8 Ways to Naturally Boost Your Immune System

 

Having a strong immune system is crucial in preventing illness and infections and maintaining optimal health. Even the healthiest people get sick every now and then, but if you find you are getting frequent colds, having digestive issues, skin problems, increased allergy symptoms, or are just feeling generally un-well, your immune system may need a boost. The good news is that you can do this naturally by making some simple lifestyle changes.

1. Support Gut Health: Having a balanced immune system begins in the gut, as the majority of immune cells are located there. This means following a balanced diet that is based on whole foods, and avoiding processed and artificial foods. Probiotic supplements are very beneficial as they help balance the good bacteria from the bad and lower inflammation in the G.I tract, therefore supporting immune function. https://www.optimizenutrition.ca/vitamins-health-supplements/nova-probiotics-daily-immunity-15-billion/

 

2. Include Immune Boosting Foods: Theses include fermented foods and beverages, berries and citrus’, dark leafy greens, beets (increase fruit and veggie consumption in general), raw honey, full fat organic yogurt, garlic, onions, mushrooms, healthy fats such as coconut oil, olive oil and avocados, bone broths, sea vegetables, and wild fish such as salmon and oysters.

 

3. Correct nutrient deficiencies: Even while following a healthy balanced diet, you can still be lacking in key vitamins and minerals for a variety of reasons. Deficiencies in vitamin D, zinc, omega 3’s, calcium and magnesium are a few of the most common. Symptoms of a deficiency will vary depending on the nutrient, so it is a good idea to have bloodwork done every so often. Ask your doctor for a vitamin and nutrient analysis. General symptoms include pale skin, weakness and fatigue, brittle hair and nails, dry skin, numbness and tingling in extremities, and periods of light-headedness.

 

 4. Avoid Toxins: This means avoiding excess sugar, processed foods and artificial additives, as well as substances such as alcohol and tobacco. Chemicals such as BPA’s, phthalates, and pesticides are also very detrimental to your health. It may be a good idea to invest in a water filtration system as well to reduce exposure to contaminants such heavy metals, xenoestrogens, micro-organisms, anti-biotics, and organic and non-organic chemicals. https://www.optimizenutrition.ca/equipment-accessories/santevia-5-stage-filter/

 

5. Reduce stress: Because the endocrine and immune system are so inter-related, excessive or long-term stress can supress the function of your immune system greatly leaving you vulnerable to illnesses and infection. Practice stress relieving techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, getting outdoors, participating in activities you enjoy, and using calming essential oils like lavender and lemon balm.

 

6. Get enough Sleep: Lack of sleep is associated with a wide range of health effects, and mounting evidence indicates that it can disrupt the immune system and make it easier for you to get sick. Those who get less than 6-7 hours of quality sleep per night are at a greater risk for infections and common colds, as well as long term health conditions. Making sleep a priority will improve the function of your immune system and your over-all well being.

 

7. Exercise: Studies show that engaging in regular physical activity strengthens your immune system by stimulating lymph flow and therefore helping prevent infections and diseases. However, too much exercise can have the opposite effect as this can result in stress and inflammation in the body. If you generally lead a sedentary lifestyle, it would be wise to implement some kind of weekly exercise routine, ideally an activity you truly enjoy doing and does not create more stress in your life. If you are regularly doing intense workouts and have been struggling to complete them or are feeling exceptionally fatigued during the day, you may want to consider scaling back the intensity or incorporating more recovery days.  

 

8. Herbal Remedies and Supplements:

 

- Medicinal Mushrooms: All medicinal mushrooms contain powerful polysaccharides called beta-glucans, which have been found to help fight inflammation and balance the immune system. They also have many other benefits such as reducing stress and fatigue, improving sleep, supporting cardio-vascular health, and many more. https://www.optimizenutrition.ca/vitamins-health-supplements/harmonic-arts-5-mushroom-blend-45g-dual-extract/

 

- Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays a role in supporting your immune system’s natural ability to produce proteins required for it to function at an optimal level. Deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to infections as well as auto-immune diseases. It is produced in our skin from sun-light exposure, however in northern parts of the world we do not get enough sun throughout the year to produce adequate levels and therefore deficiency is extremely common. https://www.optimizenutrition.ca/sports-nutrition/vitamins-minerals/prairie-naturals-vitamin-d3-1000iu-500softgels/

 

- Zinc: Zinc is an essential mineral that is important to the body in many ways. It plays a large role in the growth and function of immune cells and if there is a deficiency these cells can not do their job properly, leading to a greater risk of illness. https://www.optimizenutrition.ca/vitamins-health-supplements/canprev-zinc-bis-glycinate-25-120vcap/

 

- Quercetin: Quercetin is a flavonoid that is especially helpful to those with seasonal allergies or histamine intolerance. It has to ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which have negative effects on the immune system. https://www.optimizenutrition.ca/vitamins-health/now-quercetin-with-bromelain-120cap/

 

- Oregano Oil: Oil of oregano boasts potent anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. Its active ingredients help support both the immune system and the respiratory system and it has been used for centuries to maintain good health and well-being. https://www.optimizenutrition.ca/vitamins-health-supplements/new-roots-wild-oregano-c93-30-ml/

 

- Echinacea: Best taken at the first signs of a cold or flu, as it has shown to reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of sickness. However, this is not to be taken as a preventative measure as it can over-stimulate the immune system and have the opposite effect. https://www.optimizenutrition.ca/vitamins-health-supplements/now-echinacea-goldenseal-roots-1-1-500mg-100cap/

 

Witten by Hayley Dickenson, Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN)

 

 

Original Source: https://www.optimizenutrition.ca/blog/8-ways-to-naturally-boost-your-immune-system/

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How A Network Infrastructure Audit Works & Why It Is Important

 

In the past few years, companies and organizations have become more capable of installing a number of external and internal network devices to its system. With the increasing network infrastructure, it becomes very difficult for them to detect any error or loopholes in the complex network system. Now here comes the need for a Network infrastructure audit.  It helps the organizations to analyze the current condition of their infrastructure and helps them understand in a better way.

 

What is a network infrastructure audit?

In simple terms, we can say that it is a process of mapping the software and hardware networks of any organization or company. It is a complex process that involves identifying the networks and detecting any error with the help of network auditing tools.  Network infrastructure audit also involves the security documentation of the organizations such as user accounts. 

 

When does an organization need a Network infrastructure audit?

 It is very essential to undergo network auditing from time to time for a company.  It plays an important role in business growth. Here are a few reasons why a business should consider a network infrastructure audit.

 

1. Outdated and incomplete inventories:

When have you done your last auditing? Since then many changes have occurred. From updates in existing applications, the launch of new applications, budget forecasting, and the demands of networks and capital expenses all have changed. 

 

2. For refreshes and updates

Networks need to be upgraded from time to time. It is very essential to perform an audit to identify which networks need to be upgraded and replaced.

 

3. Troubleshooting and resolution

For troubleshooting and resolution of the complex network infrastructure, an audit is necessary. 

 

4. Compliance  standards

Compliance standards are an important reason to undergo network audits, especially for health care and financial industries. 

 

Benefits of Network Infrastructure audits : 

 ·     Network infrastructure audits help to improve the current performance of your company’s network infrastructure by mapping it correctly.

 ·      Enhance the abilities of your internal and external network infrastructure as per the current demand.

 ·        Identifies the weakness and loopholes that need to be fixed for future growth. 

·         Helps to detect any physical or configuration error. 

 ·       Network infrastructure audits verify the current situation of your network before any update. 

 

If you also want to perform the network infrastructure audit of your company, apply today on the official website of GIS consulting, which will help you in the business growth by performing any hardware and software audit, detect any error or loophole and mapping it in the right way. 

 

 

Original Source: https://www.gisconsulting.in/how-a-network-infrastructure-audit-works-why-it-is-important/ 

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What Is CT Scan ? Purpose, Risks, Side Effects And Results.

 

What is a CT Scan?

 

A CT (Computed Tomography) is a technique to produce a detailed cross-sectional image of soft tissues, bones, and blood vessels of a person’s body. CT Scan is performed by using rotating x-ray machines to create different X-ray images from different angles of a person's body and then computers to cross-sectional images of the body. CT Scan provides more detailed information than the plain X-ray. 

 

A CT Scan can be used to visualize the head, abdomen, knee. Chest, heart, spine, and shoulders.   

 

How is a CT SCAN performed?

 

During a CT scan, a person has to lie inside a tunnel-like machine. The machine rotates and takes different x-ray images from different angles. These images are sent to the computer to create cross-sectional images of the body. These images may be combined to create a 3-D image of the particular area.

 

What is HRCT CHEST test?

 

HRCT is a High Resolution Computed Tomography use to diagnose any problem in lungs.

HRCT is a method of detecting any problem or disease in lung tissues  and airways more precisely then chest2-rat method. Modern Computed tomography equipments performs a volume HRCT scan which covers the whole lung tissues. Due to the second wave of deadly Corona virus, HRCT scan is more demanding to monitor the tissues of lungs. It is saying that covid-19 effects on the lungs area so, it is very essential to undergone HRCT Chest test if you feel the serious symptoms of Covid 19. HRCT chest test  can be applied to diagnose both mild or chronic disease of the airways and tissue of lungs. High resolution computed tomography also used to detect disease like Pneumonia, asbestosis. It is also performing diagnose the various inflammations, diffuse alveolar injury and drug reactions.

 

Why is CT Scan performed? 

 

Although CT scan has many uses, mainly it is used to diagnose several diseases and injuries.

·         This technique helps the doctors to 

·         To evaluate the internal injuries and bleeding.

·         Diagnose bone fractures, muscle disorders, and other infections.

·         Detect the location of tumor and masses

·         Monitor the effectiveness and condition of diseases like cancer, heart disease, etc. 

·         Study the internal structure of the body like blood vessels.

·         Guide the procedures of surgeries and biopsies. 

 

Risks involved with CT scan.

 

A CT scan involved a small dose of radiation which is not proven to be harmful even for people who have undergone several scanning processes.  The chances of having cancer with a CT Scan are even less than 0.05%. A CT scan is only given if it is clearly prescribed by the doctor. Otherwise, it could be serious.  Usually, exposure to radiation results in cancer and thyroid issues but in rare cases. 

Sometimes the CT scanning process may lead to reactions in patients who are allergic to the contrast material used in CT scan. 

Precautions we should take before undergoing CT scan

 

For preventing any risk, the following precautions should be taken before undergoing CT scanning. 

 

·         Don’t eat or drink anything for a few hours before the CT Scanning process. 

·         Remove all of your clothes and wear a hospital gown .

·         Remove all the metal objects like jewelry,  belt, and dentures to prevent their interference with results. 

 

Labuncle is the online platform for all those who can't afford the hefty amounts for CT scanning. Book your medical tests at Labuncle at the most affordable prices. 

 

Original Source: https://pathologylabs1.wordpress.com/2021/06/01/what-is-ct-scan-purpose-risks-side-effects-and-results/

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