As we start to head into the colder months, it is a good time to consider what you are doing to look after your immune system. Your immune system is responsible for defending your body against infections and other toxins. The stronger your immune system, the greater your ability to ward off nasty bugs.
To give your immune system the upper hand, here are some immune-boosting strategies you may like to consider:
You are what you eat
Approximately 70-80% of your immune system lies within your gut. Maintaining gut health and integrity is one of the first steps towards achieving optimal immune health. Bone broth is an excellent means of boosting your gut health and immunity, and its incorporation into cooking dates back to our ancestors’ times.
Emerging information has found that bone broth may benefit gut and digestive health, maintain muscle and bone health, and reduce inflammation—all important factors for immunity. Bone broth can be consumed directly like a tonic, or can be incorporated into cooking, in soups and stocks. Gevity Rx Body Glue X Immuno Tonic comes infused with immunity boosting ingredients such as turmeric, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, juniper berries and lemon myrtle to provide the ultimate immune defence!
A healthy dose of Vitamin C
You can’t beat a classic! Vitamin C is one the most highly-regarded vitamins for preventing, managing, and healing infections. We can find natural sources of Vitamin C in citrus fruits (oranges, lemons and kiwi fruit), tomatoes, broccoli and bell peppers. We can also use supplements, such as the Vitamin C products on offer by Melrose and Lipo-sachets.
Annual Flu Vaccinations
Each year, new strains of influenza virus evolve and circulate. This is why it is recommended to update your flu vaccination every year, to stay ahead of the virus. At WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods we offer flu vaccination services all year round. Book your flu vaccination online or come in store and speak with your local WholeLife Pharmacist.
Keep Your Hands Sanitised
Ensuring your hands are clean is one of the best things you can do to reduce your chance of illness. Grab a hand sanitiser in-store, like the Dettol Instant Hand Sanitiser, which kills 99.99% of germs and comes in handy sizes with a travel clip so you never lose it in your bag.
Manage stress
Stress can take a huge toll on our immune systems. Making self-care a priority in your lifestyle is important to ensure you don’t get too run down. Consider adding a stress-reducing activity into your lifestyle, such as yoga or meditation.
Keep Active
Maintaining a healthy regular exercise regime can help improve health and bolster immunity. Exercise has countless health benefits, and enhances immune function by stimulating recirculation of cells and decreasing the risk of infection. However, prolonged, high-intensity activity can have the opposite effect! Aim for consistency, adopt a form of exercise you enjoy, listen to your body, and rest when you need to.
Stay hydrated
Water makes up the majority of our body weight and is responsible for flushing waste from our bodies, regulating body temperature and helping brain function. Water also aids in the absorption of important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from your food, which increases your chances of staying healthy. Remember 8 glasses a day is recommended at a minimum!
Come and visit your nearest WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods to find all your immune-boosting essentials. You can also discuss your immunity with our qualified pharmacists, nutritionists and naturopaths, who are always happy to help and offer advice. Always remember to read the label and follow the directions for use.
