Now that Safe Management Measures (SMM) are being lifted and we are embracing a new normal, safeguarding the health and immunity of your whole family as well as yours must be a new normal as well. In fact, it’s important to do this more diligently at this point in time, where we are vulnerable to viruses and bacteria. Read on to find out how these natural extracts can help to support and enhance your family’s natural immune defences!
Why Boosting Your Family’s Immune System is Important
Did you know that our immune system recognises millions of different antigens? It then produces what is required to eradicate almost all of them1! Our immune system is our body’s first line of defence. When it is working properly, it fights against disease-causing germs, bacteria, viruses, fungi and toxins that make us susceptible to all sorts of illnesses2. As such, it can keep health problems from the common cold and flu to Covid at bay.
When your family members have a strong immune system, it means everyone at home is hale and hearty. It means fewer sick days and more time to embrace life and all that it has to offer! Parents, don’t forget that you of all people really need a strong immune system because you take care of everyone!
Tips for Boosting Immune System
That begs the question of how to boost your immune system. While genetics may have a part to play, 58% of your immune system is completely determined by non-genetic factors2 such as your food and lifestyle choices. So yes, you do have control over it. Here’s what you can do to boost your immune system.
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Beauty Sleep, Healthy Body
Sleep is an important factor to strengthen your natural immunity. Also, when you’re sick, you tend to sleep more to allow your immune system to better fight off the illness3. Mums and dads need at least 7 hours of sleep while children need 8-10 hours or even more if they are younger!
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You Are What You Eat (and Drink!)
Unhealthy food choices, processed food, and too much sugar isn’t good for your immune system. Instead, opt for whole plant foods and nuts that are rich in antioxidants. Fibre in plant foods and fermented foods rich in probiotics help to keep your gut healthy and a healthy gut improves your immunity2. Eat fruits rich in Vitamin C for it is highly coveted in boosting immunity to fight against the cold, flu and Covid! Do also include healthy fats found in olive oil and salmon as these also boost your body’s response to pathogens by decreasing inflammation!
Don’t forget to drink up to stay strong and healthy. Dehydration affects your physical performance, mood, focus, digestion, heart and kidney functions3. In addition, dehydration reduces the overall volume of blood and lymphatic fluids that are important in a healthy immune system response2.
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Get Moving, Sweat it Out
Moderate exercise is key to reducing inflammation and helping your immune cells to regenerate regularly. Exercise also helps to maintain good cardiovascular health, controls your weight and acts as a stress buster among other things. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week4. Bike, walk, jog, swim, whatever you fancy. Here’s a bonus – why not do it as a family? It’s a great way to bond and spend quality time together!
Don’t Forget Good Oral Health
Given that we are living in the midst of Covid-19, and newer strains and viruses are reaching our shores, it’s important that we are vigilant and take even better care of ourselves and our families. Apart from taking the above-mentioned steps, we must ensure good oral health. Your mouth is your gateway to your digestive and respiratory tracts; thus, it links to your immune system5.
Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth is necessary. But that may not be enough. A great way to help maintain good oral health is by using Difflam® Herbal Mouth Spray.
It contains 7 natural extracts that support and enhance your natural immune defences.
Two of its key extracts are Propolis and Echinacea:
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- Propolis extracts: Contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties6
- Echinacea extracts: Help support and enhance immune system to help reduce symptoms and improve resistance to infections7
It also contains other natural ingredients to provide a soothing and cooling sensation!
All you’ve got to do is spray it 2-3 times a day and the herbal minty flavour will keep your mouth fresh and also help stop bad breath.
Difflam® Herbal Mouth Spray is suitable for the whole family, from the youngest to the oldest and is brought to you by the Difflam brand, a known and trusted brand for families for over 30 years.
Mums, these are some simple ways in which you can boost your family’s natural defences. As Covid is here to stay, we have to learn to live with the virus. While some of us may be apprehensive about the removal of SMM, there is really no need to be paranoid. Normalcy now simply includes consciously putting in more effort to keep ourselves safe. We actively need to safeguard our family’s health and a great way is with Difflam Herbal Mouth Spray. Keep a bottle handy at times like this to seamlessly fit into your family’s daily routine. Difflam® Herbal Mouth Spray is available at all Guardian, Unity and Watson stores. Visit difflam.sg to find out more.
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional if you or your family member has a known medical condition, are pregnant or nursing.
References
- https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/how-use-your-immune-system-stay-healthy#:~:text=A%20healthy%20immune%20system%20protects,and%20destroy%20these%20foreign%20substances.
- https://www.echn.org/blog/the-importance-of-protecting-your-immune-system/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/sleeping-when-sick
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/exercise/faq-20057916#:~:text=For%20most%20healthy%20adults%2C%20the,of%20moderate%20and%20vigorous%20activity.
- Senel, S. An Overview of Physical, Microbiological and Immune Barriers of Oral Mucosa. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021;22:7821
- Wagh VD. Advances in Pharmacological Sciences 2013, Art. ID 308249
- EMA/HMPC/557979/2013 Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products. 24 Nov 2014