Looking after your health

1. The health mechanism

Every day, our body is subject to minor external stresses caused by pollution, tobacco, alcohol abuse, food, our lifestyle, etc. These release free radicals which damage cells and so attack us from within.

Free radicals are necessary to the body, but only in low quantities. If there are too many free radicals, they attack cells and destroy or seriously damage them. Free radicals can cause the onset of a number of disorders and illnesses: arthritis, heart problems, skin ageing and wrinkles, etc.

Vitamins, minerals and amino acids can in fact help prevent the onset of many illnesses by neutralising free radicals. This is what happens when you take antioxidants (Vitamins A, B, C, E, Selenium, Cysteine).

When you become ill or are injured, the body reacts straight away. But it does it with the elements available to it, and which depend broadly on your dietary habits and condition. As we age, the body finds it harder to assimilate essential nutrients:
gastric secretion declines, enzyme activity decreases and the entire immune system is affected.
At 60 years of age, the immune system has lost 2/3 of the efficiency it had in childhood.

The outcome is that your body does not defend itself as strongly as it once did and problems arise.

2. The right food for staying healthy?

Diet plays a determining role in health. Certain nutritional rules are key assets in preventing and reducing the risk of illness. It is therefore important to ensure you eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Diet and healthy lifestyle

Of course, a healthy lifestyle is beneficial if it combines good nutrition with physical activity. Indeed, an over sedentary lifestyle increases cardiovascular risk. Beware of restrictive diets where there is a risk of deficiencies. Our diet must stay balanced so that it provides the body with all the nutrients it needs to help prevent health risks.

•    The importance of Vitamins E and C

Vitamins E and C are recommended for their powerful antioxidant action. Vitamin E is very useful in terms of warding off cardiovascular risk and cancers (colon, breast, uterine). It is found in the carotene in fruit and vegetables (spinach, broccoli) and in the skin of fruit. It is also present in other foods: vegetable oils, egg yolk, onions. Vitamin C strengthens the body’s natural defences. This crucial vitamin is found in high quantity in fresh fruit and vegetables: oranges, kiwi fruit, peppers, etc.

•      The role of Vitamins B6 and D 

Vitamin B6, found in meat, fish, whole grain cereal and fresh vegetables is important for the body. It helps preserve muscle tissue. Vitamin D controls absorption of calcium and its attachment to the bone. It helps prevent osteoporosis. It is found in fish and is also created when sunlight is in contact with the skin. Elderly people often suffer from Vitamin D deficiencies.

•    Other essential nutrients and plants

There are numerous other essential nutrients and plants with preventive or curative properties to help with various health problems. Iron and Red Vine stimulate blood circulation by helping transport oxygen in the body.

Magnesium has the virtue of rebalancing the nervous system and encouraging muscle relaxation. Hawthorn, Valerian and Passion Flower aid restful sleep. And Calcium helps strengthen the bones.

3. Sport: your health insurance

You are not in full health if you don’t subject your body to a physical activity of some kind. Sport combats fatigue, helps control weight and facilitates elimination. More precisely it strengthens the immune system, helps the treatment of diabetes, increases energy and a feeling of well-being and encourages the assimilation of vitamins, minerals and proteins.

Exercise also stimulates the production of endorphins and so reduces stress and depression. Lastly, it protects you from heart attacks, lowers blood pressure and reduces cholesterol levels. Conclusion: it's in your interest to exercise!