9 Tips To Fight Off The Colds This Autumn

So our glorious #Heatwave2018 is officially behind us. The temperature is dropping by the day and the clouds are forming overhead. Autumn is on our doorstep, with winter following along right behind it.

One of the worst side effects of the colder months is the increase in colds. Getting poorly, especially when life is so manic and there’s just no time for it, can really kill your productivity. You may even have kids at nursery or school that bring all those nasty bugs into the family home and you’re constantly in the vicious illness cycle between your family and friends.

Our immune system does a remarkable job of defending us against a host of nasty microorganisms. There are ways that we can try and help boost its effectiveness. However the immune system is not a single entity and to keep it operating effectively, it needs balance and harmony in how you nourish and treat your body. 

It’s a tough time of year, when everyone huddles together, slows down their physical activity and diet often suffers. With colds doing the rounds, even if you do end up getting poorly these tips can help you to become fighting fit that little bit faster.

Exercise  

Movement can support your detox organs, keep your lymphatic system moving and give a natural boost to a weak system.

Elderberries

Elderberries are full of flavonoids and are an excellent general immune system booster and there are links to show its use in medication as far back as in ancient Egypt. These berries contain chemical compounds called anthocyanidins, which are known to have immuno-stimulant effects.

Vitamin D

With shorter days and more time in the office, it’s tricky to get in the sunshine as much as we should. Where there is an absence of sunlight over a period of time, Vitamin D is available in tablet or spray form which supports the regulation of the immune system. So whether your immune system is underactive or overactive (such as autoimmune disorders), having optimal levels of this vitamin is essential.

Get outside 

Get yourself out in the fresh air and sunshine as much as you can. Not only are you getting some of the aforementioned vitamin D, but you’re spending less time cooped up. Viruses hop from person to person in buildings and offices where there’s less ventilation so getting out and about is important.

Sleep 

A great way to boost your immune system is to catch some z’s. Studies suggest that sleep actually helps our bodies to create the immune cells we need to fight off pathogens. If you are starting to feel under the weather, make sure you get your 8 hours. Try to avoid using your phone for an hour before you go to sleep and eat as early as possible to improve the quality of your sleep as well.

Reduce Alcohol

Too much alcohol dehydrates the body and depresses your immune system by altering the cells and molecules in the body. This change slows your ability to ward off infections for up to 24 hours after alcohol consumption. It can also work against our natural circadian rhythm, effecting your natural sleep cycle and therefore disrupting your quality of sleep.

Vitamin C

By virtue of its super potent antioxidant function, Vitamin C helps to protect cells from oxidative damage and is proved to help in the formation and function of white blood cells. It is also thought to have an anti-histamine effect which can help alleviate some common symptoms of the common cold or flu. 

There are lots of ways of boosting your vitamin C intake over the cold months, we’ve made it easy to have in your daily cuppa by blending 50% of your RDA vitamin C (and 8 other vitamins) into every one of our super teas! See how our t + Immunitea can help here.

Zinc  

Several studies have found that taking zinc within the first 24 of viral cold symptoms appearing could cut the risk of still having the cold seven days later by about half. Research indicates that taking 15mg daily for adults can be useful immune support during the winter months.

Probiotics/friendly bacteria 

You can take friendly bacteria in many ways such as consuming kefir and bio yoghurt. In fact, yoghurt made from goats milk have been found to have especially high probiotic levels. There are also probiotic supplements available, including vegan friendly ones. Not only will it support your digestive health, but it may help ward off colds. Upping your probiotic intake after antibiotics is also key to avoid falling ill again when your immune system has been weakened.

How can T Plus help?

There is no magic potion to keep you from avoiding any and all infections doing the rounds this autumn. However you can look after your health, both mental and physical, to ensure a fighting chance of keeping your immune system and body in balance during these darker months. 

We're now offering free delivery on all Winter Defence bundles of our vitamin super teas to help do our bit to keep you fighting fit through this lousy season.