Traditional health strategies for spring

Your Spring Immune Boost

As winter fades, spring brings renewed energy and longer days. However, the transition can also make our immune systems more vulnerable. This spring, strengthen your defences naturally with time-tested strategies and targeted support from Dulwich Health.

The Spring Immune Challenge: Why Now?

Seasonal changes can impact immunity due to fluctuations in temperature, increased exposure to allergens, and shifts in daylight hours. Supporting your immune system during this transition is crucial for staying healthy and enjoying all that spring has to offer. In the UK, the weather is quite unpredictable, and we are met with constant fluctuations in temperature, increased pollen in the air, and harsh winds making it feel colder than it is, resulting in our bodies catching colds, fevers, and allergies (1).

Traditional Wisdom for Spring Wellness:

For centuries, various cultures have used specific practices to thrive during seasonal shifts:

• Prioritise Nutrient-Rich Foods: Spring is a time for fresh, seasonal produce. Focus on fruits, vegetables, and herbs known for their immune-boosting properties.
  
  

• Stay Active Outdoors: Gentle exercise and outdoor activities support overall well-being and immune function.
  
  

• Manage Stress: Spring can be a busy time. Incorporate stress-reducing practices like yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
  
  

• Ensure Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support optimal immune function.
  
  

• Traditional Remedies: Herbal Teas like ginger and lemon are great to drink.
  
  

Bio-Pycnogenol: Nature's Time-Tested Immune Ally:

Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract from French maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster). It's standardised to contain 65% procyanidins, which are active plant substances with powerful antioxidant properties (4). Grown in a 2.5 million-acre plantation in Southwestern France, the trees are cultivated sustainably without pesticides or herbicides (4). In addition, it also helps to provide oxidative protection whilst also contributing to normal blood circulation (4).

Pycnogenol contains beneficial plant compounds such as catechin, epicatechin, flavones, and taxifolin. Due to the wide range of beneficial compounds found naturally in Pycnogenol, it has a wide range of potential benefits to human health.

Pycnogenol’s Unique Blend of Active Compounds Offers Four Basic Properties:

• Antioxidant
  
  

• Anti-inflammatory
  
  

• Generate collagen and hyaluronic acid
  
  

• Aids in the production of endothelial nitric oxide which helps to dilate blood vessels
  
  

It has been shown to inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells that were aggravated by an irritant (1).

(Information Sourced from Pharma Nord)

Key Benefits of Bio-Pycnogenol for Spring Immune Support:

• Powerful Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage caused by free radicals, supporting overall immune function (4).
  
  

• Supports Circulation: Promotes healthy blood flow, essential for delivering immune cells and nutrients throughout the body (4).
  
  

• Reduces Inflammation: Helps balance the immune response and manage inflammation, which can weaken immunity (4).
  
  

Other Dulwich Health Immune Support Products:

• AlliTech: Nature's Powerful Defence: Stabilised allicin extract supports the body's defence against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Allicin exists as garlic’s natural defence mechanism against microbes in the soil, thanks to its ability to inhibit bacteria and fungi reproduction.. Allisure® allicin extract is 100% stabilised by a patented process; preserving its structure so the body can benefit from its impressive properties, which are normally lost in the process of cooking, preparation, and digestion.
  
  

• Vitamin C: An essential nutrient known for its role in supporting immune cell function and antioxidant protection. Vitamin C helps the production of immune cells
  
  

• Bio-Selenium + Zinc: A synergistic combination for immune support and antioxidant defence. Selenium is an essential mineral that our body cannot make ourselves, meaning we have to obtain this through diet and supplements. Selenium plays an important role in supporting our immune system by helping to create selenoproteins, some of which are potent antioxidants that help to combat free radicals (2).
  
  Zinc is important for developing and maintaining immune cells, playing a central role in the immune system (3)
  
  
  

• Bio-Culture: Probiotics to maintain a healthy gut environment, which is critical for immune health.
  
  
  

• Vitamin D: It is said that we only gain sufficient levels during the summer months, making it important to supplement during spring to make sure our levels do not become too low.
  
  

• Consider also incorporating VitTech Mega Multi Vitamins in your daily routine.

Practical Tips for a Spring Immune Boost:

• Start Your Day with Sunlight: Exposure to morning sunlight helps regulate circadian rhythms, supporting sleep and immune function.
  
  

• Hydrate with Herbal Teas: Warm herbal teas like ginger, chamomile, or lemon can soothe and support the immune system.
  
  

• Spring Cleaning for Your Body: Consider a gentle detox or cleanse to support the body's natural elimination processes.
  
  

• Prioritise Rest and Recovery: Avoid overexertion and allow your body ample time to rest and recover.
  
  

• Mindful Breathing: Simple breathing exercises can calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
  
  

Embrace a Vibrant Spring

By combining traditional health strategies with targeted support from Dulwich Health, you can navigate the spring season with a strong and resilient immune system.

Visit Dulwich Health today to explore our full range of immune-supporting supplements and discover natural solutions for a vibrant spring.

References:

1. Botelho J, Machado V, Proença L, Delgado AS, Mendes JJ. Vitamin D deficiency and Oral Health: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7285165/. Published May 19, 2020. Accessed February 27, 2023.
   
   

2. Gill h, walker g. Selenium, immune function, and resistance to viral infections. Nutrition & dietetics. 2008;65. Doi:10.1111/j.1747-0080.2008.00260.x
   
   

3. Prasad as. Zinc in human health: effect of zinc on immune cells. Molecular medicine. 2008;14(5-6):353-357. Doi:10.2119/2008-00033.prasad
   
   

4. Nattagh‐Eshtivani E, Gheflati A, Barghchi H, et al. The role of Pycnogenol in the control of inflammation and oxidative stress in chronic diseases: Molecular aspects. Phytotherapy Research. 2022;36(6):2352-2374. Doi:10.1002/ptr.7454

5. Pharmanord. Bio Pycnogenol: Natures most versatile supplement: 
   (https://www.pharmanord.co.uk/news/bio-pycnogenol-natures-most-versatile-supplement?sectionId=1004094)