The winter ills and chills are among us now but it doesn’t mean you have to suffer! Keep your immune system firing with these five simple winter wellness tips!
- Eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods, in particular colourful fruits and vegetables. As a general rule, the richer the colour of the plant food, the richer the stores of powerful antioxidants such as vitamin C and other protective compounds.
- Take a probiotic supplement to help improve or maintain good gut health. Approximately 70% of our immune system is centred in the gut. Ensuring that your gut microbiome is well populated with good gut bacteria is a great way to optimise overall health and give your immune system the best chance.
- Check your zinc status. Zinc is a vital mineral involved in DNA repair and cellular healing. The majority of us in New Zealand are deficient in zinc due to depleted soil levels. Foods which are rich in zinc include meat, oysters, mussels, and pumpkin seeds. If you suspect you might not be meeting your daily zinc requirements, come into one of our stores for a FREE zinc taste test.
- Get enough sleep. Research shows that sleep deprivation makes us more susceptible to infection. We make a number of immune compounds in our sleep, and not getting enough quality sleep can compromise this immune action. Ensuring that your room is very dark, avoiding screens at nighttime, getting good quality protein at dinner and taking a magnesium supplement are just some strategies that can help promote sleep.
- Support immune response with herbs such as echinacea, black elderberry, garlic and olive leaf. Many herbs have been traditionally used to support healthy immune function. Herbs can offer immune support through promoting a robust response to stress, inflammation and infection.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for educational purposes only. Please do not use this information to diagnose or treat any health concerns you may have. This information is not intended to replace the advice given to you by a qualified health professional. Get in contact with a Tonic Health consultant or a relevant health professional if you need guidance on your individual health journey.