Ill and stressed
- Are you prone to hay fever, asthma, eczema, arthritis or psoriasis?
- Do you get frequent ear, nose and throat infections?
- Do you have a tendency to fluid retention and weight fluctuations?
- Are you prone to headaches?
- Have you been on long-term steroid medications, anti-inflammatories and/or antibiotics?
- Is your diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates?
- Do you have osteoporosis, heart disease or joint problems?
These symptoms could be signs that your immune system is on overdrive. This saps energy, and suppresses the appetite- satisfaction hormones ghrelin and leptin, making weight loss particularly difficult.
What to do: Reduce your intake of sugar to cut down the harmful inflammatory reactions it may be causing in your body.
Boost your intake of foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, beta- carotene (found in fresh, brightly coloured fruit and vegetables), as well as the beneficial bioflavonoids and polyphenols found in spices, tea, green tea and garlic (as well as red wine and dark chocolate).
Increase your fruit and vegetable intake to ensure you don’t get dehydrated (because they contain potassium and sugars, they help the water they contain enter cells more easily than just drinking water).
Low levels of omega 3 in the diet can lead to inflammation, making eczema, asthma, dermatitis, hay fever, migraines and arthritis worse — stress exacerbates the effect. An omega 3 supplement may help.
Weight training is a must to strengthen bones and maintain healthy joint lubrication. Avoid hard cardiovascular workouts and choose gentle jogging or walking instead.