I don’t know about you, but I always find myself getting sick over the festive season, so this year I am determined to support my immune system to ensure that I stay healthy over winter. Here are my 5 tips to support your immune system this winter.
Improve your gut health. Studies have shown a strong link between your gut health and the immune system. Your gut microbiome can have a direct effect on your immune system. Immune cells in the gut interact with the microbiome, the diverse array of bacteria and fungi that live in the gastrointestinal tract and are directly influenced by our diet and lifestyle. An easy way for you to improve your gut health is by incorporating kombucha into your diet. Kombucha is a fermented tea which can be flavoured and has a light fizz to it. If you’ve read my previous posts on kombucha then you will already be aware of its many benefits. This winter my kombucha of choice is No.1 Living Plus Immune, which is combined with Reishi mushroom, yuzu and ginger extracts in every sip whilst also including Vitamin D, which is essential this time of year in contributing to the normal function of the immune system. This has a light and refreshing taste thanks to the yuzu, which is a citrus fruit most commonly found in Japanese cuisine. It has a wonderful depth of flavour compared to other citrus fruits, and it really comes through in the Immune drink.
Add ginger to your meals and drinks. Ginger is thought to have a host of health benefits, including helping to reduce nausea, calming the digestive system and working as an anti-inflammatory. With this in mind, I often make my own ginger shots to have every morning during winter. However, I prefer to have ready-made ginger shots available when I’m short on time, so this week I have been drinking the Kombucha Gut & Immunity Shots. What I love about these shots is that the ginger flavour is subtle, rather than the burning of the throat ones that we would usually find in the shops. Nutrition wise they contain 4.5g prebiotic fibre from chicory inulin. Over 1 billion live cultures (Lactic Acid Bacillus), including gut-friendly probiotic bacteria, that are proven to reach the gut alive. 500% RI of Vitamin D3 for immune, bone and muscle health. 100% RI of Vitamin C, which can support your immune system and naturally sourced from acerola cherry.
Prioritise sleep. Not sleeping well or enough can affect your recovery time, so ensure that you are getting enough rest over the busy festive period to give your immune system the support that it needs. A good way to unwind and get a good night’s sleep is to avoid caffeine after mid-morning and switch to a caffeine-free alternative. Essential oils like lavender and frankincense are great for promoting sleep.
Eat a balanced and healthy diet. Ensure that your meals and snacks are balanced throughout the day. Eat every 3 hours to keep your blood sugar stable, and keep healthy snacks to hand to balance all the festive treats. I love making homemade bliss balls and keeping them in the fridge to grab when I need a sweet but nutritious treat.
Keep active. Winter can be a stressful time for many of us, and bouts of stress can affect the immune system, so take time to reset a stressful day with a walk on your break, a run after work or an activity that you enjoy. Now’s also a good time for you to stop smoking, if you feel like it’s impacting your fitness. You can bulk buy vapes online, if you want help quitting.
*No.1 Living Drinks products were kindly gifted.
