Cooler months in Queensland are undoubtedly glorious, however they do bring the Cold and Flu season with them. The good news is James Jensen from the Australian Nutirtion Centre has some simple ways to help strengthen you and your family's immune system to prevent or reduce the duration of illness.
Increase your Vitamin D
When the temperature drops, we rug up and snuggle indoors, but getting outside to enjoy the beautiful winter sun is important for our Vitamin D levels (and our mood!). It’s a good idea to get your Vitamin D levels checked and ensure they are at the optimal level of 75nmol/L and above, which significantly reduces your risk of getting sick.
Vitamin D can also be extremely effective in treating colds and flus. Studies have shown that a ‘Vitamin D Hammer’ (a one-time dose of 50,000IU of vitamin D or 10,000IU three times daily for two or three days) has resulted in full resolution of all influenza symptoms in two or three days.
Choose the right immune boosters
Beware of clever marketing strategies such as attractive packaging and discounted prices designed to lure you into impulse purchases of probiotics and immune boosters, particularly for children, as not all immune boosters and probiotics contain genuine, natural ingredients or are properly dosed.
Many children’s probiotics or immune boosters contain a lot of sugar, often labelled a different name, such as Sucralose. This can cause disruption to gut microbiome, and in some cases can exacerbate pre-existing food sensitivities and behavioural issues.
There are many good quality products that provide nutrient support for a healthy immune system, including powders to mix with water that are pleasant tasting so even the littlest fusspots will happily drink it!
Something for mum and bub
It’s a common misunderstanding that there is nothing safe to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Care needs to be taken and certain medications avoided, but there are several safe and effective options including Echinacea, Vitamin D, Vitamin C and Zinc.
When you're sick
Staying well hydrated and ensuring adequate rest seems obvious but many people tend to ignore this, leading to a longer recovery period. It’s important to understand that taking Cold and Flu tablets can make you feel better, but do not change the course of the illness, they simply manage symptoms. The beauty of natural medicine is that it can not only improve symptoms, but also help you recover faster.
I hope these tips help keep you and your family well during the cooler months. When choosing supplements and vitamins it is recommended you consult with a qualified health practitioner to ensure you are getting the correct product and dosage for your individual needs.
The information provided by Australian Nutrition Centre is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided in this article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care.