Tips for Staying Healthy During Cold & Flu Season

Whilst we haven't fully felt the bite of chilly Northern Irish autumnal weather, the gorgeous coloured leaves falling off the trees and the cold foggy mornings are certainly an indication that it's on it's way. So what better time to prepare our bodies for fighting off those seasonal cold and flu bugs with these simple tips ...

1. Fermented foods and drinks are our friends

Bacteria-boosting kombucha, kimchi, pickles, tempeh, and other fermented foods boost good gut bacteria. The gut is the largest part of your immune system so keeping it healthy is super important for warding off those cold and flu viruses. Start taking probiotics daily to stack the odds of optimum health in your favour.

2. Include immune-boosting foods in your daily eating

There are a great many superfoods to choose from and including them in your diet will help to ward of seasonal nasties. Build up your immune system by having a diverse range of colourful, living foods in your daily eating. Consume a good dose of vitamins, like beta-carotene from carrots, vitamin C from berries, vitamin D from mushrooms and magnesium from avocados to name but a few.

3. Add turmeric and ginger into smoothies and juices

Increase the superfoods in your diet by adding some great ingredients into your morning juice or smoothie. Ginger and turmeric are both known to fight inflammation and help give the immune system a seasonal boost.

4. Start taking relaxing baths infused with essential oils

Baths can help you de-stress whilst improving sleep which is wonderful for maintaining a healthy immune system. Adding a couple of drops of your favourite relaxing essential oil such as lavender can help ward off those nasties and improve your general well-being.

5. Meditation & mindfulness

Giving ourselves to the present moment either through meditation or mindfulness is great for the soul and, arguably, even better for your immunity. Settling in and shutting off your 'monkey mind' on a regular basis helps relieve stress and anxiety, calming your nerves and giving your immune system strength to fight off an infection.

6. Try Echinaforce tincture

Tinctures are bottles with droppers that are full of super-concentrated compounds from natural sources that help with an array of ailments. For boosting the immune system, A. Vogel's Echinaforce tincture is your best bet.

7. Exercise is key

Whether you’re a yogi or a runner, making sure you get in some physical activity on a regular basis is great for your physical and mental health. It lowers cortisol levels which reduces stress, and this helps build a stronger immune system.

Ref: wellandgood.com