets and foods offer immediate therapeutic benefit.

The human body is truly one of the universe’s major wonders. It deserves to be fed a high-quality diet, but most of us are not giving our bodies the nutrition it needs or deserves. When a machine does not receive the proper fuel or maintenance, how long can it be expected to run in an efficient manner? If your body is not fed the full range of nutrients it needs, how can it be expected to stay in a state of good health?

Good health often comes down to the sum of the habitual choices we make on a day to day basis. Let’s make a commitment, to keep ourselves in a good nutritional status,  in order to keep our immune system strong and functional. The immune systems prime function is to protect our body against infection and the development of cancer.

In addition to , mind and emotions and stress , Nutrient deficiency has a tremendous impact on the immune function. It is the most common cause of low immune function. Too much sugar in the diet leads to lowered white blood cell activity. Obesity is associated with decreased immune status. Alcohol consumption apparently inhibits white blood cell activity.

The key nutrients for supplementation to support the immune system are : Vitamin A, carotenes, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, B Vitamins, iron, zinc, and selenium.

It is important to consume plenty of fluids, especially fresh juices, herbal teas, soups and quality water to prevent dehydration and help flush out the body. In case of viral infections and flu increasing the intake of hot herbal teas and hot broths and soups, helps shorten the length of the viral infection. Sleep and rest as much as possible.

Since ancient times, herbs have been used as natural treatments for various illnesses, including viral infections. Due to their concentration of potent plant compounds, many herbs help fight viruses and are favored by practitioners of natural medicine.

GARLIC

Garlic has been prized for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. The compounds allicin and alliion are responsible for this common plant’s reputation as a triple threat. Garlic is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and it is especially effective against viruses if chewed raw.

GREEN TEA

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) contains a group of flavonoids called catechins, which appear to inhibit viral infections by blocking the enzymes that allow it to reproduce. Green tea has been known to be effective in inhibiting HIV, herpes simples and the hepatitis B virus.

LIQUORICE

Liquorice contains a substance called glycyrrhizin that reduces the replication of viruses and halts their ability to penetrate replicate inside healthy cells. It has been noted to be effective in the treatment of many viral illnesses including HIV strains and viral hepatitis.

Four cornerstones of good health

If you have a strong foundation, achieving and maintaining health is usually quite easy when you focus on strengthening the ” four cornerstones of good health ” like the four legs of a  table or chair. If you want that chair or table to remain upright when stress is placed upon it, the four legs must be intact and strong. Likewise, if you want to have good, or better yet, ideal health it is essential that the following four areas be strong
* A Positive Mental Attitude
* A Healthy Lifestyle : Exercise, Sleep and Health Habits
* A Health-promoting Diet
* Supplemantary Measures

Life is full of events that are beyond our control. We can’t control everything that’s happening around us, but it is entirely in our hands to keep ourselves healthy and in a good nutritional status, so that we are better equipped to face any challenges that come our way! “Good  Nutritious Food ” is a weapon that you can use protect yourself from infections and diseases, for your own self defence!