HEALTH + WELLNESS
THE 12 CONDITIONS of Christmas
AHH , CHRISTMAS , THE TIME OF THE YEAR WHEN MANY OF US SEEM TO THROW CAUTION TO THE WIND – WE ESCHEW PILATES WITH WILD ABANDON FAVOURING TO OVERINDULGE AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY ; WE FORGET HOW STRESSED OVERSPENDING CAN MAKE US WHEN SEEMINGLY SHOPPING TO FEED THE FIVE THOUSAND ; AND THEN WE GET ILL , MAINLY BECAUSE WE ’ VE DRUNK TOO MUCH AND HAVE REMOVED ANY FORM OF STABILISING ROUTINE FROM OUR LIVES . THERE ’ S NO DENYING IT ’ S WILDLY FUN , BUT THE FESTIVE SEASON CAN BE PRETTY UNHEALTHY TOO . POLLY HUMPHRIS LOOKS AT THE 12 MOST PROBABLE CONDITIONS OF CHRISTMAS AND HOW WE CAN TACKLE THEIR DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS .
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1 The common cold
Sneezing ? Itchy throat ? It ’ s the time of year when the common cold ’ s grip is strongest , and , with over 200 common cold viruses , wintry temperatures and busy schedules to contend with , it ’ s no wonder we tend to catch every one going as Christmas approaches . The good news is that your most powerful preventative is likely sat right under your nose ; it ’ s garlic . Packed full of active ingredient , allicin , which fights infection and bacteria , onion ’ s equally odourous cousin has been used for centuries across many different cultures and is known for its protective properties . A powerful immune supporter , garlic boosts natural killer-cell activity and increases the efficiency of antibody production ; your breath might be questionable , but it ’ ll be worth it .
2 Cold sores
The second most common virus worldwide - trailing only behind the common cold and caused by classic Christmas nasties colds and flu , fatigue , and poor nutritional intake amongst others - cold sores are small , fluid-filled blisters that develop on the lips or around the mouth thanks to the cold sore virus , HSV1 . If your immune system is comprised , cold sores can strike , so boost it with a breakfast of yoghurt , oats and fresh fruit before you get stuck into another cheeseboard .
3 Sore feet
Christmas means dancing shoes , family walks and lots of hours in the kitchen , which can all take their toll on your tootsies , so it ’ s a good time to show them some love . Heel and arch pain in particular are very common in those who spend long periods on their feet , but regular massage with a PediRoller ( www . pediroller . co . uk ) will help to strengthen the foot muscles , prevent straining and reduce the pain .
4 The party hangover
Even the very best of party-season intentions can lead to a night of drinking followed by a day spent dealing with a horrid hangover . If you ’ ve enjoyed one too many mulled wines and wake up fuzzy headed , hit the vitamin C – it ’ ll help your body recover from ingested toxins as it speeds up the metabolism of alcohol by the liver . Swap fuzzy for fizzy by stocking up on effervescent vitamin C tablets to help replenish your levels and quench your thirst .
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