If it’s not the bitter chill in the air that reminds you that winter is here, then it’s the sniffles, coughs, and colds, that you hear around you. Whether you work in an office environment, retail, or with children, you’ll find it harder and harder every year to ward off colds and the flu.
It seems inevitable that you’re going to end up battling a cough or cold for at least some part of the winter season. If you want to get a head start on prevention, then you’re in the right place. Read on to discover how to quickly boost your immune defense.
Try Dietary Supplements
When you lead a busy lifestyle, it can be a challenge to make sure your body has all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it needs for you to fire on all cylinders. That’s where an immune defense supplement may be able to help. With core ingredients designed to bolster your immunity, it’s a must-have product to fight those pesky colds and the flu.
Ingredients like pelargonium, EpiCorⓇ, zinc, and olive leaf can all help to boost your immunity against winter illnesses. EpiCorⓇ is a unique ingredient that strengthens your immune defenses and acts as a multivitamin. It also features at least a dozen nutrients to give your body a helping hand.
Pelargonium, on the other hand, is a natural South African herbal ingredient with antibacterial and antiviral properties. It can ease a sore throat, cough, and even reduce the impact of sinuses. Supplements with such an ingredient can prove beneficial for bolstering your body’s defenses. Olive leaf, which features in many supplements, is traditionally used to fight colds, the flu, and reduce fevers.
Finally, you can rely on zinc to quickly boost your immune defense. Zinc aids in producing healthy immune cells and can reduce oxidative stress.
Sip on Green Tea
Green tea is not only a delicious beverage to warm both body and soul, but it can be a healthy, immune-boosting one as well. Green tea contains flavonoids, which may be able to reduce your risk of catching a cold. It also only contains a minimal amount of caffeine, making it ideal for those who want something to sip on throughout the day.
Eat Plenty of Fruit and Vegetables
There are many hundreds of studies out there that prove vegetables and fruit play a part in your health. Your parents didn’t make you eat them as a child just to punish you! Your body needs all the vitamins and minerals it can get, and fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts, can all provide them. The healthier you are, the more likely you are able to ward off colds and the flu this winter.
Consume More Garlic
Garlic is a delicious accompaniment to many dishes, but are you eating enough of it? If you want to quickly boost your immune defense this winter, then it might be time to add a little more to your diet. Garlic is an antimicrobial agent as well as an effective immune booster.
However, the key to getting the most benefits is by consuming it in supplement form or adding it to food just before you serve it. Heat can remove many of its benefits.
Indulge in Dark Chocolate
Do you really need an excuse to eat more chocolate? If you do, then here it is. Dark chocolate can be beneficial for providing a much-needed immune system boost. While that doesn’t mean you can chomp down on a full block of chocolate and be entirely immune to a cold, it does mean you can have a few squares.
Dark chocolate contains theobromine, an antioxidant which can protect your body’s cells from free radicals. In the process, it can boost your immune system. Remember, though, dark chocolate is high in saturated fat and calories. If you are going to treat yourself, do so in moderation.
A Nod to Almonds
Snacking on nuts is not everyone’s favorite pastime, but it could be yours if you manage to avoid a cold this winter! Almonds contain a lot of fiber, magnesium, vitamin E, and manganese. If you consume a handful of nuts every day, you may be doing your immune system a lot of favors!
Conclusion
The average adult has two or three colds every year, which can see you bed-ridden and under the weather for weeks. While you won’t be able to avoid every illness and cold this winter, there are ways you can boost your immunity to reduce the risk.
Why not try out these options above? Invest in an immunity defense supplement, sip on green tea, or change up the snacks you consume throughout the day. Before you know it, you’ll be making your way through winter without a sniffle or sore throat to speak of.
