Is your immune system ready for autumn? A change in seasons, autumnal darker days with less sunlight and kids returning to school creates an ideal backdrop for the perfect storm! Colds and infections are always much more prevalent at this time of year and there are a number of reasons for this. Indeed, lack of sunlight and the consequential loss of vitamin D being produced on the skin has significant detrimental effects.
Researchers writing in the British Medical Journal found that higher levels of vitamin D helped provide protection against acute respiratory tract infections, as just one example. They noted additional benefit to those who were severely deficient in vitamin D and those receiving daily or weekly supplementation. With this in mind and with the help of Natures Way and Clinical Nutritionist Suzie Sawyer, here’s 5 IDEAL ways to boost your immune system for a bug-free autumn.
EAT GREEN
The more green foods you can pile onto your plate the better. Broccoli, apples, kale, spinach, courgettes, avocado, peas, limes ….. the list is endless. Green foods are packed with immune-boosting vitamin C, iron, vitamin E, carotenoids and zinc. Try to include at least one green food with every meal. Think spinach omelette, smashed avocado with sourdough bread and a stir-fry using chicken, broccoli, peas and mange touts (plus all the trimmings!).
DRINK GREEN
That’s tea! We know that mint tea is high in immune-boosting nutrients such as vitamin C, the carotenes and iron. However, spearmint tea also contains anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compounds. According to the Journal of Chemistry it also contains antioxidants which protect the body against degenerative diseases as well as supporting the immune system.
AND EVEN MORE GREEN!
Think spirulina and wheatgrass. Both are little powerhouses of immune-boosting nutrients! Spirulina is a blue-green algae which is often used in powdered form or as a supplement. It’s especially high in vitamins A, C and E, plus minerals such as zinc and selenium – all great for the immune system. Additionally, wheatgrass is rich in chlorophyll, the green food of life, together with many vitamins and minerals. Keep some wheatgrass ‘shots’ in your freezer and add them to your daily juice for a nutritional punch!
NOT KEEN ON GREEN?
If upping your ‘green’ intake is just not your thing, then try NEW Alive! Ultra Wholefood Plus – a range of high quality multivitamin and mineral formulations with enhanced levels of nutrients plus added botanical ingredients. Packed with high levels of B-vitamins for increased energy, and our unique dried blend of 26 whole fruits and vegetables, these specially balanced wholefood solutions provide superior levels of tailored nutrients to reflect the specific needs of women, men, and women & men over fifty. Each Alive! Ultra Wholefood Plus product also contains a bespoke range of botanical blends including Daily Greens (with spirulina and kelp), Digestive Enzymes and Citrus Bioflavonoids.
SAY YES TO SLEEP!
Many of us know how ‘under par’ we feel when we’re not getting enough sleep. Indeed sleep experts generally recommend seven to nine hours per night. A recent study found increased incidence of upper respiratory tract infections when British Army recruits slept less than six hours per night. The fact is, the body needs sleep to repair and regenerate and the immune system can become weakened when it doesn’t get enough. If you’re having broken nights, try going to bed earlier so that you’re actually in bed for longer; sleep needs to be prioritised if you’re going to stay bug-free!