We all hear so much about how diet and exercise are crucial to good health and well-being. But what are we supposed to do when we are feeling ill? When you’re feeling run down and unwell, it is almost impossible to keep up any kind of activity. Your mind can feel foggy and unfocused. Worst of all, you have no energy, no drive, and no motivation for anything. If you can stomach food, it may be something convenient out of a packet rather than a healthy, home-cooked meal.
If you are feeling run down right now, there could be a lot of reasons for it. It might have nothing to do with your current diet or exercise program. There are many viruses and bacterial infections that can leave you feeling pretty low. Things like the common cold or even q fever can have very similar symptoms. You might be achy with a high temperature. The cold can be caught from anywhere, but the q fever is often picked up from handling animals.
When you’re feeling this rotten, it is important to keep up a healthy diet if you can. You need the nutrients from high-quality fresh foods to help your immune system wage the battle against your illness. You also need to up your intake of water to stay hydrated and flush out any toxins. Rest and sleep are also crucial to help speed up your recovery.
As you start to feel better, you may want to head out for some fresh air. A gentle walk not far from home can often be a good idea. Some Yoga in the garden on a dry day can be just as beneficial. If you are suffering from the common cold, it is important to take tissues and wash your hands thoroughly as often as you can. Tissues should be thrown in the bin as you use them.
For longer-term illnesses, infections or injuries, it is worth speaking to a doctor. It is good to ensure you are managing any medicines you need. A good diet and regular exercise are still important, even if you are restricted to only a limited type of movement. Recovery can often take much longer than we want, and the body needs that time to heal. It’s often important to take things slowly, so you don’t aggravate the condition or cause extra injuries.
If you are worried about how often you fall ill to colds and other illnesses, you may want to discuss this with your doctor. There are several medical conditions that affect the immune system. However, for most people, a simple change in diet can be very helpful. You might even benefit from taking a vitamin and mineral supplement. Why not log your meals for a couple of weeks to see if any improvements can be made?
It is horrible to feel under the weather. It is also frightening when it seems to take an age to get better. When you are feeling ill, you can feel vulnerable and weak. Stay healthy this summer with a good diet and plenty of exercise. Feel well.