5 tricks to keep away from a bacterial an infection over the past of the summer season climate
When it involves staving off bacterial infections throughout sizzling climate, Bio-Kult’s Technical Advisor, Kim Plaza provided her recommendation.
1. Ward off bites and stings
Insect bites throughout sizzling climate could be a pesky and an ugly annoyance. Warmer temperatures usually means there are extra critters about, comparable to mosquitos, gnats, midges, ants, bees, wasps, ticks and extra. Some folks appear to be significantly liable to being bitten, doubtlessly on account of physique temperature, odour and sure chemical compounds excreted in your sweat.
Kim mentioned: “Prevention against bites and stings becoming infected, is most effective if we can avoid being bitten in the first place! It’s recommended to wear light-weight long-sleeved tops and trousers or long skirts to reduce the amount of exposed skin in the early morning and evenings (when many insects are at their most active).
“Natural insect repellents such as citronella, clove and lemon eucalyptus oils may also help deter biters. Avoid camping and picnics close to stagnant water which are often breeding grounds for insects.
“Many people swear that supplementing vitamin B1 for a couple of weeks before going abroad and whilst away reduces the number of mosquito bites. The most commonly used dose is 100mg a day. Whilst human clinical trials to support this remedy are lacking, taking some extra B vitamins for a couple of weeks may be worth a go, for other health aspects, such as energy and skin support.”
2. Support your intestine
If travelling overseas, you’re more likely to expertise new microbes that your immune system is just not accustomed to which might result in digestive upsets.
Kim mentioned: “A study of 2800 foreign travellers, saw 34 percent with travellers’ diarrhoea. Most cases are caused by consuming contaminated drinking water, liquid or food, with common symptoms including vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal cramps.
“Studies show that live bacteria could significantly reduce the risk of travellers’ diarrhoea, with a mixture of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium or the friendly yeast S. boulardii being particularly effective.
“Did you know that approximately 70 percent of active immune cells reside in the gut? Taking a daily live bacteria supplement, such as Bio-Kult Boosted, is a great strategy to support digestion and immune function. Bio-Kult Boosted (RRP £24.98, www.bio-kult.com) also contains vitamin B12, which is known to support the immune system. It doesn’t need to be refrigerated either, so taking it away with you on your travels is easy and convenient!”
3. Keep hydrated
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) might be distracting, uncomfortable and at occasions, downright painful. Unfortunately, analysis means that UTIs (sometimes called cystitis) are extra prevalent in the summertime months, when the climate is hotter.
Kim mentioned: “To decrease your chances of picking up an infection, it’s recommended to stay well hydrated by drinking two litres of water a day (more in higher temperatures, or if exercising).
“People tend to drink more alcohol whilst on holidays (after all, who doesn’t love sipping a cocktail whilst watching the sunset?) Unfortunately however, alcohol may be dehydrating, upset digestion and disrupt sleep. Have a night off every few days and try to limit the number of drinks you have, interspersing them with water to stay hydrated. Avoid sugary mixers and instead try mixing spirits with soda water and fresh lime, or turning white wine into a spritzer.”
4. Eat properly
Hot climate welcomes BBQs, however low-cost burgers topped with processed cheese merely don’t reduce the mustard anymore, mentioned Kim.
She added: “Where possible, opt for organic grass-fed meat. Not only can you be sure the animal has been reared to high animal welfare standards, but organic meat has been shown to have up to 47 percent higher levels of omega 3 essential fatty acids, which emerging research indicates could support certain immune cells. Serve your BBQ with an array of rainbow coloured salads, topped with nuts and seeds, to ensure you are getting a variety of immune supportive nutrients such as; vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc and selenium.
“Vitamin C is also beneficial for immune function, shown to shorten the duration of colds by up to eight percent and reduce severity. Strawberries and other berries are a delicious source of vitamin C and luckily grown in abundance during the summer months. Go berry picking for strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, gooseberries, elderberries and black currants to top up on this immune supporting anti-oxidant.”
5. Be hygiene acutely aware
We can turn into in poor health from germs by direct contact or we would decide up a virus by touching contaminated surfaces or objects.
Kim mentioned: “Washing hands frequently can help prevent the spread of infection, however many commercial soaps and anti-bacterial products contain harsh chemicals. A more natural solution is to make your own hand sanitiser by adding a few drops of antimicrobial essential oils (such as clove, sage, rosemary cinnamon, lavender or orange) to aloe-vera gel. Store the mixture in a little bottle that’s easy to carry in your day bag at summer festivals and other times where you are at increased risk of picking up infections.”