Supporting Your Immune System in the Cooler Months

Our immune system is working all of the time no matter what the season; however, the cooler months are a good time to focus on giving it a boost. Once the temperature really starts to drop, we can be more prone to picking up any lurking cold or flu infections.

There are many reasons for this, including the fact that we tend to spend more time indoors, often with windows closed. This reduces ventilation and can potentially increase the risk of spreading infections. Poor ventilation can also increase the risk of mould, which can become an underlying issue for respiratory illnesses.

Spending less time outside can mean less exposure to sunshine and therefore less Vitamin D, which is such an essential nutrient for a robust immune system.

We may also drink less water during the cold months, which reduces the efficiency of our lymphatic system (a part of our immune system) to support the clearance of toxins from the body, including bacterial and viral waste.

If you ever need some naturopathic support for a cold or flu, I do offer brief appointments for acute issues, including online or phone appointments if you are symptomatic.

However, there are plenty of ways that you can support yourself as well, including:

• Drinking adequate water
• Eating a colourful variety of fresh vegetables and fruits every day
• Including immune-boosting herbs in your diet such as ginger, garlic, oregano, turmeric, plus citrus fruits, sauerkraut, and kefir
• Prioritising sleep by avoiding screen time before bed and ensuring exposure to natural light in the morning
• Spending time outside in gentle sunshine
• Engaging in exercise, including walking
• Avoiding processed foods (which weaken the immune system)
• Making your own Fire Cider (see recipe on page 4), which is full of potent immune-boosting herbs. This tonic can be taken daily, especially during the cooler months, and will warm you up from the inside out!