Caregivers are amazing to me. They respond to a deep calling to help those in need of care that is often above and beyond what is usual and normal. They do this willingly and live for making another person happier and healthier.
But sometimes they do this at the expense of their own health. Caregivers often pay so much attention to the needs of others that they end up neglecting their own health. They will spend the two extra hours with their patient and miss a meal too many times each week or get called in early to work and in a rush, skip breakfast. Skipping meals can easily lead to the idea that it's best to grab something rather than go hungry, and the easiest thing to grab is often fast food. Since fast food is devoid of nutrients, it actually takes nutrients out of the nutrient stores in the body to be digested. Before too long, a deficiency of vitamins and minerals is seen.
The reason why we need vitamins and minerals is to stay healthy, strong and to think clearly. Nutrients are essential for the immune system to work properly. Specifically, vitamins A, C, D, E, B5, B6, B12 and minerals such as zinc and selenium are needed for major parts of the immune system cells to do their work. If a caregiver is low in any of these nutrients, then he or she is more susceptible to contracting any infection that a patient that is cared for may have. This includes colds and the flu.
What Caregivers Can Do to Prevent Health Problems
The easiest way to maintain a hectic caregiver schedule is to add an immune-enhancing, energy-releasing supplement to one's diet. Take it always with breakfast or a planned mid-morning snack. Often these types of supplements contain herbs that have been researched to boost the immune system, ones such as Reishi mushrooms, astragalus, ginseng, and green tea. Many people think that if they take one supplement such as green tea for their immune system, that is enough. However, no herb or nutrient can do everything! It's a combination of them in the right proportions that truly makes the biggest difference.
One supplement that I have often recommended to my patients is Enerhance. This one is great not only for the caregivers, but also for the patient that is being taken care of. It is easy for both people to take a break and take the supplement with a protein shake or a bowl of yogurt with berries. The time can even be a little bonding moment. "Let's boost our immune systems now, Miss Grace," you can say to your patient. It sends a message that you really do care - both to your patient and to yourself!
Immunity-boosting can be easy! Try it for yourself and see!
