TLC for your immune defences

As we slip into winter, catching a dreaded cold or worse can seem inevitable. While there’s no escaping the fact that we are 80% more likely to catch a cold in winter*, the good news is that our body’s natural defences are designed for tackling such viruses. Keeping your immune system in tip top condition can help you stay one step ahead of those nasty bugs.

Nutrition consultant Dr Chris Fenn, believes our immune system needs some special care and attention in preparation for the winter months: “The carefully orchestrated immune system relies on an army of cells circulating in the blood stream, where they remain ready to deal with invading bacteria or viruses. Your immune strength depends on the production of the immune boosting white blood cells – B-cells, T-cells and macrophages – which in turn depends on an optimal intake of vitamins and minerals.

“What’s more, over indulgence, lack of rest, high stress levels and other negative lifestyle patterns associated with the 24/7 society we live in will also have a damaging effect on your body’s natural defences.”

Keep your natural defences in peak condition by following Dr Chris Fenn’s Top Tips for Bug Beating:

Slash the stress

It’s not only what you are eating, it’s what is eating you! Stress drains your energy and saps your immune system. Rush hour traffic, tight deadlines at work, an impending visit to the dentist - whatever the cause of your stress - your body will be producing the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenalin, which in the long term lead to adrenal exhaustion and an impaired immune system.

Take proactive steps to reduce your stress levels and build some good quality ‘me time’ into your daily routine. Take time to enjoy your breakfast, switch off your phone for 10 minutes, spend time with a friend or relative, read a good book or wrap up warm for refreshing winter walks by the sea.

Love your slumber

Sleep is essential for the repair and rejuvenation of our brain and body. The production of white blood cells, which are vital for immunity, happens mainly during the slumbering hours, so aim for between seven and nine hours a night .

Exercise…but don’t overdo it!

The cold, dark nights of winter are no reason to lock yourself up and take to your sofa. Whilst over-training can suppress the immune system, sensible regular exercise has been shown to boost the number of virus fighting T-cells. It also increases circulation of blood and nutrients and helps flush the body of toxins. Inject a bit of excitement into your winter evenings and try a new activity like Latin dancing, Tai-chi or yoga.

Attitude is everything!

Most people accept that stress and depression chip away at the body’s natural ability to fight off disease but we don’t tend to think about the effects of positive thinking.

Dr Chris Fenn explains, “One of the most powerful influences on your health and how you feel is your mental attitude. You can think yourself healthy and boost your immune system by being grateful for the small things in life each day rather than having a head full of doom and gloom.”

It’s a food fight!

Eating the right foods will give your body the immune boosting vitamins and minerals that it needs to fight off infections. While most people know Vitamin C as the champion of virus fighting nutrients, not many are aware of the importance of the essential mineral, selenium.

Selenium plays an important role in immune function by increasing the proliferation and activity of immune cells and has been shown to have a direct effect on cellular immune response.

Yet selenium, which occurs naturally in soil and is obtained from foods including cereals and brazil nuts, is at such low levels in Western Europe that the population currently consumes around half of the recommended amount.

Dr Chris Fenn explains, “Even the most health conscious eaters will find it difficult to get sufficient levels of selenium from their diet alone and those consuming a poor diet will be even less likely to be get the minerals and vitamins they need for a healthy immune system. If you struggle to eat a balanced diet and get your five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, a supplement, such as Selenium-Ace plus Vitaberry, can be an effective way to safeguard your intake of these vital nutrients.”

Selenium-ACE plus Vitaberry contains the essential trace mineral selenium (organically-bound), plus vitamins A, C and E with the added benefit of natural antioxidant polyphenols from fruit, to help maintain a healthy immune system and offer protection against free radicals. The one-a-day tablets have been designed to deliver the equivalent natural antioxidants of three portions of fruit, safeguarding vitamin and mineral intake and so easing the way to a more balanced daily diet.

Priced £5.95, Selenium-ACE Plus Vitaberry is available from Boots, Tesco, Waitrose and Morrisons. For more information visit wassen.com.