Seven ways to survive ‘summer’

Aug 12 2007 By Lesley Oldfield, Sunday Sun

IF summer’s late arrival has left you feeling dull and lacking in energy, you need to invigorate your system.

That doesn’t mean punishing gym sessions, besides, 70 per cent of us never stick to those regimes.

Instead, you could give yourself a boost by adding a few “superfoods” to your diet, improving your breathing and using some complementary medicine.

SALAD SECRET

If you’re having salads, don’t forget to add watercress.

This dark green plant is packed with 15 vitamins and minerals, most importantly iron, says Jacqueline Young author of Complementary Medicine For Dummies.

Nutritionists and herbalists use watercress to treat fatigue, weakness and skin problems.

Young suggests making a nutritious cold summer soup. Put two generous handfuls of washed, organic watercress in a blender with half an avocado, some sprigs of parsley, chopped cucumber, a squirt of lemon juice and a glass of water until smooth. Add a dash of seaweed salt and eat immediately.

However, avoid excess watercress if you have kidney disease.

GO GREEN

Stimulants like tea, coffee and alcohol give a short-term energy boost but soon wear off, leaving us craving sugary, refined foods.

Instead, replace your morning cuppa with green tea, which could give you a great energy rush as it contains bioflavonoids. These compounds are also found in fruits, vegetables, and red wine, and may help improve circulation and protect against cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

ORGANIC TIPPLE

Drinking wine, especially at barbecues, can make hayfever worse. The sulphur used to preserve wine often causes a flare-up of an allergy and can also lead to headaches.

Splurge an extra pound or two for the organic version to limit any nasty reactions the next day. Long summer evenings may also mean you drink for longer. Take milk thistle for a month as it protects the liver and also speeds up the clearance of alcohol from the body.

PRUNE POWER

Eating prunes or drinking prune juice could make a big difference to your health.

These dried plums are a real superfood because, as well as accelerating digestion and aiding bowel regularity, they are also a source of sustainable energy due to their natural sugar content.

If prunes for breakfast doesn’t appeal, have them in a drink.

BREATHE IN

Use breathing techniques to aid relaxation. Jacqueline Young advises: “Sit in a comfortable position, raise your right hand and place the thumb against the right nostril to close it.

“Inhale through your left nostril to a count of eight. Then repeat the exercise by closing off the left nostril and inhaling through the right to a count of eight. Repeat seven times slowly and gently.”

STEP IT UP

Just 21pc of us are hitting the recommended target of 30 minutes exercise, three times a week, so walk up stairs instead of taking the lift, walk to the shops, or get off the bus two stops early.

must stay in COOL IT

Transformulas Liquid Ice Wrap, right, is a cooling compression bandage which can be used for heat control in climates with high temperatures.

At £29.95, it needs no refrigeration, can be used six times, and may help sport injuries. See www.transformulas.com