Want to know what the experts do to stay healthy? We gleaned advice from top celebrity medics to find out their best wellness tips
DR ZOE WILLIAMS
“A MAJOR ELEMENT OF WELLBEING IS YOUR BEDTIME”
NHS GP and resident medic on ITV’s This Morning, Dr Zoe Williams, explains how the immune system works and why prioritising your sleep is vital:
“The immune system is incredibly complex and has many components, and the initial response usually reacts pretty fast to try to fight off infection. However, when it doesn’t, you can get ill. Usually when you experience symptoms like a fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat – the symptoms are actually due to the immune response, which is trying to get rid of the invading agents.
As great as it would be to develop a silver bullet immunity aid – the reality is there are no quick fixes. Some people live life with compromised immune systems because of underlying health conditions, or the medicines they need. However, for many of us, there are things we can do to help protect ourselves.
A major element of wellbeing is your bedtime. The stress of our daily lives can mean we might experience prolonged periods of poor sleep, and this can impact our immune systems making us less able to fend off bugs. There’s a reason why we take to our beds when we get poorly. When we sleep, researchers say our immune system ramps up to combat the inflammation associated with fighting off infection. Sleep could even impact our immune system’s ‘memory’ when it comes to recognising and reacting to antigens.”
DR RANJ SINGH
“DO THINGS THAT ARE FUN, SOCIABLE AND PHYSICAL”
Dr Ranj Singh, NHS paediatrician, BAFTA-award-winning TV presenter and bestselling author tells us to look after our physical and mental wellbeing through activity as well as rest. He says:
“It’s an old saying but a healthy mind really does equal a healthy body. We all need to concentrate on both our physical and mental health to really look after ourselves. Whether that’s ensuring we don’t indulge in too many sweet treats, making sure we get enough sleep, or that we get out and enjoy some fresh air, we must take time as individuals to make sure we can be the very best of ourselves.
Life is always busy but I really do make an effort to make sure that I have a little time to unwind at the end of every workday. I love being sociable so meeting up with friends is really important to me. I love a good dance, so either doing that socially, or as part of a class is a great way for me to have fun (and get some exercise in!). Taking breaks now and again to help you recover, reflect an
