As the days get shorter and as temperatures drop, your immune system needs to stay strong to fend off coughs, colds and sniffles.
More than 200 viruses can cause a common cold and the average Aussie catches two to four colds each year.[1] Around 300,000 visits to GPs each year are made by Australians with the flu, says the Influenza Specialist Group.[2]
Here are some key things to consider, to help keep your immune system in tip-top shape:
Go Green: Leafy green veggies are nature’s way of boosting your immunity. Spinach, kale, bok choy and broccoli contain phytonutrients that heighten immune system activity. These vegetables are also rich in vitamin C that supports immune health.
Move It: A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found people who exercise at least five days a week spend 43 per cent fewer days with upper-respiratory infections.[3] Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of activity a day. Exercise helps blood flow and so keeps immune cells circulating throughout our body.
Use Antioxidants: Antioxidants help reduce the damage caused by free radicals. Ubiquinol, the active and more bioavailable form of CoQ10, is a potent antioxidant that helps our heart[4] and liver health[5] and provides us with energy. You can get Ubiquinol from foods like spinach and tuna, but you would need a very high level to feel the benefits, so try Ubiquinol capsule supplements instead, from leading Australian supplement brands.
Use Your Mind: Use mind power to cut your odds of getting a cold by 40 to 50 per cent. A University of Wisconsin study found people who used mindfulness techniques were sick less often and needed less time off work during the cold and flu season.[6]
Reduce Sugar: Did you know that when you have sugar your infection-fighting white blood cells become weaker? And your immune system is less effective for several hours after you indulge in sweet treats.[7] So, curb your sweet tooth this winter to stay fighting fit.
Sleep Matters: Don’t under-estimate the healing effects of a good night’s sleep. A study at Carnegie Mellon University published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found when you average less than seven hours sleep a night you could be almost three times more likely to get a cold than people who get at least eight hours of sleep.[8]
Speak to your healthcare practitioner before supplementing with Ubiquinol and CoQ10 supplements.
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