PTRC. Message For Our Patients

HOW’S YOUR DIET? IMMUNITY-BOOSTING TIPS!

The essential vitamins found within fruits and vegetables are key to making sure your immune system is as healthy as possible. Vitamin C helps your body boost its production of the antioxidant that is required by the immune system to function optimally. Vitamin C increases your body’s production of interferon, which is anti-viral. Vitamin C is also thought to help boost the production of white blood cells, key to fighting infections. Fruits high in Vitamin C include: grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, lemons, limes, kiwis and clementines. A single papaya has 224 percent of the daily recommended amount of Vitamin C. Red bell peppers contain even twice as much Vitamin C than citris fruits. Vegetables such as broccoli and spinach boast a good amount of Vitamin C as well as antioxidants. Vitamin D is another effective supplement to help boost your immune system. Look for yogurt that is fortified with Vitamin D and that has a “live and active cultures” label. Vitamin D may stimulate your immune systemand boost

your body’s natural defence against diseases.

Vitamin B6 is vital for supporting chemical reactions in the immune system and for the formation of new and healthy red blood cells. B6 also helps your body make interleukin-2 which helps direct the actions of your white blood cells. Poultry, such as chicken and turkey, is high in Vitamin B6. Sunflower seeds are also packed full of Vitamin B6 as well as phosphorus, magnesium, and Vitamin E. Vitamin E is key to a healthy immune system as it helps to regulate and maintain function. It can be found in sunflower seeds, almonds, avocados, and dark leafy greens. Zinc is also needed by our bodies to support a healthy immune system. Shellfish such as crab, clams, lobster, and mussels are all packed with zinc. Make sure to stick to the daily recommended amount 11mg for men and 8mg for women, as too much could actually inhibit the immune system.

IMMUNITY-BOOSTING HEALTHY RECIPE Immunity-Booster Chicken Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cloves of garlic, diced • 1 medium lemon (zest & juice) • 1 handful fresh ginger • 2 qt chicken broth • 1 can coconut milk (optional)

• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 lb chicken breast • 1 medium onion, diced • 3 large carrots, diced • 2 celery stalks diced

Try these at-home exercises to stay active indoors and keep your body strong and pain-free!

DIRECTIONS Heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add chicken breast and brown. Then, add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 min, until softened. Add 2 quarts of chicken broth and ginger with the skin on. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 35-45 minutes (the longer you boil ginger the stronger it is). Remove ginger and discard. Remove chicken, then shred and set aside. Add lemon zest and squeeze lemon to taste. Continue to simmer for 15 minutes. Add shredded chicken and (optional) 1 can of coconut milk. Serve immediately.

HIP ABDUCTION | SIDELYING

DEAD BUG | HEEL TOUCHES

HEEL RAISES Stand while holding a chair as shown. Slowly stand on your tip toes, lifting your heels as high as you can and hold the position. Then repeat to the starting position. Repeat 6-10 times throughout the day.

Lie on your back with your hands and knees raise upward, keeping your core engaged. Slowly lower one heel to the ground, then alternate sides, keeping your core engaged. Repeat 6-10 times on both sides.

While lying on your side, slowly raise up your top leg up and to the side. Keep your knee straight and maintain your toes pointed forward the entire time. Use your bottom leg to stabilize your body. Repeat 6-10 times on both sides.

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