insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 22 - December 2016 | Page 99

HEALTH+WELLNESS

The 12 conditions of Christmas
Ahh, Christmas, the time of the year when many of us seem to throw caution to the wind – we
eschew Pilates with wild abandon favouring to overindulge at every opportunity; we forget
how stressed overspending can make us when seemingly shopping to feed the five thousand;
and then we get ill, mainly because we’ve drunk too much and have removed any form of
stabilising routine from our lives. There’s no denying it’s wildly fun, but the festive season can
be pretty unhealthy too. Polly Humphris looks at the 12 most probable conditions of Christmas
and how we can tackle their detrimental effects.

1

The common cold

2

Sneezing? Itchy throat? It’s the time of year when the common cold’s grip
is strongest, and, with over 200 common cold viruses, wintry temperatures
and busy schedules to contend with, it’s no wonder we tend to catch
every one going at Christmas. The good news is that your most powerful
preventative is likely sat right under your nose; it’s garlic. Packed full of
active ingredient, allicin, which fights infection and bacteria, onion’s equally
odourous cousin has been used for centuries across many different cultures
and is known for its protective properties. A powerful immune supporter,
garlic boosts natural killer-cell activity and increases the efficiency of
antibody production; your breath might be questionable, but it’ll be worth it.

3

Cold sores

The second most common virus worldwide - trailing only behind the
common cold and caused by classic Christmas nasties colds and flu,
fatigue, and poor nutritional intake amongst others - cold sores are small,
fluid-filled blisters that develop on the lips or around the mouth thanks
to the cold sore virus, HSV1. If your immune system is comprised, cold
sores can strike, so boost it with a breakfast of yoghurt, oats and fresh
fruit before you get stuck into another cheese board.

Sore feet

4

Christmas means dancing shoes, family walks and lots of hours in the
kitchen, which can all take their toll on your tootsies, so it’s a good time
to show them some love. Heel and arch pain in particular is very common
in those who spend long periods on their feet, but regular massage with
a ‘PediRoller’ (www.pediroller.co.uk) will help to strengthen the foot
muscles, prevent straining, and reduce the pain.

The Christmas hangover

Even the very best of December intentions can lead to a night of drinking
followed by a day spent dealing with a horrid hangover. If you’ve enjoyed one
too many mulled wines and wake up fuzzy headed, hit the vitamin C – it’ll
help your body recover from ingested toxins as it speeds up the metabolism
of alcohol by the liver. Swap fuzzy for fizzy by stocking up on effervescent
vitamin C tablets to help replenish your levels and quench your thirst.

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