Holistic Health

With the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), immune system health has come to the fore. Our amazingly complex immune systems keep our bodies functioning in the face of constant threats, but they may require some assistance from us from time to time.

Try to avoid stress, anxiety and panic, as these trigger the nervous system and stress hormones. The adrenal glands then produce more adrenaline and cortisol. In experiments, adrenaline given intravenously to subjects was shown to lower magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium levels in the body. Magnesium has a strong relationship with the immune system, and the body’s magnesium level should be restored to keep the immune system working properly.

Yeast overgrowth is a major immune suppressant. Yeast produces 178 separate toxins that, once released, have to be eliminated. The work required to expel these toxins uses up nutrients and takes energy away from other body functions, especially the immune system. Do your best to eliminate food that feeds yeast, such as high-sugar fruit, sugar, grains that contain gluten, rancid nuts and caffeine.

Avoiding fast food and junk food is also critical to the health of the immune system. According to research in Germany, the immune system reacts similarly to a diet high in fat and fast food high in kilojoules as it does to a bacterial infection.

• Johanita Louw farms vegetables and has had a lifelong interest in holistic nutrition. Email her at farmersweekly@caxton.co.za. Subject line: Holistic health.