Build your Immune System in Time for Winter

It is that time of year again when you become aware of the possibility of a flu or cold that you may get. How can all build up your immune system to stay healthy in the winter that is upon us?

What are the facts about a cold and the flu?

 

	Colds	Flu
Caused by	Many different types of viruses	Only a few types of viruses
Symptoms	Runny nose Watery eyes Scratchy throat Sneezing Mild fever	Nausea Coughs Chills Sweating Appetite loss Body aches High fever
Treated by Antibiotics?	No	No
Serious	Seldom	Can lead to pneumonia

Tips to prevent colds and flu

 

Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, as this is how it spreads most frequently. Especially when at the office or other public areas (eg after touching door handles, taps, lift buttons, refrigerator handles, kettles and the coffee machine). Keep a bottle of hand sanitiser in your handbag or in the car to disinfect your hands.  It is highly likely that germs will enter your body through the mouth – thus, avoid touching your face….  

Some studies show that people may touch their faces once every 2 – 3 minutes.

Although still a controversial topic, consider taking enough or added vitamin C.  Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) assists in producing infection-fighting antibodies.  There is added vitamin C in your Protein Plus Shake but with the Slender Wonder options, you can meet your Vitamin C intake easily with the foods. Focus on the following:

 

Simeon B	Go Moderate	Stabilization
Orange Grapefruit Mineola Naartjie Strawberriies Spinach Broccoli Tomatoes Papaya Coriander Chillies (red and green) Chives Cloves Basil Rosemary and Lemons	In addition to those listed in Simeon B, you can add Green Peppers Tangerines	Add Kiwi (green) Guava Pineapple

Probiotics:  These “good” bacteria help keep the body healthy and protect it. Yoghurt contains usually added probiotics and it can be obtained with supplements.

Remember to continue to drink lots of water and other non-caffeinated fluids during winter. This will keep you well hydrated and also help to unblock stuffy noses by thinning the mucus.

Avoid smoking as it contributes to drying out mucous membranes and weaken the immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to viruses.

Get enough of sleep: aim for at least seven hours a night so your body has time to repair.

Get vaccinated: In healthy adults, the seasonal flu vaccine can decrease the chances of getting the flu by 70% to 90%.

References: 

www.webmd.com 

www.mayoclinic.org