Avoid getting sick this winter with these top five immune-boosting tips...
Viruses are pretty much the norm at this time of year, but if you combine this with spending more time indoors, stress and an imbalance in gastrointestinal flora, nutritional deficiencies and poor sleep, then you’ve got even more chance of getting sick when it’s cold than ever. Naturopath Katie Bieshaar shows how to boost your immune system before you’ve even walked out the door in the morning. Words: Sarah Brooks-Wilson | Image: Julie Adams
Food:
Make sure your breakfast packs a nutritional punch. While you may not always feel like it, incorporating veggies like onion, garlic, chilli and plenty of coloured, nutrient rich vegetables into an omelet in the morning will set you up for the day. If you prefer a sweet breakfast, then add a spoonful of natural yoghurt to a bowl of hot porridge, a drizzle of Manuka honey and a sprinkle of flaxseeds or chia seeds for the ultimate bowl of goodness. Try Swisse Chia Seeds Superfood.
Meditate:
Meditating can reduce our response to stress, therefore, boost your immune system. Meditating first thing in the morning ensures you start the day calm and focused before you walk out the door. The easiest way to do it is to download a guided meditation app. Even just ten minutes a day will make all the difference to your mood and immune response.
Exercise:
Rugging up and getting outside for a run or walk gets the blood flowing, can assist with stress and boost endorphins. If you can’t bear to face the cold in the morning or find it hard to leave the house, just a few yoga poses will get the circulation going and put you in a happy place. Learn a sequence of five moves, find a quiet space and get flowing.
Hydrate:
Drink a glass of water or hot water and lemon first thing in the morning before you have your tea or coffee. This stimulates the gut and aids the elimination of wastes through our lymphatic system.
Probiotic:
Taking a probiotic every day provides ‘good’ digestive bacteria that can support a healthy immune response. A combination of Lactobacillus Plantarum and Lactobacillus paracasei reduces the risk of getting a cold and strengthens the immune defences by boosting B-lymphocytes, aka virus thwarting cells. Take in the morning with your breakfast so you don’t forget later in the day. Add a spoonful of The Beauty Chef Glow Advanced Inner Beauty Powder to a smoothie or glass of water.