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Our American counterparts are in full swing of March Madness, an NCAA Basketball championship, while those of us North of the 49th parallel will undergo another kind of March madness.
Essays, exams, and presentations, resulting in exhaustion.
The last push for deadlines and academics will keep many of us up in the wee hours of the A.M., and a select few may even be drawn to the dreaded all-nighter. While there are numerous articles telling us that we need sleep or sleep is key to success, sleep just sometimes isn’t a luxury many of us can afford, as bad as we know that is.
Even if you have managed to stave off sickness so far, in this vacuum of sleep deprivation, you may start to get the tickles in your throat, and your nose will soon start to run faster than you can say “Usain Bolt”. Sleep is linked with our levels of immunity since our bodies release hormones and chemicals necessary for revitalization of our immune system while our minds release dreamy images of Ryan Gosling as we sleep.
However, since we are so close to the end of term, with exams fast approaching, there may not be a way for us to get the sleep necessary to keep (barely) fighting the remnants of Old Man Winter and his cousins Cough, Cold or Flu.
So how do you not get sick when you’re so tired? The answer is at Loblaws, Metro or whatever grocery store takes your fancy.
Antioxidants
Generally good for you, this powerhouse does more than just cut your cholesterol. Best as a preventive method, antioxidants counter the harmful effects of free radicals in the environment that harm our immune systems. The science is confusing, but foods rich in antioxidants are found pretty much everywhere. Add berries, green tea, garlic, POM juice and broccoli to reap the benefits.
Vitamin D
Synonymous with the winter, this vitamin helps fight fatigue. Those lacking in vitamin D experience symptoms of fatigue and moodiness, which is why many doctors and practitioners recommend people take the sunshine vitamin. Even with spring around the corner, consider adding foods rich in vitamin D to your diet, or try vitamin D supplements. Exposing yourself to sun for 15 minutes, 3 times a week does the trick too.
Foods with vitamin D include most dairy products and fish, so load up on some cheesy noms!
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps our bodies fight off infection by coating our cells to prevent viruses entering. The vitamin is useful in helping your body build up collagen which repairs essential tissues and ligaments. It also helps speed the healing process and again, counters the effects of free radicals.
This powerhouse vitamin isn’t only in your morning OJ. You can purchase a bottle of chewable vitamin C from any pharmacy for under $10 in a number of flavours and quantities.
The next time you groggily do groceries, be sure to stock up on fresh produce, dairy and fish products to stave off sickness. The fresh fruit and cheeses make great healthy snacks, and give you the energy to keep going on busy days, while helping your body fight off sickness.
Sources:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/520806-the-advantages-of-taking-vitamin-d-and-c/
http://tinybuddha.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-exhaustion-10-tips-to-function-better-when-youre-tired/
Picture Credits
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