Stay cold free this autumn

Sep 20 2008 by Katherine Neal, The Journal

THERE is no doubt about it; the colder months can play havoc with your health. As the temperatures start to drop our bodies face an onslaught of bugs and infections. The colder air can contribute to aches and pains; and lack of sunlight and exercise can make us all feel a little bit miserable. This challenging cocktail is enough to test the strongest of constitutions. It is not surprising that so many of us either fall ill or generally feel under par as the nights draw in and air gets colder.

You can strengthen your immune system's infection-fighting ability by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and having enough rest. Good nutrition can reduce the duration of colds and decrease the aggravating side effects.

Here are five tips to increase your body's vitality and resistance to infection during the colder months.

1. Reduce or, better still, avoid refined sugar completely. Sugar has been shown to almost immediately decrease immune function.

2. Follow the Rainbow Rule: try to eat as many different colours of fruit and vegetable as possible each day. This way you ensure an intake of all the different beneficial phytonutrients (nutrients derived from plants), like bioflavonoids in berries and quercetin in apples, both of which are potent antioxidants.

3. The most common route of infection is not coughing or sneezing, but hand-to-hand contact – viruses are often passed by touch. Wash your hands frequently and avoid shaking hands with those who are already ill.

4. Eat plenty of garlic for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal activity.

5. Consider some immune boosting supplements such
as vitamin C and a good probiotic to boost your good bacteria.

For a tailored Nutritional Programme to boost your immune system contact Katherine Neal at Nutritional Know How (0191) 215-9292, www.nutritionalknowhow.com