Autumn Wellness Essentials: Stay Healthy and Happy This Fall We are already in Autumn. In the current autumn season, it is advisable to take preventive measures against common weather ailments. This includes wearing warm clothing to protect your body from the cold and wind. Incorporating certain nutrients and natural herbs into your diet can also help to reduce the risk of developing acute illnesses such as coughs, colds, sore throats etc.
The immune system plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of infectious diseases. A healthy immune system can help protect against and limit the impact of surrounding infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Autumn can bring about a variety of health issues as the weather begins to change.
Here are some common autumn ailments and tips on how to manage them.
Seasonal Allergies: Autumn can trigger allergies due to an increase in mould spores and pollen from weeds. To manage allergies, try to avoid allergens, keep windows closed, use air purifiers.
Essential oils can be a natural and soothing way to manage seasonal allergies. Here are some essential oils that are commonly used for this purpose.
Better to use Certified Organic Essential oils such as Lavender, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Chamomile, Peppermint etc. To use these oils, you can add a few drops to a diffuser and inhale the steam, or mix them with a carrier oil (such as coconut or almond oil) and apply them to your skin.
Always do a patch test before using any essential oil topically, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or allergies.
Dry Skin: As the air becomes drier, many people experience dry skin. To combat this, use moisturisers regularly, take shorter showers with lukewarm water, and use a humidifier in your home. Increase water intake.
Herbal and nutritional support as well as specific skin care products may required for individuals with allergies and sensitive or problem prone skin.
Common Cold: With the temperature fluctuating, it's common to catch a cold in autumn. To prevent colds, wash your hands frequently, avoid close contact with sick individuals, and consider getting a flu shot.
Flu: The flu season typically begins in autumn. To protect yourself from the flu, get vaccinated if recommended by your practitioner, wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, and stay away from sick individuals.
For prevention or reducing symptoms, Olive leaf extract, elderberry, Sambucus along with vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, and probiotics are basic recommended supplements to consider.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Some people may experience SAD, a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, usually in autumn and winter. To manage SAD, get regular exposure to natural light, maintain a routine, exercise regularly, and consider light therapy.
It's highly recommended that take your vitamin D with food and essential fats (Vitamin D is fat soluble which needs essential fats for better absorption).
Joint Pain: Cold weather can exacerbate joint pain, especially in individuals with arthritis. Stay warm, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and consider using heat and cold therapy to alleviate joint pain.
Respiratory Infections: Autumn is also a common time for respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. To reduce your risk, practice good hygiene, avoid smoking and exposure to secondhanded smoke, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In addition to supplementation, certain lifestyle habits can also help prevent or reduce the severity of autumn ailments. These include getting at least 6-8 hours of sound sleep, staying hydrated with plenty of water and fluids, engaging in at least 30 minutes of daily exercise, and incorporating certain home remedies into your routine.
Home remedies:
Starting or ending your day with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of ginger juice, and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in warm water can help boost your immune system.
Consuming one clove of New Zealand garlic daily, either with or without food depending on your digestive abilities, is also beneficial.
By taking preventive measures and managing these common autumn ailments, you can stay healthy and enjoy the beauty of the season.
It is important to seek medical advice from your healthcare provider if your condition worsens despite these measures.
