WINTER is peak time for colds and flu. Staying healthy and avoiding illness where possible is important, especially amidst a worldwide pandemic.
Immunity is the ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies or sensitised white blood cells. While almost everyone gets sick from time to time, there are definitely ways to boost your immunity to render yourself less susceptible to falling ill.
Staying hydrated is important all-year-round for your health. Even though you may not ‘crave’ water as much as you do when it’s warm, it’s very important to drink the recommended daily amount to give your body the best chance of staving off infections.
Eating a well-balanced diet of whole foods, fruit and vegetables is key to building and maintaining a healthy immune system. Turmeric and garlic are natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory foods to make winter meals tasty as well as medicinal. During winter months, include herbs and spices such as ginger, cumin, turmeric in your cooking to warm your body and blood against the cold, to aid digestion, and add antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Remember to also keep moving during winter. Exercise is imperative to overall health, but in winter it is a crucial part of staying strong, fit and healthy, all qualities that help you recover from illnesses faster.
In conjunction with all the ways we can help our overall health to help us combat illness as best we can, remember safe hygiene practises such as constant hand washing, use of hand sanitiser and staying home when you’re sick are the best ways to help avoid others getting sick if you are.
