Keeping Your Head Above Water this Winter
With the recent rain, wind and chills around the country, it’s suddenly become very clear that winter has well and truly descended upon us! And with it, come not only miserable and dreary weather, but colds, flus and other nasty viruses lurking about.
To find out how to best boost your immune system, depending on your specific health situation, have a chat to your local pharmacist who will be able to determine the most effective and affordable solutions for you.
In the meantime, to avoid being hit for six by the winter blues, take heed of the following guidelines:
Cleanliness is next to healthiness
Germs spread rapidly, particularly on public transport, in offices, classrooms and other tightly packed environments. Ensure your hands are washed regularly, keep warm, and avoid those who are clearly unwell (where possible!) If you are already sick, remember to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, wash your hands regularly and take time off work or school if you particularly lethargic or awful.
Early to bed - able to rise
If you’ve been partying, working or studying hard, having lots of late nights or otherwise exhausting yourself, your immune system will be less able to fight off germs and much more susceptible to contracting an illness. Do yourself a favour and keep well-rested at home during the cold and flu season to give your body a fighting chance of faster recovery.
A vitamin a Day
There are a myriad of vitamins available on the market. However, a few key ones help to boost your immune system are vitamin C, olive leaf extract and garlic and horseradish - all robust supplements designed to boost your immunity before you get sick and help your system start fighting the nasties faster, if and when you do get sick. Think of these vitamins as disease fighters.
Natural Nutritional Support
Many vitamins and essential nutrients can only be obtained through the diet. Stock your kitchen cupboards with anything from the Allium family - onion, garlic and leeks. While emitting a strong odour, these are super heroes when fighting colds and flu. Consume 7 to 10 serves of fruit and vegetables daily and don’t forget the red meat, chicken, omega 3 in fish, nuts and whole grains.
Keep these tips on standby and your immune system (and those around you) will love you for it!
