Massage, Nutrition & Your Immune System

Stay Healthy This Cold & Flu Season

There are many reasons to get a massage: relaxation, muscle tension reduction, stress relief, and it just feels good. But did you know that regular massage can help keep you healthy during the winter cold and flu season?

The use of massage increases white blood cell activity. White blood cells are important to your immune system because they target and destroy harmful infectious agents that cause bacteria and infections. Massage also increases blood flow of white and red blood cells to your organs carrying with them the vitamins and minerals your organs need to perform.

People most commonly get sick by a combination of lack of sleep, stress and poor nutrition. Managing your stress is important for your immune system. The more stress you carry, the less sleep you receive and the lower your immunities fall. Massage slows down your heart rate and regulates your breathing, therefore reducing stress, and promoting a more restful sleep.

Massage, combined with a healthful diet, will strengthen your immunity. I have put a list of 6 foods that pack a punch in your nutrition, increasing your immunities.

• MUSHROOMS: These tasty little guys contain selenium. Low selenium levels have been linked to developing more severe flu. A healthy immune system requires B vitamins, riboflavin and niacin which are all found in the fungi.
• WATERMELON: Not only refreshing and hydrating, this delicious fruit contains glutathione, an antioxidant which is known to strengthen the immune system.
• CABBAGE: This leafy green also contains glutathione and is cheap and easy to find in these winter months. Throw into your soups to sneak in some added antioxidants.
• ALMONDS: A recommended ¼ cup of almonds a day carries nearly 50% of your daily intake of vitamin E, an immune booster. The nut also contain niacin, riboflavin and vitamin B which can ease the effects of stress.
• TEA: Both green and black teas are loaded with disease fighting polyphenols and flavonoids . These amazing antioxidants seek out free radicals and destroy them. Regular and decaff work equally as well.
•   SWEET POTATOES: These sweet tubers contain beta-carotene which mops up the damaged free radicals and also carries vitamin A that is linked to the slowing down of the ageing process.

Good nutrition and a rested, low stressed body is the key to staying healthy during this cold and flu season.