NCTV Episode 16

Continuing with the series of bitesize health tip videos which can be found here on my YouTube Channel, this episode, includes:-

  • 5 practical ways for you to build your immunity
  • Tips to defend yourself against arthritis, diabetes and heart conditions
  • The one all-important vitamin
  • A few keys to unlocking your happy hormone
  • Positive internal and external influences

 

Transcript

If you’d prefer to read the content within, rather than watch the video, then feel free to read the transcript, as follows:-

Hello & welcome to NCTV Ep.16 and 15 weeks into UK Lockdown now. Today’s topic is all about the Immune system and I’ve decided to break it down into two episodes. This first one is about how to recognise a weakened immune system and part 2 will be focusing on how to strengthen a weakened immune system, so be sure to tune into that after viewing this one.

So most of us know that our health is one of the most valuable things we have, particularly at a time like this. There are ways to get over an illness faster, but one of the best ways to fight illness is to prevent it in the first place. In our current Covid-19 pandemic environment for example, this may be through regular and thorough hand washing, and practicing social distancing or self-isolation to preventing the spread of the virus.

However, it’s also important to have a strong immune system that can fight back against the germs you may encounter. These germs aren’t isolated to coronavirus, they can also be ‘normal’ cold and flu. If you’ve noticed that you’re often sick, feel fatigued or have other nagging symptoms you can’t figure out, it may mean your immune system is weakened. There are often warning signs that may give you the time to make changes and boost your immunity before becoming ill and here are 5 warning bells to look out for:-

1) Your Stress Level is Sky-High – It’s not a coincidence that you tend to get sick after a big project at work, the end of a school term or following an emotional situation at home. It is known that long-term stress weakens the responses of your immune system, putting you at higher risk of developing the common cold, for example.

2) You Always Have a Cold or Frequent Infections – It’s perfectly normal for people to sneeze and sniffle through two or three colds a year and most people bounce back in 7 to 10 days. But if you’re constantly catching colds – or have a cold that won’t go away – that’s a clear sign your immune system is struggling to keep up.

3) You Have Lots of Stomach Troubles – If you have frequent diarrhoea, gas or constipation, this can also be a sign that your immune system is compromised. Research shows that 70-80% of your immune system is located in your digestive tract. ‘Gut health’ is therefore, worth focusing on, if your immunity is compromised. The beneficial bacteria that live in your gut help to defend against infection and support the immune system. Low amounts of these helpful gut bacteria can leave you at risk to viruses, chronic inflammation and even auto-immune disease.

4) Your Wounds Are Slow to Heal – Your skin goes into damage control mode after you get a burn, cut or scrape. Your body works to protect the wound by sending nutrient-rich blood to the injury to help regenerate new skin. This healing process depends on healthy immune cells, but if your immune system is sluggish, your skin can’t regenerate and your wounds may linger.

5) You Feel Tired All the Time – You know that burning the candle at both ends is bound to leave you feeling sluggish, but if you’re getting enough sleep and still suffering from exhaustion, it’s worth considering whether it’s your immune system trying to tell you something.

If these warning signs sound familiar, you need to give your immune system some extra attention. Think of your immune system as the gatekeeper for what gets in and what stays out of your body, like Hodor from Game of Thrones if you will. To keep your gatekeeper strong and healthy, a few lifestyle changes and new habits can naturally assist, and that’s what will be covered in the next episode.

Apologies for the cliff hanger but be sure to check it out to continue where we left off, for some more bitesize bits to help your health flourish.

Bye bye!