Hydration, Immunity and Intermittent Fasting (IF)

As we enjoy some bursts of sun, we know all too well how temperamental the British weather can be and the spring-time is no different. The sun might be shining above but it can still get quite cold or windy. Products with high SPF (30 and 50) are necessary on a daily basis to protect our body’s exterior from risks such as sun damage, but what about our body on the inside? 

Hydration. 

The sun might not be blazing however, we still face up to 1.5L of water loss daily. Make sure you’re staying hydrated regardless of the weather forecast by drinking plenty of liquids, eating fruits and vegetables with high water content and taking oral hydration remedies to replenish crucial electrolytes in your blood system. Making sure we are well hydrated can help us to digest food, increase brain performance, enhance body temperature regulation and much more. 

The Immune System. 

The body relies on a strong immune system to optimally conduct its daily functions. We must establish steps in our daily routine to ensure we are doing everything in our power to support our immune system in order to avoid falling ill, or to tackle any (seasonal) cold or flu. There is a multitude of advice online however, it is important to remember that every person is different therefore, we must try a few different methods to figure out what works best for us as an individual. If you are lucky, perhaps all of them will help to give your immune system the support it needs!

  1. Eat more whole plant foods

Vitamin C is essential to support our system and reduce the duration of colds and flus but unfortunately, it is water soluble and cannot be stored in our body. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes have an abundance of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants that can help to give the immune system a boost and assist in decreasing inflammation around the body. Plant foods are packed with fiber that feeds the healthy bacteria found in the gut which is crucial because having healthy gut microbiome can ameliorate your immunity and aid in keeping harmful pathogens from entering the body. 

 

  1. Take cold shower 

Some studies have suggested that taking a short, daily cold shower can help to stimulate your immune system, mental health and metabolism. In addition, they can be beneficial for the cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems. 

 

  1. Probiotics

Probiotics can be crucial in maintaining a strong immune system as they have been proven to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the gut. Essentially, they have the ability to successfully compete against pathogens for nutrients for growth and proliferation.

 

 

  1. Stay hydrated - Hydralyte 

Staying hydrated helps us avoid the harsh symptoms of dehydration and allows us to maintain and improve focus, mood, digestion, and other vital functions. 

Intermittent Fasting. 

Many people have begun to adopt intermitting fasting into their lifestyle, while some may follow a specific schedule due to religious commitments. Whether it be for health or religious reasons, the primary focus is often on food and when to and not to eat meaning that hydration gets neglected. Drinking an oral rehydration remedy like Hydralyte can seriously improve how you feel throughout the day as you are replenishing your body with enough essential electrolytes to last for the duration of fasting. This will allow for a more comfortable and hopefully easier fast. 

Hydralyte has four times the number of electrolytes than leading sports drinks and rehydrates faster than coconut water and water alone. Despite containing 75% less sugar than the afore mentioned drinks, Hydralyte tastes delicious and sweet, and it can be enjoyed by the whole family. The recommended portion is two tablets or one sachet per 200ml of water which makes it easier for those of us who forget to constantly drink water, leading to a better-quality, more rapid hydration.

 

 

 

 

 

References:

 

  • “10 Reasons Why Hydration is Important.” www.ncoa.org, 23 Sept. 2021, www.ncoa.org/article/10-reasons-why-hydration-is-important.
  • “6 Ways to Boost Your Immune System This Spring.” UPPLIVA SAUNA & STEAM, 3 Apr. 2020, uppliva.ca/blog/2020/4/23/6-ways-to-boost-your-immune-system-this-spring.
  • Buijze, Geert A., et al. “The Effect of Cold Showering on Health and Work: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” PLOS ONE, vol. 11, no. 9, 15 Sept. 2016, p. e0161749, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5025014/, 10.1371/journal.pone.0161749.
  • Hof, Wim. “Welcome to the Official Wim Hof Method Website.” Wimhofmethod.com, 2019, www.wimhofmethod.com/.
  • Elliott, Brianna. “Does Too Much Vitamin c Cause Side Effects?” Healthline, 14 Dec. 2019, www.healthline.com/nutrition/side-effects-of-too-much-vitamin-c#:~:text=Vitamin%20C%20is%20water%2Dsoluble%20and%20not%20stored%20in%20your%20body&text=In%20contrast%20to%20fat%2Dsoluble.
  • Gunnars, Kris. “10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Intermittent Fasting.” Healthline, 13 May 2021, www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-health-benefits-of-intermittent-fasting#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2.
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