We are heading into the cold & flu season, so why not boost your immune system to give yourself a head start?
The average adult comes down with around two or three colds per year and as flu is very contagious we may find that we also catch this sooner or later too. One of the tricky things about dealing with cold and flu viruses is that they do not respond to antibiotics, which destroy bacteria, so why not boost your immune system naturally to help ward off a cold or flu.
Greek Yoghurt – a helpful bacteria because it helps keep your gut healthy which will improve your immune system and susceptibility to infection.
Red Peppers – a rich source of vitamin C that aids your immune system in fighting colds and flu. The powerful effect of vitamin C comes from bioflavonoids that help your body produce white blood cells, especially the white blood cells of your lymphatic system that cleanse your cells and tissues of toxins.
Oatmeal – whole grains, like oatmeal, contain selenium, zinc, and beta-glucan to help support your immune system and fend off cold and flu infections. Add a generous dollop of yogurt — its probiotics may help keep a virus from settling into your respiratory system. At Slim & Save, we have five varieties of porridge and oatmeal one for every day of the week!
Garlic & Ginger – garlic is the miracle food for everything! The BBC reported in 2007 that garlic stimulates the activity of immune system cells that destroy cold and flu viruses. An added bonus from eating fresh garlic is that your strong breath can discourage sick people from wanting to get too close! Ginger reduces fevers, soothes sore throats, and encourages coughing to remove mucus from the chest. The chemicals shagaols and gingerols in ginger give it that spicy kick that stimulates blood circulation and opens your sinuses.
Pumpkin – high in both vitamin C and beta-carotene. These offer a boost to the immune system using a powerful combination of nutrients. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A. This triggers the creation of white blood cells that fight infection.
Oysters – it is well known that these are great aphrodisiacs but they are also packed with zinc which is also great for protecting the body against cold and flu, other great sources of zinc are; lean meats such as beef, chicken, and seafood.
Water – It is important to keep hydrated because if you are unwell both a fever and heavy breathing can cause you to lose extra fluids.
While these are a good first line of defence against colds and the flu, a healthy diet has been shown to boost immune function and help you get better faster, and if you’re consistently eating a varied diet and a colourful palate, it will help your body fight off any infections. You are permitted all of the above on the S&S plan so there is no excuse not to give yourself a fighting start this Autumn/Winter.
Do you have any tips on keeping fighting fit over winter? Share them below to be in with a chance of winning a set of Bluetooth Scales. Our favourite comment will be chosen on Monday 9th October 2017 at 4 pm! Be sure to leave your comment below to be in with a chance to win!
By Joanne Jones, Customer Care Advisor
The best way to boost your immune system is not be too clean. I mean like disinfecting everything, constantly washing your hands etc. By being over clean, we are actually weakening our immunity. Exposure to some bacteria and viruses coaxes the body to create natural barriers to them.
Adding cayenne pepper to my meaty slim and save meals warms me up a treat
Vitamin D (5000 units per day) but you need also to take Magnesium G and Vit K2 (unless on Warfarin) alongside.
We did a foraging walk a couple of years back and were told all about the benefits of elderberry syrup. It’s amazing stuff and research has shown that for some people it’s more effective than the tamiflu injection. Last year I took a spoonful everyday and avoided colds and flu all season. This year sticking with slim n save but will do this again next year.
Flu jab, and clean hands!
Lots of sleep, vitamins, fresh air and most importantly slim & save will keep the cold and flu at bay. Never felt healthier than when using Slim & Slave!!
Wash your hands.
I’ve got my vitamin d, the sunshine vitamin, started. A medical friend swears by it. And getting my free flu injection this month. Interesting article Jo.
I always up my vitamin C and D intake at this time of year as it helps!
As an NHS Employee we encourage staff & the public to have the flu jab annually. So I have to say flu jab.
Ginger has antiviral and antibacterial properties, and I absolutely am in love with Teapigs Sweet Ginger Tea, but you can also make your own quite easily at home! Makes you feel all warm and cozy in the cool months!
Great tips, I will definitely be taking some of these on for my daughter.
In terms of slim and save, I get the least amount of colds and illnesses when on slim and save, I aaaume this is due to the minerals and vitamins which i undoubtedly do not get enough of at any other point when not following the diet, so I suppose my tip would be to make sure you take extra if your struggling with colds etc when not on this diet.
Vitamin c up the intake, drink honey and lemon in warm water as soon as you feel anything it really helps. Eat lots of veg to up the goodnesss in vitamins/minerals your body needs
I find walking is the best way to fight off the winter flu .getting at least 20 minutes of uv on my skin always make me feel great even if it’s raining .added bonus you get the vitamin d
I’d say get some extra vitamin c supplements and keep the tea and hot drinks in tap…wrap up warm and keep those feet warm….
Flu jab 😉
A cuppa tea! Believe it or not, a few cups of tea a day can really go a long way. There are plenty of variations you could use if you dont like the traditional brew. Add some ginger to give it an extra immune boost or use it on its own in plain hot water.
I love Red / Capsicum Peppers on their own or in any kind of cooking… It really helps with blood circulation.
Also, Turmeric is an all rounder when added to anything and fights off infections as a natual anticeptic.
I always top up my vitamin c and vitamin d during the winter months and it really does help! Just gives you an extra boost to deal with those bitterly cold days and boosts your immune system.
Always wear socks
I work nights and sleep in the day so don’t see much daylight so perhaps I better get some extra vitamin d in my diet x
Prevention is better than a cure, washing your hands frequently and keeping antibacterial gel in your bag is a wise move through winter.
What a great post I will definitely be adding these in my life this winter, working in an A+E department I come into contact with lots of cold and flu bugs which seem to give me a good protection. I also get yearly flu jab. Alas when colds do hit I love olbas oil a good sniff clears everything out.
Keep away from kids lol this tip doesn’t work for me as I have two and there also quite huggy lol xxx
I believe that one of the most important things to help keep you healthy and assist your body with its own natural ability to fight off illnesses is to ensure that you get enough sleep. In the run up to the holidays, especially, everyone has a million and one things that they just “have” to do which invariably equates to less sleep achieved due to trying to get everything accomplished. Sleep is nature’s way of helping us heal and recuperate. So, regardless of how much you think you should do, don’t forget that enough good sleep will help you maintain your energy throughout and allow your body the time and space it needs to re-energise.
I watched a health program on telly the other night and they suggest taking 10mcg of Vitamin D per day to help fight off a cold. I hope we are allowed this as I’ve bought some xo
I find Echinacea drops really good in fending off colds and flu. I take 15 drops in a little water each morning during the Winter months and purchase them from Holland & Barrett.