STAYING HEALTHY OVER WINTER 
Seasonal changes and infections
IT’S A FACT.. that we all tend to be slightly more vulnerable to colds and infections during the colder months. One of the main reasons being that viruses prefer cooler temperatures and therefore there are more of them. Cold air drys out the mucous membranes lining our airways, reducing our natural defence mechanisms and we also tend to stay indoors more, which makes it easier for those nasty bugs to spread. All my family have literally just has heavy colds and if you have school aged kids youll know how easily those germs spread!
The best way to help avoid colds and flu is to practice good hand hygiene, maintain a healthy lifestyle with good food and enough sleep. Supplement your diet with a good multi-vitamin for whole-body health, and support your immune system with a good quality gut supplement. Ensure you’re getting enough Vitamin D as well.
SIGNS YOUR BODY IS FIGHTING AN INFECTION
Recognising early indicators of infection is important to getting you back on the road to recovery quickly. REST when you see those first signs strike, listen to your body and slow down. Symptoms will depend on the infection, but generally speaking, look out for any of the following:
- Increased body temperature (fever) that is often accompanied by sweating and ‘chills’ or a feeling of an inability to control temperature
- Fatigue and tiredness that are not overcome with rest
- Muscle aches
- Changes in appetite
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
HOW THE IMMUNE SYSTEM RESPONDS TO INVADERS
The immune system’s white blood cells get to work immediately upon detecting germy threats. Their cells and antibodies get to work on an infection, bringing an inflammatory response, which actually alsos make us feel poorly and cause all those uncomfortable symptoms listed above.
Thankfully, this should only be a short-term feeling, but it’s a sign we should listen to our body, and rest up. Winter colds and flu can last from a few days to over a week, but remember if it all drags on and on, get to see your GP (if you can!)
REST AND RECOVERY
I cannot overestimate the importance of giving your body time. Adequate rest allows the body to direct energy towards fighting the infection. We should also aim to avoid exercise until fully recovered, stay hydrated and eat well.
Check out this immune boosting tea from Dr Vegan. I got most of my supplements from here and they are really affordable and great quality. If you’d like 15% off your purchase, use my code GINNYWINDER
IMMUNE BOOSTING GINGER TEA (RECIPE /LINKS COURTESY OF DR VEGAN)
Ginger is great for supporting the immune system and this recipe really gives you that cosy, wintery feeling. Perfect to drink after a brisk cold walk.
Ginger contains a substance called gingerol, an anti-inflammatory action in the body, and we’ve also added lemon to this tea recipe for extra health benefits. We recommend finding out more about foods to support the immune system, written by expert nutritionists. Read the science of staying infection-free by Immunologist Dr. Jenna Macciochi.
If you enjoy this recipe, we think you’ll also like our Golden Latte and Vegan Pancakes.
Ingredients
1 centimetre piece of ginger
1 slice of lemon
A drizzle of maple syrup (optional)
Method
1. Cut several thin slices of ginger and add to boiling water in a pan. Allow to simmer for 4-5 minutes. Pour into a cup and add a slice of lemon.
This recipe is ideal alongside taking your Daily Multi-Vitamin, full of nutrients such as Vitamin D3, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, B Vitamins for energy and more.
