Onto Fitness Australia

Tag: Immune Support

  • Bolstering Your Immune System To Stay Healthy

    Bolstering your immune system is a great way to stay healthy, especially during cold and flu season. Here are some effective, science-backed strategies for boosting your immune defenses:

    1. Eat a Balanced Diet

    • Focus on Whole Foods: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods are high in essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, E, and zinc, which are all critical for immune function.
    • Add Probiotics: Foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented foods contain probiotics that promote gut health. A healthy gut is linked to a robust immune system.

    2. Stay Hydrated

    • Water is essential for every system in the body, including the immune system. Staying hydrated ensures that nutrients reach your cells effectively and helps flush toxins from your body.
    • Aim for about 8 glasses of water a day, but adjust based on your activity level and climate.

    3. Exercise Regularly

    • Moderate exercise, like walking, cycling, or swimming, can improve immune function. Exercise boosts circulation, making it easier for immune cells to move through your body.
    • Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week.

    4. Get Enough Sleep

    • Sleep is essential for immune health. During sleep, your body repairs itself and strengthens immune cells.
    • Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.

    5. Manage Stress

    • Chronic stress can weaken your immune system by releasing hormones like cortisol, which suppresses immune function.
    • Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. Regular physical activity can also help reduce stress.

    6. Maintain Good Hygiene

    • Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating and after being in public spaces.
    • Avoid touching your face, as this can transfer germs from surfaces to your nose, mouth, and eyes.

    7. Consider Immune-Boosting Supplements

    • Vitamin C: Known for its immune-boosting properties, vitamin C can help reduce the severity and duration of colds.
    • Vitamin D: Especially helpful during winter, when there’s less sunlight. Vitamin D plays a key role in immune defense.
    • Zinc: Essential for immune cell function and known to reduce the duration of colds if taken at the onset of symptoms.
    • Elderberry, Echinacea, and Probiotics: These natural supplements have shown potential benefits for immune support in some studies.

    8. Get Outdoors

    • Spending time in nature can reduce stress and improve mood, both of which benefit immune health. Exposure to sunlight also helps your body produce vitamin D, which is important for immune function.

    9. Avoid Excessive Alcohol and Smoking

    • Both alcohol and smoking can impair immune function, making you more susceptible to infections. Limit alcohol intake and, if you smoke, consider taking steps to quit.

    10. Stay Up-to-Date with Vaccinations

    • Vaccinations are a crucial way to protect yourself from serious illnesses. Make sure to stay current with flu shots and other recommended vaccines based on your age and health status.

    By adopting these habits, you can strengthen your immune system and improve your overall well-being. Consistency is key, so try to incorporate these tips into your daily routine for the best results.

  • Benefits of Combining Vitamin C with Rosehip

    Combining vitamin C with rosehip is a potent and natural way to enhance your health, immunity, and skin. Rosehips, the fruit of the wild rose plant, are naturally high in vitamin C, making them a powerful antioxidant. Adding rosehip to vitamin C supplements creates a synergistic effect that amplifies the benefits, offering a blend that supports skin health, immune function, and overall vitality.

    Key Benefits of Vitamin C and Rosehip

    1. Enhanced Immune Support
      Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system, helping your body fend off infections and viruses. Rosehip is rich in additional antioxidants, including flavonoids, that help combat free radicals and reduce inflammation. Together, they bolster the immune system, keeping you healthy and resilient, especially during cold seasons.
    2. Promotes Skin Health and Collagen Production
      Vitamin C is a key ingredient in collagen synthesis, the protein responsible for maintaining skin’s elasticity and firmness. Rosehip also contains vitamin A, which supports skin renewal. When combined, these two nutrients help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, boost hydration, and give your skin a natural glow.
    3. Supports Joint Health
      Rosehip has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit people with joint pain or arthritis. Vitamin C aids in the production of collagen, which is crucial for healthy cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. For individuals with joint concerns, this combination can be especially beneficial.
    4. Boosts Iron Absorption
      Vitamin C enhances iron absorption from food, which is essential for people at risk of iron deficiency. By combining vitamin C with rosehip, you can maximize your body’s ability to absorb iron, which is important for energy and overall health.
    5. Antioxidant Powerhouse
      Both vitamin C and rosehip are rich in antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from damage. This can lower the risk of chronic illnesses and promote longevity.
    6. Supports Heart Health
      The antioxidants in rosehip and vitamin C may help protect blood vessels and reduce blood pressure, supporting cardiovascular health. This combination may also aid in reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol levels and inflammation, two significant factors in heart disease.

    FAQs

    1. Are there any side effects I should be aware of?
    Vitamin C and rosehip are generally safe when taken in recommended doses. However, high doses of vitamin C (usually above 2,000 mg per day) can lead to digestive issues such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea. For rosehip, some people may experience mild side effects like stomach discomfort or allergic reactions, especially if they have plant allergies. If you have a sensitive stomach, you may want to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it as tolerated.

    2. Are there any age restrictions to taking these products?
    Vitamin C is generally safe for people of all ages, including children, though the dosage varies by age. Rosehip supplements are also safe for most adults, but they are typically not recommended for children unless under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Always consult a doctor before giving supplements to young children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or individuals with specific health conditions.

    3. Can I take vitamin C with rosehip every day?
    Yes, it is generally safe to take a daily supplement combining vitamin C and rosehip, especially if you’re using it within the recommended daily limits (typically 500–1,000 mg of vitamin C). Daily intake can support immune health, skin vitality, and antioxidant defenses.

    4. How should I take vitamin C with rosehip?
    Vitamin C and rosehip supplements come in various forms, including capsules, powders, and tablets. It’s often recommended to take them with food to improve absorption and reduce the likelihood of digestive upset. For maximum skin benefits, some people also choose topical forms with vitamin C and rosehip oil.

    5. Can vitamin C and rosehip help with weight loss?
    While vitamin C and rosehip don’t directly cause weight loss, they support overall health, energy, and immune function, which can be beneficial in a weight loss plan. Additionally, rosehip may have anti-inflammatory effects that can aid in recovery post-exercise, promoting active living as part of a healthy lifestyle.

    Final Thoughts

    Combining vitamin C with rosehip creates a powerful natural supplement that can boost immunity, promote skin health, support joints, and enhance antioxidant protection. Safe for most adults, this blend is a great addition to your wellness routine, especially during seasonal changes or times of increased stress on the immune system. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have specific health conditions or are taking medication.

  • What are mushrooms good for your health


    Mushrooms are good for your health in several ways:

    1. Nutrient-rich: They are low in calories and contain important nutrients, including selenium, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin D, proteins, and fiber.
    2. Immune support: Some studies suggest that mushrooms can boost your immune system thanks to their high content of antioxidants and beneficial polysaccharides, such as beta-glucans.
    3. Heart health: Mushrooms contain fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, which can contribute to cardiovascular health. They also have certain compounds that may help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
    4. Weight management: Being low in calories and high in fiber, mushrooms can be beneficial for those looking to manage their weight.
    5. Cancer prevention: Some research has indicated that certain types of mushrooms, like shiitake, may have anti-cancer properties, though more research is needed to confirm these findings.

    Eating mushrooms can be a beneficial part of a healthy diet, contributing to overall wellness and disease prevention.