Winter Wellness Tips From Holistic Medical Centre

Whether we like it or not, winter is fast approaching. With the change in weather we are more prone to catching coughs and colds and other airborne viruses. As the Holistic Medical Centre say, “Prevention is better than cure”, and now is the time to consider a few supplements and dietary changes to help increase your immunity and ward off the winter ills and chills naturally.

One of the most powerful ways to boost your natural defenses against the winter bugs is through diet and lifestyle, and by following the steps below you will be on a fast track to a healthier winter. You should eat plenty of leafy greens that are rich in immune-enhancing phytonutrients, and also foods rich in vitamin C.  Some of your best winter food sources of vitamin C are parsley, kiwi fruit, citrus fruits, leafy greens, red capsicum and fresh sprouts.

Sleep has a powerful regulatory effect on your immune system, and studies show that sleep deprivation can lead to compromised immune function, leaving you more at risk of catching coughs and colds. You should also aim for regular exercise, which will not only boost immune function but also stress resilience.

There are a number of herbs and supplements that have proven immune boosting properties and can be very beneficial to take at this time of year, such as probiotics supplements which will help reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections as well as supporting your immunity generally. Vitamin D has excellent immune enhancing properties as well as significantly reducing the risk of respiratory infections in children.

Zinc can also help to prevent or decrease the duration of sore throats and respiratory infections that are so common in winter.  As zinc is generally low in New Zealand soils, deficiencies are commonly found here. Similarly, astragalus and echinacea are two powerful immune-supportive herbs that can help to prevent the occurrence of coughs, colds and respiratory tract infection, as well as shorten the duration and severity of these winter ills.

Finally, vitamin C supports white blood cell activity, which in turn helps to fight off infection and improve your immune resilience.  It is useful to take a loading dose of vitamin C at the first sign of infection.

If you are particularly prone to recurrent infections at this time of year then booking in a naturopathic appointment to have a full assessment may be a wise investment.  Holistic Medical Centre will be able to prepare a treatment plan with individual herbs and supplements tailored to your specific needs, so to find out more about naturopaths, blood tests Auckland and Ponsonby doctors please go to http://holisticmedicalcentre.co.nz .