The road to recovery after infection

ARE you recovering after COVID-19? I am not an expert in this area by any means, but I have been looking into what you could do to help improve your recovery. There are lifestyle factors to consider along with supplements to support overall wellbeing and health. I have a few go to supplements that I normally recommend for energy and recovery after illness including Strath Elixir, Revive Active, and Terranova Life Drink.

Terranova Life Drink is great for supporting those that may have difficulty utilising nutrition from their diet due to illness. But I wondered if there were any other approach you could take. So, I asked Laura from Terranova Nutrition.

Her advice is to think of antioxidants such as vitamin C and Zinc.

“You can imagine how much fighting went on between immune cells, virally infected cells and the virus. This ‘fighting’ causes an increase in oxidants and these build up, accounting for symptoms like pain, aches, headaches, and even swelling. We have a complex and miraculous system for producing antioxidants and if there is an imbalance in the body’s antioxidant system it leads to oxidative stress and inflammation”.

As well as the supplements that I mentioned above, Laura would look at both diet and antioxidants such as vitamin C, Zinc, or NAC, for extra support.

Laura also talked about medicinal mushrooms which have a wide variety of immune modulating properties, helpful for anyone recovering from any illness. One popular mushroom is Cordyceps. Research shows that the active compound Cordycepin increases aerobic capacity and supports respiratory function. Stress lowers immunity and impairs recovery. Relaxing your body with specific breathing and relaxation exercises, can help your body’s natural relaxation system be more effective.

Research has shown that sleep promotes our white blood cell (specifically T cell) activity to maintain immune system balance and support recovery. Take Magnesium to increase GABA, a neurotransmitter which encourages relaxation and sleep.

If you’re finding it difficult to get back on your feet, please don’t feel embarrassed or worried, Natural Health store are happy to help.

Clair Whitty is a Bach Flower Practitioner, a Nutritional Health Coach at The Natural Health Store, 24 North Main Street, Wexford

053 9121613 | clair@naturalhealthstore.ie | www.naturalhealthstore.ie