Winter Wellnessš
- Kirsten
- May 26, 2017
- 2 min read
This Winter season, like every season before, you will be told by people how much their 'powdered shake will increase your immunity', and the amazing immunity they've built from 'going to the gym everyday after their health pill'. My advice is to be wise and not fall into the classic winter sales tricks of large companies and their minions. Good health starts with the food you put into your body and the lifestyle that you live. These are the scientific facts.
According to the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA), eating a selection of whole foods, including those containing vitamin C, zinc and protein, can help immunity. Immunity is our body's very useful weapon for fighting off the germs and bacteria's that cause colds and flu's each seasonš¤ The best thing you can do to nourish and strengthen your immune system is to make healthy lifestyle choices. These include things such as:
getting enough sleep (most adults need about 7-8 hours of sleep a day)
keeping physically active (doesn't just mean going to the gym!)
Keeping your fluid intake up (yes,even when it's not hot); and
having a nutritious diet (nutrient dense- don't just think of kale shakes)
Vitamin C is said to be beneficial in reducing the duration of cold symptoms. Foods high in vitamin C include:
capsicum
broccoli
kiwi fruit
strawberries; and
citrus fruit (oranges etc.)
Zinc is naturally needed for the normal development and functioning of our immunity cells and antibodies. You can get Zinc from foods such as:
fish & seafood
beef & lamb (also provide good proteins); and
pumpkin seeds
We all need protein for our cells to grow and repair, and itās vital for building strong, healthy muscles. Protein is found in foods such as:
Eggs
Meat incl. chicken & fish
Dried beans & lentils
Dairy incl. milk, yoghurt & cheese
Nuts & Seeds
Soy products
References:
Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) 2017, Smart eating for a Healthier You, Viewed 25 May 2017, https://daa.asn.au/
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