Your immune system functions to protect you from disease and keep you in good health.
As we head into winter, it’s important to give your immunity a helping hand to ward off viruses and other sources of infection.
In this article, we’re going to take you through four easy ways to boost your immune system. These will help keep you and your family healthy and ready to face the season ahead.
A healthy diet is key
One of the most effective ways to boost your immune system is through diet. Eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables is one way to stay healthy through winter. This is because their high vitamin C content protects against disease.
For rich sources of this immune system booster, try:
- Oranges
- Kiwi fruit
- Strawberries
- Grapefruit
- Guavas
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Red and green capsicums
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
You can find out more about the power of vitamin C on the healthdirect website.
Nuts, seeds and legumes are also great for helping to build immunity. This is because they are rich in the mineral zinc, which helps your cells to repair themselves. Enjoy beans and chickpeas in salads or make a delicious dahl from lentils. Muesli packed with nuts and seeds will give you a healthy start to the day.
You can also take MultiBiotic capsules. Not only will they keep your gut and digestive system healthy, but they will also help to improve your immunity.
Power up through exercise
Exercise will boost your immunity in several ways. It eases inflammation and helps your immune cells renew themselves. It also stimulates blood, meaning those immune cells will travel around the body in higher numbers, keeping you protected.
Exercise consistently for the best results. Experts recommend frequent, moderate exercise to keep you in good health. And even if you are not super fit, there are lots of ways to increase your strength.
To build up your fitness and immunity at the same time, why not try:
- Brisk walking around your local park
- Cycling with your kids
- Joining a water aerobics class
- Moderate gardening, such as weeding
- Any form of dancing
In short, choose an activity that you enjoy and doesn’t feel like a chore!
Get good-quality sleep
Research has found a link between getting good sleep on a regular basis and a strong immune system. So getting a good night’s sleep is another simple way to increase your immunity.
Good-quality sleep can also help improve how your body responds to vaccines. This adds another layer of protection against disease.
If your sleep quality is poor, there are lots of things you can do to improve it.
- Get yourself into a good routine by going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, even at weekends.
- Switch off your phone or tablet an hour before bedtime to help you wind down.
- Don’t drink caffeinated drinks in the evening.
- Make your bedroom a relaxing space that’s cool, dark and just right for winding down.
Add supplements to your routine
While you should always aim to eat a varied and healthy diet to get the nutrients your body needs, you can boost your immune system with vitamins and other supplements.
This is especially true in winter when we could all do with some extra help. Some of the most popular supplements include vitamin C and D, zinc, garlic and ginseng. All of these are known as immune system boosters.
To get maximum benefit, you can try a supplement that combines at least two of these. Manuka C powder harnesses the power of three different types of vitamin C, combined with manuka honey, zinc and glutathione. The manuka honey has several special qualities. It’s antibacterial, antiviral and also stops the spread of fungal infections, so it is a great addition to this supplement.
Probiotics also play a valuable role in building up your immunity. They keep the lining of your gut strong and healthy, keeping bacteria and other triggers at bay. Try a vanilla flavoured probiotic powder that can be used in a healthy shake or sprinkled over your breakfast cereal.
A healthier you is a happier you
At FeverMates, we believe that a healthier you is a happier you. That’s why we stock a range of supplements to boost your immunity and help you live your best life. Check out our shop for our complete range, as well as all our products to manage your family’s health.