Dear Kim, I am a guy, aged 27. My problem is that I produce a lot of sputum (mucus), even when I am not coughing. Could this be TB? I have been like this for quite some time. I have gone for medical check ups but they have never found any problem. An x-ray has also been taken, but did not show anything. Please help. Richard.
Hi Richard, Mucus is a normal body secretion that we all have. However sometimes due to various factors, our body produces more than needed. It’s always a good idea to check with your doctor in order to rule out any major disease such as TB.
Generally, unhealthy mucous is cloudy, thick and slightly sticky. If it is yellow or green, then you probably have an infection. A brown or rusty colour to your mucus may also mean an infection, or it could be due to old, dried blood. However in your letter, you stated that the doctors did not find anything wrong with you. I therefore suspect that your excess mucus may be due to over consumption of mucus forming foods. That’s right, certain foods cause an increased amount of mucus to be produced in the body and the worst offender is dairy. Hence, I recommend that you avoid all dairy (including all milk, cheese, cream and butter) for a period of 3 weeks to see if your condition improves. Other mucus forming foods include wheat (especially refined wheat products like biscuits and bread), and sugar, so these should also be limited.
In addition, remember that irritants in the air such as pollution and cigarette smoke may also cause your body to produce excess mucus in an attempt to protect its membranes. Finally, make sure to drink plenty of clean water.
Dear Kim, What is the cause of chronic bad breath? I have been to the dentist and no dental problems with regards to my gums and teeth were identified. Are there any specific foods or diet that can help? Thanks, Elliot.
Hi Elliot,If you suffer from bad breath it is always a good idea to see a dentist (which you have done) in order to rule out gum disease and tooth infections/decay. In addition it is also important to keep your mouth clean, i.e. good dental hygiene. Brush your teeth as well as your tongue two times per day. You can also use a tongue scraper (or a spoon) to help remove bacterial plague and shed dead cells and food debris from the surface of the tongue.
Bad breath can certainly also be digestive in origin. Often it is caused by constipation, poor bowel flora (not enough of the good bacteria in your gut), as well as poor diet and digestion. If this is the case, then using mouthwash is like putting a band-aid on a broken leg. In addition, most commercial mouthwashes contain nothing more than flavoring, dye and alcohol. While they may kill the bacteria that causes the bad breath, the bacteria soon return in greater force. Mouthwashes can also irritate the gums, tongue and membranes in the mouth.
My recommendation would first and foremost be to ensure that you are drinking plenty of clean water, at least 2 liters per day. To improve digestion, make sure to eat foods that have plenty of fiber, such as vegetables, beans, lentils, oatmeal and brown rice. Always choose rollermeal instead of breakfast meal as it has a lot more fiber as well as a higher nutritional profile overall. Avoid processed foods as these clog up your intestines and contribute towards constipation. Such foods include things like biscuits, white bread and pastries. Remember, you’re aiming to have 1-2 bowel movements every day.
One of the best ways to combat bad breath is with “Green Drinks” made from high chlorophyll containing foods such as Wheat-grass and Barley-grass (available to buy in powdered form). Chlorophyll is what makes certain foods green and is the active ingredient in many popular breath mints. Chewing on some fresh parsley after meals is also good for bad breath as it contains relatively high amounts of chlorophyll. Other herbs that may be helpful for bad breath include anise, cloves and fennel.
Dear Kim, I am a man aged 29 and I have had a problem with my digestive system for a number of years now. When I consulted a doctor, I was told that I have hemorrhoids. I have tried everything prescribed to me but the problem does not go away. Recently I was also given medication to insert in the anus (suppository), which helped but only for a few months. Is there a permanent solution to such problems or anything I can do to lead a normal life, because at the moment I find it hard and painful when passing stool. John
Hi John, Hemorrhoids (also known as piles) are swollen veins around the anus and in the rectum (lowest part of the colon). The most common symptoms include burning, pain, inflammation, swelling, irritation and bleeding. As far as we know, hemorrhoids are unique to human beings, No other creature develops this problem. This can be taken as an indication that our dietary and nutritional habits probably play a greater role in this disorder than anything else.
A low fibre diet , high in refined foods, contributes greatly to the development of hemorrhoids. Indeed, individuals who consume a low-fibre diet tend to strain more during bowel movements since their smaller, harder stools are more difficult to pass. This creates a lot of pressure and congestion that may significantly weaken the veins causing hemorrhoids to form. Therefore, eating a high fibre diet is absolutely essential, i.e. a diet that has lots of “roughage”. Fibre can be found in vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils and unrefined grains, so make sure to base your diet on such foods. The fibre will help keep your stool soft, bulky and easy to pass. You can also supplement your diet with extra fibre. I particularly recommend psyllium husks, which is less irritating than wheat bran.
Remember to also drink plenty of water, at least 2 litres per day. Water is the best natural stool softener in existence and will help prevent constipation. You may also want to try soaking a tablespoon of linseeds (also known as flax seeds) in a small glass of water overnight. Drink the mixture first thing the following morning.
Avoid fats, animal products, coffee, alcohol and hot spices. Red meat and high-protein diets are especially hard on the lower digestive tract.
For pain relief and to sooth the burning sensation, use Aloe vera gel, applied directly on the anus. The fresh pulp strait from the plant is best. Another tip is to use a peeled clove of garlic as a suppository 3 times per week. You can also use raw potato suppositories to help heal hemorrhoids and relieve pain. Peel a potato (white) and cut it into small coned-shaped pieces.
To help strengthen your veins I recommend foods that are rich in flavonoids, such as berries and citrus fruits. You can also take Vitamin C (500-1000mg three times/ day). Finally, avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time and make sure that you get plenty of exercise. Avoid heavy lifting and if you do lift something make sure that you lift properly with bent legs.
Dear Kim, My son is a healthy 10 year old. The only problem is that he keeps getting nosebleeds. Do you have any advice? Janet
Hi Janet, Nosebleeds are caused by injury to the tissue inside the nose. It can be the result of a blow to the nose, nose-picking, changes in atmospheric pressure, or simply blowing the nose too forcefully. The first thing I would make sure, is that your son does not pick his nose. Children’s mucous membranes lining the inside of the nose are thinner than adults and hence inserting a foreign object (like a finger) can damage the tissues quite easily.
If he doesn’t pick his nose, then perhaps the inside of the nose has become sore from dryness. If this is the case I would recommend applying some aloe vera gel or comfrey ointment. Don’t use products with petroleum jelly.
To actually stop a nosebleed, make your son sit up in a chair and lean slightly forward. Don’t make him lean back as this causes blood to enter his throat and stomach which may cause nausea. Then get him to pinch all the soft parts of the nose together between his thumb and index finger. The pressure should be firm and continuous (for about 8-10min), since taking the pressure off can interrupt clotting. At the same time, crushed ice or cold washcloths can be applied to his nose, neck and cheeks as this helps constrict the blood vessels. Tell your son not to blow his nose for the remainder of the day as this may dislodge the blood clots. If he has to sneeze, he should keep his mouth open.
Make sure to give your son plenty of green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits. These foods are high in vitamin C and bioflavanoids which help the body form collagen, necessary to create a moist, protective lining for the sinus and nose. They also contain vitamin K, which is essential for normal blood clotting.
Is stress related to immune function? (30 Dec '07)
Dear Kim, I have noticed that when I am under a lot pressure at work I tend to get a cold. This makes it difficult for me to keep working and is obviously very draining. Why does this happen?Andrew
Hi Andrew, Our immune system is intimately linked with our emotional state and nervous system. In fact, scientists have now even come up with a fancy word to describe these interactions – psychoneuroimmunology! Basically all it means is that our emotions and mental state as well as our level of stress have a tremendous bearing on our immune systems.
Stress increases the levels of certain hormones in our bodies that can, among other things, inhibit white blood cell formation (immune system cells). In effect, these stress related hormones lead to a significant suppression of immune function, leaving you more susceptible to infections (like the common cold) as well as other illnesses. The greater the stress, the greater the negative effect on the immune system.
To help reduce your stress levels one of the best things you can do is to exercise. This does not necessarily mean that you need to join a gym. The key is to do something that you enjoy. However, to make a difference, the exercise must be regular.
Learn to relax. Relaxation is often difficult for people suffering from the effects of stress, but it is necessary. A technique called progressive relaxation can be helpful. This involves tightening and relaxing your muscles one at a time, being aware of each sensation. Start at your feet and work up to your head. Tense your muscles for a count of 5, concentrating on the tension, then let the muscles go lax, enjoying the sensation of release.
Try also to practice deep breathing. This can be done when facing a stressful situation – at work, in your car, or elsewhere.
Remember that, our emotions and attitude are also very important to consider. When we are happy and optimistic, our immune system functions much better. On the other hand, when we are depressed, our immune system tends to be depressed. Therefore, although it may be difficult at times it’s always important to try and see the positive in all things, rather than focusing on the negative. A great way to start is to write a gratitude list every day where you acknowledge (either on paper or simply in your head) all the things that you are grateful for in your life, however small. For instance, “I am grateful for the cloths on my back”, “I am grateful for my 2 healthy children”, “I am grateful for living in this beautiful country”, etc.. This simple exercise will help you focus on the positive.
I can’t stop burping! (27 Jan '08)
Dear Kim, I suffer from quite an embarrassing problem, after every meal I always feel that I have to burp. I try to control it, but sometimes it comes out anyway which is not very ladylike! Is there something I can do to get rid of this? Thank you, Joy.
Hi Joy, Burping (or belching) is a symptom of gas in the upper part of the digestive tract. It is an attempt by your body to release trapped air from the stomach. Usually this trapped air comes from swallowed air while eating. In some respect you should be thankful that you burp, seeing as air trapped in the stomach can be quite painful and burping is a safety valve which relieves the pressure. In some cultures, for instance in China, it’s considered polite to burp after a meal, as it means that you really enjoyed it! However, in most countries this is certainly not the case, and can indeed be quite embarrassing.
To avoid swallowing air when you eat, make sure to eat slowly and chew your food well. Certain foods, especially those that contain air, may contribute to burping and should hence be avoided. These include carbonated drinks (fizzy drinks) as well as whipped cream and egg whites. Chewing gum or sucking on sweets and candy can also cause you to swallow air.
Smoking and being significantly overweight can also contribute towards burping. Smoking is not good for you anyway, so if you are a smoker make every effort to stop.
Dear Kim, My body has a tendency to swell up as a result of retaining water. Sometimes I find it difficult to even put on my shoes and rings. What do you recommend to help me prevent this water retention? Thanks, Hope.
Hi Hope, A common cause of water retention is actually food allergies/ intolerances. The most common are dairy and wheat. Try eliminating these for a period of two weeks and see if there is any improvement. Remember that dairy includes all forms of milk, cream, cheese and butter and be aware of hidden wheat in many processed foods. Other foods can also be involved< check out those that you tend to eat a lot of.
Water retention can also be a symptom of a deficieny in certain fatty acids. Make sure you eat plenty of nuts and particularly seeds such as linseeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. Fish is also a good source of these essential fatty acids. If you have not been normally eating these foods I strongly recommend that you supplement with Fish Oil for a period of time to build up your levels (try “The Real Thing - Fish Oil” which is of particular high potency and quality; available at Jubilee, Links, The Farmers Market, MyAfya and Mary’s Herbal Clinic).
Although it may seem counter intuitive, water retention can also mean that you’re not drinking enough water, and are forcing your body to store what it’s got. Be sure to drink at least 2 litres of clean water every day and eat water rich foods like fruits and vegetables.
Finally, go easy on the salt as this tends to “bind” water in the body. Try to reduce the amount of salt that you add to your cooking as much as possible, and if you can eliminate it completely.
I can’t Sleep! (3 Feb '08)
Dear Kim, I suffer from really bad insomnia. Usually I am only able to sleep 3-4 per night. My doctor has given me some medication which helps but I still feel very tiered in the morning. What should I do? Kind regards, Harris
Hi Harris, Sleep is absolutely vital in order for our bodies to rest and rejuvenate. Most people need between 7-8hrs of sleep per night. Taking sleeping pills is not the solution. They may help on occasion but are not recommended over longer periods of time. In addition to side effects, the major problem with sleeping pills is that they interfere with normal sleeping patterns. This is probably why you still feel tiered in the morning even though you’ve slept.
As with most things, the most effective treatment of insomnia is identifying the factors that are causing it. Often the causes are psychological, such as depression, anxiety, stress and tension. For some people, simply learning how to relax can have great results. There are numerous techniques that can promote relaxation and prepare the body and mind for sleep. One of the most popular and easy-to-use techniques is called progressive relaxation. It is based on a simple procedure that actually teaches you what it feels like to relax. All you have to do is lie down comfortably and then forcefully contract one muscle group at a time for about 2 seconds, then relax. Begin by contracting the muscles of the face and neck. Hold the contraction, then relax. Next, contract and relax the upper arms and chest, followed by the lower arms and hands. Repeat this process progressively down your body, ie the stomach, the buttocks, the thighs, the calves, and the feet. Repeat this whole practice two to three times, or until you fall asleep.
However, if psychological factors don’t seem to be the problem, bear in mind that various foods, drinks and medications may also be responsible. There are many compounds in both food and drink as well as in over three hundred drugs (pharmaceutical) that can interfere with normal sleep. Firstly, it is essential that your diet is free of natural stimulants such as caffeine which is found in coffee, as well as black tea, certain soft drinks and chocolate. Note that some people are much more sensitive to caffeine than others. Another substance that must be eliminated is alcohol. The problem with alcohol is that when you drink it your body releases adrenalin, which is a powerful stimulant. In addition, alcohol interferes with certain brain chemicals that are essential in initiating sleep.
Although it is never a good idea to eat a big meal just before you go to bed, it may be helpful to eat a small snack so that your blood sugar does not during the night (which may cause you to wake up). Avoid sugary snacks; instead choose oatmeal or other wholegrain cereals, like a small piece of wholegrain brown bread.
Exercise has also been shown to help promote and improve sleep quality, so if you don’t have an active job, make sure you get some other form of exercise (gym, tennis, football, running, fast walking etc.). It is best to perform exercise in the early morning, during the day or early evening, but never before bedtime.
There are also some natural remedies which include herbs such as camomile, valerian and passionflower. Camomile is often sold as a tea that can be drunk throughout the day. The other herbs are usually found in tablet or tincture form, available at many chemists and health shops. But remember, these do not solve the problem. The most important thing is therefore that you address the dietary and lifestyle factors, or perhaps other causes that you have identified. Good luck!
Treatment for Hepatitis B? (10 Feb '08)
Hi, I have hepatitis B. I went for a test and the medic checked my eyes, then said, I need to check my blood for the virus. I was told that I am clear of other infections, but that I had Hepatitis B. I was however not told about the fact that I can also infect others by kissing and drinking from the same cups, etc. Please enlighten me. I have always used a condom since finding out my status in 2001. I do not take alcohol at all as I’ve heard that that weakens the liver and quickens its deterioration. I see so many people in Zambia with yellowish eyes like mine. Do they also have Hepatitis B? Have a blessed day. DM, Lusaka
Hi, Thank you for your long letter (we had to shorten it due to space restrictions). Hepatitis refers to an inflammation of the liver. The liver is an organ situated just under your lower ribs on your right side. It is responsible for filtering out from the bloodstream harmful substances such as dead cells and toxins. If the liver is inflamed, then it becomes unable to perform all of its function effectively. As a result, toxins that are normally filtered out by the liver build up in the body and certain nutrients are not processed and stored properly. Needless to say, this causes problems. Yellow eyes are a common symptom whenever there is a problem with the liver (such as Hepatitis). The reason is that the liver can no longer effectively filter out the yellowish substance bilirubin (a byproduct of the breakdown of old red blood cells), hence there is a buildup in the body, causing the eyes (and skin) to go yellow.
Hepatitis can be caused by many drugs and toxic chemicals (including excessive consumption of alcohol), but in most cases it is caused by a virus. The most common viral types are A, B and C. Hepatitis A (often referred as infectious Hepatitis) is primarily spread through fecal contamination (e.g. of food and water). Hepatitis B is transmitted through infected blood as well as through sexual contact (the virus may be found in saliva, semen and vaginal secretion). Although kissing may transmit the virus, it is extremely unlikely that drinking from the same cup would transmit Hepatitis B. Hepatitis C is the most serious form of Hepatitis and is mainly transmitted through blood transfusions.
Since your question concerns Hepatitis B, we will focus on that, but all the advice given is generally applicable for all types of Hepatitis.
Fistly, Hepatitis B is not something that you have to suffer with your whole life. Indeed, up to 75% of people recover from it. However, it is a very serious illness and if not treated properly, can result in cirrhosis of the liver (severe liver damage) and even cancer of the liver. Natural therapies can be of great benefit when treating Hepatitis. Several nutrients and herbs have been shown to inhibit viral reproduction, improve immune system function and generally stimulate the regeneration of damaged liver cells.
In chronic cases, it is very important that you eat a cleansing diet that is low in processed and refined foods, as well as low in fat (meat, dairy, cooking oil). Eliminate all sugar (and any foods containing sugar) as well as alcohol. You are absolutely right in that alcohol is detrimental to the liver and hence should be avoided at all costs, especially when your liver is weakened by Hepatitis. Also avoid stimulants like coffee, black tea and cigarettes. Instead, make sure to eat plenty of plant based foods such as vegetables, fruit, lentils and other pulses. Green leafy vegetables (such as rape, spinach, pumpkin leaves and sweet potatoes leaves) are great for the liver, as are onions and garlic, so make sure to include these on a daily basis.
With regards to supplements, my first recommendation is a herb called Milk Thistle (available in most pharmacies). It contains a compound called Silymarin, which is one of the most potent liver-protecting substances known to man and has been shown to even help regenerate damaged liver tissue. Milk Thistle is effective in treating both acute and chronic hepatitis. In addition, I recommend a supplement called “Chlorella”, which is also very effective in protecting and regenerating the liver (available at Jubilee, Natures Thyme at Crossroads, Mary’s Herbal Clinic, The Farmers Market, Hi-Life at Downtown, MyAfya, etc.). An added benefit of Chlorella is that it also serves as a multivitamin-mineral as it’s packed with nutrients! Vitamin C (3000g per day) has also been shown to be effective when treating hepatitis, particularly when it is in its acute stage.
Finally, I just want to emphasis the value of doing a proper cleanse (also known as detox), to help your body get rid of stored toxins, chemicals and metabolic wastes. However, it is important to seek advice from a professional who can guide you through it. Perhaps this could be a topic for a future column!
Do Radio Waves Lower Sperm Quality? (2 Mar '08)
Hi Kim, I hope this mail finds u well. How do I ensure that my exposure to radio waves does not affect my sperm quality, while not denying myself the benefits of Information Technology. Regards, Naphtali.
Hi Naphtali, Thank you for your interesting question. You are right in that there has been a substantial amount of research indicating that radio waves and other electromagnetic (EM) radiation from various electronic devices such as cell phones, microwaves, computers, etc., may affect sperm. For instance, research indicates that men who use mobile phones a lot have lower sperm counts and produce sperm of poorer quality than those who use them infrequently or not at all. They have also been able to show (in animal studies) that radio waves, similar to those emitted by mobile phones, may damage the DNA of sperm cells. One simple thing you can easily do to help prevent cell phone radiation damaging your sperm is to make sure that you don’t carry your mobile phone in your hip pocket or on a belt holster. There are also various devices that you can buy and attach to you mobile phone that counteracts its radiation. Unfortunately I don’t think these are available in Zambia yet. MyAfya does however sell a great software program that interferes and shields you from all computer radiation. This is particularly important if you spend your whole day in front of a computer.
Unfortunately we get bombarded with radiation all the time from all directions. In today’s modern society, it is practically impossible to completely avoid EM radiation. Not only may it effect sperm quality, it has also been shown to interfere with sleep (so have as little electrical devices as possible in your bedroom), make you irritable, effect concentration, decrease overall energy, result in premature aging (wrinkles), among other things. So if you cant avoid it, what can you do to help protect yourself? Well, one of the most important things is that you make sure that your body is healthy and strong, so that it can cope with harmful radiation and combat its negative effects.
First and foremost, this means making sure that you get lots of good nutrition (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, and other phytonutrients), from a diet that is rich in fruits, a variety of vegetables, pulses (beans, lentils), nuts and seeds. To really boost your nutrition, I also recommend supplementing with what I call super foods such as Wheat Grass, Barley Grass, Chlorella, and Moringa. Garlic and Onions are also very helpful. Likewise it is very important to avoid foods that place a burden on your body and health. These include sugar, soft drinks, all refined and processed foods, alcohol and cigarettes. In particular reference to sperm quality, you can also supplement with Vitamin C (2000mg per day in divided doses) as well as Zinc (30 mg per day).
My Baby has Allergies! (30 Mar '08)
Dear Kim, I have a ten month old baby who seems to be allergic to something because a rash appears on his body, so I have stopped feeding him bottled purity food. How can I treat this rash, it is on his arms and torso only. Please advice. Pancy
Hi Pancy, Yes, it may be the case that your baby is allergic to something in the formula (food) and it is great that you took him off it. What are you feeding him instead? The biggest culprit when it comes to allergies in babies and small children, is milk. Check whether the formula (and indeed what you are feeding him now) contains any milk products or derivatives of milk. To do this, read the label of the product. If it mentions milk, milk solids, milk protein, dairy, caseinate, whey powder or any other term related to milk, then I would advice you to choose another product. Mother’s milk is of course excellent food for all babies and should not be confused with the problems associated with cows milk.
Another ingredient which often can also cause allergic reactions is wheat or any derivative of it. Once again, it is best to check the label. If it says wheat, wheat powder, whole-wheat, wheat flour, wheat gluten or indeed just flour, then it contains wheat. Wheat can be very irritating to the digestive system, particularly in babies and young children and is best avoided.
To sooth the skin I would recommend some aloe vera gel or comfrey cream. Hope this helps!
Allergic to Antibiotics? (30 Mar '08)
Dear Kim, My problem is that I am not sure whether I am allergic to antibiotics of not. For some time now when I take any kind of antibiotic, be it injections or tablets, a rash appears on my eyes, ears and private part, and it’s very itchy. It is so irritating and I don’t know what to apply so that it stops. Please help me. Yours faithfully, Sherley
Hi Sherley, Yes, it certainly does sound as though you are allergic to antibiotics. Now it may be that you are only allergic to some types of antibiotics, while others may be fine. This is something you will have to discuss with your doctor.
The question I have to ask though, is why are you taking antibiotics in the first place. Antibiotics should only be taken as a last resort. From a naturopathic perspecitive, every time you take antibiotics you will be weakening your immune system. Firstly, the antibiotics will kill of all your good flora (i.e. your good bacteria as discussed in the article above), which are an absolute integral part of your immune system. Secondly, antibiotics (and indeed all other pharmaceutical medications) are chemical substances that will place an added burden on your detoxification organs, in particular you liver. For minor illness therefore it is better to use natural antibiotics that don’t have any of the harmful effect that pharmaceutical (drug) antibiotics pocess. Please note that I am not completely opposed to pharmaceutical medications such as antibiotics. They can and do save lives. However, for most conditions there is a lot you can do with natural means that work together with your body, and don’t cause any nasty side effects.
It’s difficult for me to comment on which natural antibiotics you should choose, as I don’t know what your condition is, and certain herbs are better suited for specific conditions. Remember though, that killing the bacteria, virus, parasite (or whatever pathogen it may be), is only part of the equation. If you only kill the bacteria, but don’t change anything in your body, then don’t be surprised if it (or indeed other pathogens) come back! It is therefore imperative that you change your internal environment so that the bacteria don’t want to (and cannot) live in your body. It is obviously also important to have a strong immune system which will fight off any bacteria that may have ventured into your body.
As an example, when a cold is doing its rounds in an office, why do only some people get ill? Everyone in that office will have been exposed to the bacteria (or virus), but only some people get ill. The reason is of course that only the people with an internal environment conducive to the bacteria (e.g. a body that is acid, lacking in nutrition, oxygen depleted, toxic, etc.), and/or has a weakened immune system, will fall ill. The point is that if you want to be free from disease and illnesses caused by bacteria, then it’s not enough to simply kill the bacteria with antibiotics. You have to also build a healthy internal body!
We often like to live under the illusion that somehow illness is just bad luck. That it is something that just happens to us, outside our control. We have to wake up and take responsibility for our health and realise that everything we do has an impact on our health. It all adds up, even if it may take 10-20 years before the disease manifests.
So, what can you do to build your health and immune system. The answer is lots of things! Start with healthy eating habits. Include more vegetables in your diet. Try to eat a predominantly vegetarian diet. This has been shown time and time again, in countless research studies, to reduce the incidence of illness and disease. To really boost your nutritional levels, try supplementing with superfoods such as Moringa, Wheat Grass and Barley Grass (available at all Jubilee Chemists, Natures Thyme in Crossroads Shopping Centre, Link Pharmacy, Hi-Life in Downtown, Mary’s Herbal Clinic, The Farmers Market on Kafue Rd., and indeed from MyAfya). These are concentrated sources of nutrients which are still in their natural form, hence highly absorbable and easy for your body to use. Cut out all processed foods as they have lost most of their nutritional content. Always eat wholegrains. That means always choosing rollermeal, brown bread and brown rice, instead of their highly refined white counterparts. Cut out (or reduce as much as possible) all sugar, alcohol and cigarettes. Make sure to drink lots of water, at least 2 litres per day. Also make sure that you are getting enough sleep, as this is the time when your body initiates a lot of healing.
Some supplements that have shown to support general immune function include things like garlic (best taken raw), zinc, vitamin C as well as the herb Echinacea (although this should not be taken continuously), Astralagus, Aloe Vera and indeed Medicinal Mushrooms such as Reishi and Shitake (available in the list of shops mentioned earlier), which have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years and are fabulous for just about any immune dysfunction. This is of course just a small selection of the wonderful natural alternatives available. For serious health conditions, always consult a health practitioner.
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