Five simple immunity boosters for the end of winter

If you’ve got a cold, then you’re not alone. We’re set to suffer from the sniffles and coughs more than ever this year, with research showing we’re in for the worst flu season on record. Eagle Natural Health Naturopath Teneille Newton shares her simple steps to follow to ensure your stay healthy all winter long.

1. Still your mind

If we told you there was a way to reduce your chances of catching a cold by 50 per cent, you’d do it, wouldn’t you? And, as a bonus, you can do it anywhere, anytime. Then all you have to do is close your eyes. Research has found that meditating daily can reduce the physical effects of stress which can weaken the immune system. So get comfy, turn some relaxing music on and allow your mind to empty of its day-to-day worries.

2. Eat well

A well-balanced, seasonal diet is your secret weapon to a strong immune system. Foods high in antioxidants and vitamins are a must for every meal. Try porridge oats for breakfast, topped with berries; a hearty chicken and vegetable soup for lunch; and a mouth-watering comforting dinner of roasted vegetables (such as carrots, broccoli, garlic and sweet potatoes) and grilled chicken or fish. These all contain nutrients which will give you energy, boost your immunity, help you sleep better, and even make you happier.

3. Get moving

Research shows that people who get physical exercise almost every day spend 43 per cent fewer days with colds or flu, as movement helps to boost blood flow, promoting the circulation of lymph and immune cells throughout the body. Even gentle exercise can help boost your body’s response to illness, so aim for around 30 – 60 minutes a day, five days a week.

4. Take vitamin B

A quality vitamin B complex supplement has been shown to help reduce tiredness, boost energy and mood, improve skin conditions and help fight infections. This is because the group of B vitamins provide the foundation for your good health, by giving your body’s cells energy and ensuring that your body is functioning at optimum health. Take one tablet every morning, along with a healthy green smoothie.

5. Don’t forget your antioxidants

Even the most healthy of us need to include antioxidants in our diet: these are the disease-fighting, immune-boosting weaponry found in foods such as berries, green leafy vegetables, lean meats and legumes. However, with one in four adults eating little to no vegetables each day, it’s fair to say that our diets may need a little helping hand. A daily antioxidant complex or a Vitamin C and Vitamin E supplement can help your body right some of those wrongs.

Ask your health professional what supplements are right for you. Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet.

Have you had a cold this winter? What’s your best cold and flu remedy?