Most of us are no strangers to those dreaded colds and flu that can leave you and your family with runny noses, coughs, sore throats, headaches, fevers, and fatigue through the winter months.
This means it is the perfect time to boost your immune system and defend against cold and flu symptoms which are the leading cause of time away from school and work. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
There is natural support for your immune defences against both viruses and bacteria so they won’t keep bugging you and making you sick.
Key Herbs and Nutrients play a crucial role
These act as natural winter warriors and can help to protect you and your family this season. Here are some examples:
• Andrographis: This immune herb given at 6 g has been shown to be as effective as paracetamol for reducing fever and sore throat. Together with Zinc and Picrorrhiza, Andrographis may also help to reduce duration of illness.
• Elderberry is an excellent herb to help reduce flu symptoms such as fever and runny noses.
• Cordyceps, Coriolus and Reishi are medicinal mushrooms that specifically target virally-infected cells, often the cause of those winter colds and flus. These medicinal mushrooms can be taken for both acute and chronic infections, to help restore a healthy functioning immune system.
• Zinc, Vitamin D and Vitamin C: These key nutrients are all important to help reduce the severity and duration of illness, whilst also supporting your immune system to function optimally.
Let’s remember The Gut – Your Link to Immunity
Did you know that 70 to 80% of your immune system is actually located in your digestive system? Understanding this will emphasise how important it is to look after your gut health. Your diet and the overall functioning of your digestive system will affect your immune system.
Probiotics not only help with digestion, but there are also key probiotics that help your immune system. The beneficial strains, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 have been shown to help boost your immune system function.
Eating To Stay Well Through Winter
Healthy eating plans are essential throughout winter to help strengthen your immune system. Maintaining good nutritional status can help keep you healthy and reduce your risk of getting sick, as well as aiding faster recovery.
• Eat seasonally, fresh and organic as much as possible.
• Eat a well-balanced Mediterranean style diet with plenty of
fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish and lean meats.
• Reduce inflammatory foods that can suppress immune function and are mucous-forming. These are dairy, sugar, white breads, cakes, and soft drinks.
• Try a hot fresh lemon, garlic and ginger tea with a dash of honey, or thyme tea to soothe a sore throat.
• Drink plenty of water, a minimum of eight glasses per day, and avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine.
• Take time to rest and relax, and get a good night’s sleep.
So act now and boost your immune system to prime it against common invaders. Give yourself the chance of getting through these winter months without suffering at the hands of the common cold or flu. Even if someone has already started kindly ‘sharing’ their bugs, immune herbs and nutrients and a healthy diet will still help you by reducing the severity and duration of your symptoms. Let’s look forward to winter this year and experience it in a state of wellness.
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