How To Avoid A Cold Or The Flu This Season

The blogging world has gone absolutely mad with the arrival of autumn. From fall fashion hauls to berry themed make-up tutorials, autumn is the blogger's dream season (apart from the lack of natural light) and rightfully so. Think of all the things we have been looking forward to this season; TV shows finally coming back, all the cosy jumpers we can wear, festivities being just around the corner - have I mentioned 78 days until Xmas?! And whilst these are great, we all know fall also brings heavy rainfall, cold and extremely windy weather conditions, not to be mention...germs everywhere. That's right, fall brings a sudden rise to the number of sick people, suffering with a cold or the flu, and if you're sitting in an extremely packed tube every day like myself, your odds of not getting sick are not looking good. Which is why I thought on today's post I'd bring a few health tips proven to boost your immune system during the colder months. I'm no expert, but I did some research and I hope you find these helpful!

VITAMIN C

An obvious one but Vitamin C is particularly important. It helps increase the activity of immune cells and antibodies, so making sure your Vitamin C levels are topped up is a must. Vitamin C-rich foods include bell peppers, dark leafy greens, broccoli, berries, citrus fruits and tomatoes, and apart from having a varied and Vitamin C-rich diet you may also consider taking a supplement.

OMEGA 3S

Fish oil helps with inflammations and protects the lungs from colds and respiratory infections. This is found in salmon, mackerel and herring and you should aim to eat oily fish around three times a week. Just like Vitamin C though, you can always go for a supplement. 

GARLIC & GINGER

Garlic is high in sulphur compound, believed to bring health benefits such as anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects. Which is why, eating fresh garlic boosts your system and also helps if you have already caught a cold or the flu. Similarly, ginger helps you sweat out the toxins in your body. My favourite home remedy has to be ginger and honey tea; it soothes a sore throat and makes for an effective cough suppressant. 

PROBIOTICS

70% of our immune system is in the gut according to nutritionists, which is why beneficial bacteria intake is extremely important. Live yogurt and fermented drinks (anyone else love Yakult?) is a great start, but supplements are also available. 

VITAMIN D

Get out, enjoy the sunshine and soak up on much needed immune system boosting Vitamin D. I know the UK is rather grey in the autumn and winter, but we do have the occasional sunny days here and there so make sure you take advantage of those. Fresh air and sunlight can also help reduce stress and put you in a better mood, which are great bonuses! 

HAND SANITISERS

I honestly cannot live without these and you too should always keep one in your handbag! These gels contain alcohol in order to kill the germs present on the skin and work immediately and effectively at killing bacteria and most viruses. Especially useful if you take public transport.

Have you got any other health tips for the season? Share with us below!

Thanks for reading beauties and enjoy the weekend!
(Wrap up, it's going to be a chilly one)

xoxo