Ills and chills & Immunity
When your body’s immune system is working at its best, it can help to fight off infections. When invading bugs enter your bloodstream, white blood cells and antibodies are mobilised to help fight them off. Usually, your immune system “remembers” each bug, so that it can spring into action next time you’re infected.
The problem with winter bugs, however, is that they change so often that our immune response has to start afresh each time. That’s why so many of us succumb every year.
Factors that may affect our immune system
Our immunity to infections may be lowered by several factors, including:
- seasonal changes
- periods of stress
- over-doing exercise
- poor diet
- lack of sleep.
Fortunately, there are several key nutrients that are known to help maintain the body’s immune system. They include:
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
- Garlic
- Echinacea
Many supplements include a combination of these ingredients to give your body a fighting chance against winter immune threats – ask your doctor or pharmacist if you feel you need some help.