Isolation nutrition tips from resident Melanie Anne Salisbury

Melanie Anne Salisbury, Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist offers her nutritional advice to those in isolation and working from home.

A healthy functioning immune system is one of the most important factors in protecting ourselves; it’s vital for our defence against unwanted pathogens such as bacteria, microbes and viruses. This is the time to focus on those healthy options you may have been putting off, including both daily activities and food choices. Through nutrition and lifestyle interventions we can strengthen our immune defences and keep our mind and body as healthy as we can.

Make sure all food produce is washed thoroughly before consumption. Use hot soapy water to scrub all fruit and vegetables. There seems to be a low risk here in contamination but all prevention measures will contribute to lowering the rate of transmission.

• Think COLOUR! Red, orange, green, purple – peppers, carrots, cabbage, broccoli and beetroot – all densely packed with vitamins A & C, crucial in immune support and fighting infection
• Eat the WHOLE PLANT. The bitter peels and skins, seeds, pulps and leaves are where the rich antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds lie
• SOUPS and STEWS are a great way to ensure an abundance of vitamins and minerals. With all the time we have at home is a great opportunity to cook in larger quantities to keep you going over 2 or 3 days. No need to waste any vegetables that may not be so fresh.
• KEEP SUGAR INTAKE LOW. This includes alcohol and refined/starchy carbohydrates! Try to replace sugary snacks, toast and crackers with something more sustaining like a handful of nuts, seeds, an apple or carrot.
• HYDRATION IS KEY. Staying hydrated is crucial in maintaining healthy function of all bodily systems. Drink fluids throughout the day to ensure your digestive and urinary systems flush out waste regularly. This can include herbal teas such as nettle, fennel, chamomile and lemon balm. These particular herbs have calming effects too that can settle both the gut and the mind.

Melanie is available for 1-2-1 virtual appointments via the Well Garden at: info@thewellgarden.co.uk

The Well Garden is also offering bespoke appointments online in Reiki, Homeopathy, Sound Therapy, Art Psychotherapy, Creative Healing and Meditation Sessions.