With winter upon us, it is time to look after your immune system, as we seem to be more susceptible to colds and flu in the cooler temperatures. One of the most powerful ways to boost your natural defences against winter is through diet and lifestyle. This week we are giving you our top immunity tips to help support your health and enjoy the winter months without battling the cough and sniffles.

Eat plenty of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an extremely important nutrient for boosting immunity. It supports our white blood cell formation and can decrease the length of time and severity of symptoms associated with colds and flu. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and can help decrease the length of time and severity of symptoms associated with colds and flu. Include plenty of foods high in vitamin C in the diet, including fresh fruits and veggies, especially citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, strawberries, broccoli, cabbage, and parsley. Vitamin C supplementation is also a great option. This winter I am using Eden Health Foods Wild C.

Warm up with Bone broth

Simmering bones for many hours creates a nutrient-dense elixir that is rich in protein and minerals. As those bones release their goodness, we are luckily enough to be rewarded with a potent brew that is full of amazing benefits for not only our immune system but for our joints, hair, skin, nails, and gut too. Not all of us have the time to stew bones for hours nor do we want our homes smelling like meat factories. That’s why you can enjoy the convenience of quality dehydrated bone broth by Nutra Organics. They are made from certified organic bones and other essential ingredients and nutrients. Just add hot water for highly absorbable, naturally nourishing and healing super food today!!!

Sip Herbal tea

Herbal teas are a lovely option during the cooler months as they warm us up and make us feel extra cosy. Many herbal teas also contain immune boosting ingredients like antioxidant-rich ginger and green tea, bacteria and virus fighting peppermint and elderberry, and Vitamin C packed rosehip and hibiscus. If you are looking for the ultimate immune supporting herbal tea, look no further then Planet Organic’s Immunitea. Packed with the powerful trio – Elderberry, Echinacea, and Olive leaf, to help boost your immunity through winter.

Give Medicinal Mushrooms a Go

Medicinal mushrooms contain powerful antimicrobial and antiviral properties that can supercharge your immune system. From reishi, chaga, cordyceps and shiitake – adding some mushrooms into your diet can help build the body’s army of immune fighters, help with hormonal adaptability and provide beneficial prebiotics to promote greater gut health. Superfeast is my go-to for medicinal mushrooms.

Sleep tight

The body repairs itself while you are sleeping, and if you are not getting enough, one of the first signs is inflammation and a dysfunctional immune response. Healthy sleep allows our immune systems to remember pathogens and fight them off later. Not enough sleep not only affects our immunity, but also our mental health, cognition, and blood sugar regulation. Wheat bags during the winter are a great option. They are perfect for keeping frosty feet warm or for pre-heating your bed sheets to help you doze off into a perfect night’s sleep.

Prevention is key with Echinacea

Echinacea is known as the herbal immune superstar & is one of my personal favourites too! It has numerous medicinal properties including anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It also improves the body’s defence mechanisms to fight off germs and infections such as the common cold and flu. Echinacea paired with Elderberry is a sure way to protect yourself this winter.

Diffuse Essential oils

Essential oils are valuable during the colder months not only for their scents, but also their anti-bacterial properties which help support your immune system. My favourite immune boosting scents include rosemary, eucalyptus, clove, lemon, and cinnamon. Furthermore, many essential oils help ease stiffness and body aches that may arise during the cooler months. It is important to choose 100% pure essential oils blends to ensure you’re not breathing in any harmful chemicals.