Boosting your immune system ahead of the colder months

By Richard Easton
3 min read

The human immune system is essentially a network of tissues, cells and organs which helps the body identify and eliminate bacteria, germs, fungi, parasites or viruses. Essentially, it’s a collection of responses to infection or damaged cells, so it’s often called the immune response system.

According to BUPA, cold weather on its own probably isn’t enough to make you ill. But it can make you more likely to fall ill. After all, we spend more time together indoors, a number of viruses thrive in winter conditions and the conditions could make it harder for your immune system to fight them off.

But the good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on commercial or chemical-based synthetic products whose benefits may or may not be proven.

Here are some tips as the mercury starts to fall:

  • Sleep well and minimise stress

A good night’s sleep is a great weapon in the battle against infections. Equally, stress reduces the white blood cells which help to ward off infection, from cold sores to the common cold.

  • Good hand hygiene

If you touch a surface that’s been contaminated by bacteria, and then touch your face, it becomes much easier to pick up an infection. So thorough handwashing, while it may seem like an obvious one, is actually very important. Use soap and dry your hands well as if they’re damp this can help spread bacteria.

  • A healthy balanced diet

Again this may seem a rather obvious one. But fresh fruit and vegetables become more important than ever during the colder months. Make sure your body is getting all the vitamins and minerals it needs so that your immune system doesn’t become stressed.

Equally, keep your energy levels up with starchy carbs including brown rice and potatoes, beans and some fats from oil and spreads so that you have the strength to see off viruses.

  • Stop smoking

Most smokers are themselves aware of the risks of their habit. But smokers’ immune systems can be disproportionately affected by a viral infection.

  • Get your flu jab if you’re invited to have one

Some groups, including older people, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions or weakened immune systems, are more vulnerable to pneumonia and other conditions. So accept any invitation to have a flu vaccine that comes your way.

  • Consider a Vitamin D supplement

You get most of your Vitamin D from sunlight. But if you’re not getting enough of it during the short days of winter, your immune system can be more susceptible to infection. So taking a supplement during autumn and winter could make sense.

  • Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids each day and you will help keep infection away. And while it can be tempting to enjoy a warming tipple this year, especially as party season gets ever closer, you can reduce the hangover and help your immune system by taking it easy and alternating alcoholic and soft drinks and water.

How Ganesha can help boost your immune system

At Ganesha Wholefoods, a family-run business that’s been going since 1979, we can help you stay well this winter. We have immune-boosting foods such as rice and beans, tea bags to help you drift off to sleep, a range of Vitamin D supplements, plus our all-natural Floradix Immune Support liquid supplement. Then there’s our line-up of flavour-packed soft drinks which you could alternate with alcoholic drinks, or use to replace the booze entirely, including apple, red grape and cranberry- based products.

Echinacea is another immunity-enhancing wonder, and we have it in drops, tea and tablets form. Finally, items like our Faith in Nature lavender and geranium handwash, available in a large 5-litre refillable bottle if you have a large household, will keep your hands germ-free this winter. It smells pretty great, too!

Browse online and look forward to free shipping on baskets worth more than £40 and speedy delivery. Equally, we have three physical stores, in Honiton, Axminster and Sidmouth, all in Devon, so drop in if you’re passing. We’re always happy to chat to people about our products and answer any questions our customers may have.