Give your immune system a boost

PLANNING holidays this year? According to a study done in Australia, respiratory infections are common among travellers.

It was reported that respiratory infections occur in up to 20% of all travellers, making these conditions almost as common as traveller’s diarrhoea.

Upper respiratory infections are more common than lower respiratory infections. They may be caused by bacteria or viruses which are easily spread through coughing or sneezing.

While travelling increases the risks of getting respiratory infections, being in confined spaces such as offices, schools and shops, may also increase one’s risk of getting sick if one is in close proximity with those with coughs and colds.

Most cough and flu viruses are passed through respiratory droplets.

Viruses can also be transmitted through intimate contacts actions like kissing, or by touching something or someone who is “contaminated”.

The risk of getting a cold or the flu can be greatly reduced by frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds, avoiding contact with those infected and avoid shaking hands with someone with a respiratory infection.

Other than that, a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet and adequate sleep also play major roles in boosting the immune system. Gut health plays an important role in immunity.

About 70% of immune cells are found in the intestines, digestive health clearly has a major impact on overall health. Build and enhance digestive health by maintaining a healthy balance of intestinal microflora.

The composition of intestinal microflora varies between individuals and depends on a number of factors such as age, diet and environment.

A disruption in the composition will increase one’s risk of getting sick.

Consumption of probiotics is recommended to support and maintain the balance of intestinal microflora.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host when consumed. They protect against infections by producing lactic acid and stimulating the immune system to increase phagocytosis, both of which kill bad bacteria.

They also compete with pathogens, or harmful bacteria, for nutrient and adhesion sites in the intestines.

Howaru Protect probiotics

A study published in Pediatrics – the American Academy of Pediatrics’ official journal 2009 – showed that Howaru Protect probiotics supported respiratory health of children during the cold and flu season with the duration of symptoms shortened from six and a half days to three and a half days.

With 10 billion CFU (colonyforming units), there was significant reduction in antibiotic use, fever by 72.7%, cough by 62.1%, runny nose by 58.9% and the number of sick days.

Another study was conducted to investigate how probiotics helped physically active adults stay healthy for optimal sports performance.

This study, published in Clinical Nutrition, found that the formulation promoted a greater level of physical activity.

It significantly extended exercise duration and improved training intensity, as well as delayed the onset of respiratory infections.

If you are always on the move, consider taking a powder-based probiotic which has been dried and stabilised properly.

Although dormant, the probiotics remain alive and are activated upon reaching the moist environment in the body.

Powder probiotics are also more convenient as they do not require refrigeration.

The daily consumption of probiotics helps top up beneficial bacteria in the body.

Consuming Howaru Protect probiotics is no doubt a smart and easy way to ensure the good health of the entire family.

This information is brought to you by an in-house pharmacist at Cambert (M) Sdn Bhd.

For details, visit www. kordels.com.my/protect or call the infoline at 1300 881 712 or e-mail ask-kordels@ cambert.com.my