Autumn is here and the winter months will soon be upon us, so preparing your immune system now will give you a better chance of getting through to the spring without suffering from severe bouts of cold and flu. If you do catch a cold and your immune system is strong, your symptoms are likely to be less severe, so here are some ways that you can help support your immune system.
Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is considered a superfood and the benefits of taking Manuka honey have been celebrated for centuries because of its anti-bacterial and healing properties. Manuka honey comes from the nectar of flowers on the Manuka bush in New Zealand.
Taking Manuka honey, whether straight from the spoon or stirred into your morning cuppa, can benefit your wellbeing. If you struggle with hay fever or seasonal allergies, you may find that Manuka honey can help with your symptoms.
Manuka Doctor produces 100% pure New Zealand (it’s not mixed with variants from other countries) Manuka honey – approved and tested in the science lab. Try Manuka Doctor Manuka Honey Multifloral from Holland & Barrett. Bringing Manuka honey into your diet is a great way to support your immune system due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Some of the bad habits that we picked up during lockdown, such as poor diet choices and indulging in too many takeaway meals, can contribute to a weakened immune system. The result of indulging in unhealthy meals too often can lead to a low intake of nutrients that support immune system functioning, such as Vitamins A and C.
Supplements can play a big role in supporting our immune system. Vitamin D is an important nutrient that contributes to the normal function of your immune system and helps maintain normal bone and muscle function. Even with natural exposure to the sun some people may still be at risk of low Vitamin D. Other natural sources of Vitamin D include salmon, mackerel, sardines, milk, eggs and liver. To make sure you are getting enough Vitamin D, take Holland & Barrett Vitamin D3 Tablets daily, preferably with meals.
Vitamin C, found naturally in a variety of fruit and vegetables, is also an important nutrient for normal energy yielding metabolism and reduction in tiredness and fatigue, but taking a supplement every day, such as Holland & Barrett Vitamin C & Wild Rose Hips Caplets can boost your immune system.
Exercise is really important for maintaining the immune system, whether that be a brisk walk to the shops instead of driving, or a swim in the sea or the local swimming pool. Going to the gym can help you to hit those fitness goals, and taking Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Powder Chocolate from Holland & Barrett can help you reach your daily protein goals quickly and easily. Most people who do not exercise and eat a relatively healthy diet will reach their protein goals without really trying, but if you exercise, that number goes up and a protein powder could really help.
As many of us are back to having an active lifestyle again, it’s important that we let our body have enough time to rest and recover, allowing us to feel re-energised for the following day. B12 is known as one of the most important vitamins for normal energy-yielding metabolism and it also helps to maintain normal nervous system functioning. Your body doesn’t make Vitamin B12, so it’s important to get it from a balanced diet. Beef, pork, eggs, milk, cheese and fish are all good sources of B12. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, it may be that you aren’t able to get enough B12 as you are excluding those food groups. B12 can be found in some breakfast cereals and nutritional yeasts and in supplements such as Holland & Barrett Timed Release B12 tablets.
There are lots of other ways to supercharge your immune system. Smoothies can help you reach your five-a-day in no time. And while there aren’t many rules as to what you should put in your blender, there are recipes you can follow that are designed to contribute to the normal function of your immune function. Try adding different fruit and vegetables to support immunity, such as banana, clementine & mango or a delicious triple berry kiwi smoothie. If you’re not into smoothies, try a refreshing cup of hot lemon and ginger tea. Lemon and ginger are both full of antioxidants and vitamins, so drinking a cup every day can be good for your immune system. Alternatively, wake up to a cup of Pukka Ginger Joy Latte – a thrilling blend of ginger with turmeric and cinnamon to boost your immune system and a great way to start the day.
It’s also a good idea to think about supporting your child’s immune system, especially if they seem to be constantly falling ill from colds and bugs. Making sure they eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day isn’t easy, especially if they’re a fussy eater. Try giving them Holland & Barrett Healthy Kids Multivitamins + Omega 3 Juicy Orange Capsules. Each capsule bursts to deliver a juicy orange flavour that they’re sure to love.
