4 Ways to a Healthier Winter

 

1. Nutrition

The key nutrients that support immune function are vitamins A, C and D, zinc and selenium.  Looking at your diet is always the best place to start when trying to boost your levels.  Natural, whole foods are packed with the vitamins and minerals that support immune function.

• Vitamin A: fish liver oils, dark greens such as broccoli, deep yellows such as pumpkin or squash
• Vitamin C: oranges, carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes, kiwifruit
• Vitamin D: fish, eggs, liver and of course, natural sunlight
• Zinc: red meat, chicken, pork, beans, nuts, pumpkin seeds, oysters
• Selenium: brazil nuts are the most concentrated source, but can also be found in brewers yeast, broccoli and brown rice

2. Probiotics

Probiotics are live micro-organisms, usually bacteria, similar to the ones found in the gut.  They are also known as "good bacteria" and support optimum health in two ways:  first, they protect against the "bad bacteria" that can actually cause disease.  Second, they aid the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients.  Probiotics are found in yogurt, kefir yogurt, miso and some soy products such as tempeh.  We stock all these products - just ask us to help you find them.

3.  Essential Fatty Acids

These are 'essential' fatty acids, meaning the body does not make these necessary fats on its own so you must get them from food.  Omega-3 offers many benefits including the promotion of immune health.  Two important Omega-3 fatty acids include DHA (docosahexanoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), both of which are found in fatty cold-water fish such as salmon and tuna.  Another Omega-3 fat, called ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), is found in dark leafy greens, flax seed oil and walnuts.

4.  Supplements

A good, wholesome, well-balanced diet provides a spectrum of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to support immune function.  However, even when eating well, taking good quality supplements can act as a nutritional insurance policy.  All our stores have qualified naturopaths who can help you find the best supplement to support your wellbeing.