Winter is coming and that means that cold and flu season is upon us. This is a time when we should be looking for ways to naturally boost our immune system and give our bodies the strength to fight off those pesky infections.
If you’re wondering how to strengthen your immune system naturally this winter, look no further. Here are Prinos’ top 10 tips towards better immune health today.
1.Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to keep your immune system fighting fit all winter. Drinking plenty of water flushes toxins from the body, keeps the blood oxygenated and helps the organs to function properly. Aim for around three litres a day for optimum hydration.
2.Get your five fruit and veg a day
One of the best ways to boost your immune system naturally, is by eating well; and that means incorporating plenty of fresh, seasonal into your diet. These foods are full of immune boosting nutrients, fibre, vitamins and anti-oxidants, which all help the body fight colds and viruses.
3.Supplement with Vitamin C
Leading on from the above point, foods that are high in Vitamin C, including , are essential to maintain a healthy immune system. This important nutrient is a powerful antioxidant that fights inflammation, while also supporting immune function and reducing the length of time we get sick for.
4.Keep your gut happy and healthy
A happy and healthy gut is imperative for the immune system to function properly as this is where most of the immune system is actually located, and where the body produces its immune strengthening good bacteria. Try upping your intake of probiotics including
5.Get enough quality sleep
While we are sound asleep in our beds at night, our body is busy restoring, repairing and rebuilding itself. This means that getting enough good quality sleep is essential for our immune systems to work efficiently. If you don’t sleep well or a sufficient amount, your body will be more susceptible to illness. Try and get around 7-9 hours a night for the best immune system booster.
6.Increase your zinc intake
Zinc plays a major role in strengthening the immune system by helping our cells to grow and repair themselves, and in turn better fight off infection. Boost your immune system by looking for zinc rich foods such as
7.Eat naturally anti-microbial foods
The natural world is full of foods that are packed full of anti-microbial properties. Try incorporating these foods into your diet to improve your immunity. Naturally antiviral plants and herbs include
8.Soak up that Vitamin D
Did you know that a Vitamin D deficiency can significantly increase your chances of getting ill, with low Vitamin D levels linked to immune system disfunction? Vitamin D boosts the immune system by helping to reduce inflammation and increase germ and virus killing antimicrobial proteins in the body. Try getting out into that winter sun or consuming oily fish to get some of that natural Vitamin D this winter.
9.Maintain high levels of B12
Another important building block in the road to immune system health is Vitamin B12. This vitamin help strengthen the immune system and a deficiency can limit your immune responses. B12 is bound to the proteins in food, so look for protein rich products like to boost that B12.
10.Avoid the nasty stuff
Just as healthy eating helps to boost the immune system, so unhealthy eating works the opposite way. Cut back on junk food, alcohol, and products that are high in sugar or preservatives, as these ingredients increase inflammation in the body which is exactly where microbes and viruses thrive.
Health and wellbeing is what we do best at Prinos, so head down to our stores today, or visit our online e-shop, and stock up on some naturally immune boosting products to help you fight infection this winter.
Find your nearest Prinos shop in Nicosia and Larnaca.
Don’t forget that you can always put your order online at dev.prinos.eu.