1.    Gut Health

It is important to focus on your gut health as the majority of your immune system is linked to your small intestine. Ensure that you are eating a well-balanced and high fibre diet consisting of lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats.

Bone broths are also fantastic as they help to reduce inflammation and assist in healing the gut. You can have them on their own with hot water, or add them into soups, smoothies or make a warming winter curry or casserole.

2.    Sleep, Exercise and Hydration

Drinking plenty of fluids and staying hydrated is vital as this helps to flush out any nasty bugs that can make us sick. It also assists with the prevention of and recovery from colds. Drinking herbal teas such as lemon and ginger is a great combination to help boost your immune system.

In order to stay healthy getting enough sleep is important. It is recommend that you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night. This will help to keep your immune system in fighting shape.

Exercising for at least 30-40 minutes daily will also get your endorphins moving throughout your body and slow down the stress release of hormones, strengthening your immune system and helping your body to fight off colds and infection.

3.    Vitamin C

Foods that are rich in Vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries and vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and kale. In the peak winter season these foods that are high in Vitamin C help to support your body’s immune system and fight off the severity and duration of colds.

Along with foods high in Vitamin C you may also like to take a Vitamin C supplement to help give your body an extra boost. Other benefits of Vitamin C include protection against damage from free radicals, promoting wound healing and supporting the manufacture of collagen in the body.

4.    Turmeric, Garlic and Ginger

These anti-microbial foods are great to include in your meals during winter as they help to kill and prevent the growth of microorganisms. They have all been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Include them in dishes such as stir-fries, broths, teas and soups to boost your immune system while adding lots of flavour.

5.    Manage Your Stress Levels

Being able to manage stress levels has been linked to helping individuals fight disease. Stress decreases the body’s lymphocytes – the white blood cells that help to fight off infection. Having 30 minutes each day to yourself, whether that be an infrared sauna, exercise, meditation, reading a book or lighting a candle during a relaxing bath. These practices can help to lower the stress hormones in our body and are a delightful way to indulge in some self-care.

6. Infrared Saunas

According to Clearlight Saunas Australia, sitting in an infrared sauna will raise your core body temperature, inducing an artificial fever. Fever is the body’s natural mechanism to strengthen and accelerate the immune response, as seen in the case of infection. This enhanced immune system, combined with improved elimination of toxins and wastes via intense sweating, increases your overall health and resistance to disease.

Maddie Devereux - @maddieskitchen_

For more information on Nimbus Co and our infrared saunas; About Nimbus Co. — Nimbus Co.

WORDS BY MADDIE DEVEREUX