AS SUMMER approaches, we’re all looking for ways to improve our health.
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The first step is a positive resolve to bring balance into your life.
It is important that you take time to relax, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables daily, eat less fat, and maintain an adequate vitamin and mineral balance.
Late nights and excessive lifestyles play havoc on the internal body systems, depleting essential vitamins and minerals, in particular iron, which eventually affects the way you look and feel.
You should check your calcium and magnesium intake, however, most people tend to suffer from an iron deficiency.
Iron is vital to the growth of any living organism. It not only burns up garbage, it regenerates as well, transporting oxygen to every cell in the body.
In the animal protein group red meat is the richest source of this mineral, followed by chicken and fish.
However, iron can also be obtained from other sources, an important factor to consider for vegetarians and those with high cholesterol problems.
It can be found in all of the green, leafy vegetables, particularly in the darker leaves.
Iron is also in high concentration in some seeds, particularly in germ of wheat. A generous spoonful of wheatgerm sprinkled over your breakfast cereal will almost be enough for your daily requirement.
Oatmeal is good iron food and will give you a good start to the day. You can get your daily ration from porridge.
Add fresh seasonal fruit and some wheatgerm and you have a super get-up-and-go breakfast.
Yoghurt also contains this mineral.
Iron is an excellent food to include in your diet if your digestion is weak, or if you are recovering from an illness.
All leafy green vegetables and even dandelion leaves, with the exception of spinach, which contains oxalic acid that inhibits the body from using the iron it contains, are a good source.
Iron is the mighty mineral that provides the driving force to give us that get-up- and-go to enjoy life just in time for summer.
For exercise, Jessica Seymour from North Haven Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy recommends people of all ages get into the habit of regularity rather than random bursts of intense exercise every now and then.
“Beyond helping you feel good, regular exercise has positive flow-on benefits for your mental health,” Jessica said.
“Exercise is proven to boost mood as well as increase energy levels and contribute to overall good health.”
To make an appointment with the team at North Haven Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, see the details in the advertisement below.