5 tips to help avoid the winter flu

Winter is finally here, bringing with it lots of ways to get sick. As everyone dreads getting the winter chill and flu, Hopewood Health Retreat has put together five simple tips to help you stay healthy this winter.

1.  Increase your Omega 3

Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid found in all sorts of food. Omega 3 contains two of the most healthy and biologically active fatty acids; EPA (eicosa-pentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosa-hexanoic acid).

Omega 3 plays a key role in boosting your immune system, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and supporting a healthy heart beat. To increase your Omega 3 you can consume more leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, nuts (walnuts and Brazil nuts), seeds such as flax seed, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds.

2.       Improve your sleeping

Studies show that sleep plays a critical role in immune functions, metabolism, memory learning and other vital functions, so a good night’s sleep is crucial. Sleep deprivation actually suppresses immune system functions. The less sleep you get, the harder your immune system has to work to fight colds and bacteria, so getting a good night sleep every night is very important.

3.       Ginger Tea

Having a cup of ginger tea not only warms your body up, it can also help prevent the flu. Ginger tea can help relieve congestion by shrinking the blood vessels in the nose, and because it has virtually no side effects, it offers an all-natural alternative to pharmaceutical decongestants. Ginger will not only make your throat feel better, it also has a reputation for helping relieve a wide variety of painful conditions. It can help lessen the aches and pains associated with a cold, such as headaches and cramps. Ginger also boosts circulation and stimulates the immune system.

 Make ginger tea with 12 thin slices of fresh ginger root. Place the slices in a saucepan with three cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.

4.       Exercise

Exercise is not only effective in burning calories, it also encourages a healthy immune system. Exercise actually temporary boosts the production of macrophages, which are the cells that attack bacteria. Also, during moderate exercise immune cells circulate through the body more quickly and are better able to kill bacteria and virus.

5.       De-stress and relax

De-stressing will help your mind, body and soul relax so that when you do have to face the winter season, your body is in top condition. Hopewood Health Retreat offers many health packages such as ‘Stress Free & Healthy’ and ‘Health & Vitality’ that can help you relax. Naturopaths are also available and can assist in getting your winter immunity back on track.

Get your dose of Vitamin D this winter

As winter is now upon us, the strong temptation for many is to rug up and spend the weekend indoors and out of the cold. Even if the motivation to exercise is there, the gym is often far more inviting than braving the chill for outdoor activities.

Vitamin D is considered vital for health and wellbeing. It is essential for absorbing calcium in the body, keeping your bones and muscles strong and healthy.

With the weather cold and the days short, sitting outside is often the last thing you want to do in winter, making it difficult go get your daily dose of Vitamin D in these chilly months!

Do not fear! Here are some ways you can improve your vitamin D intake this winter -

Try eating your lunch outside or going for a short walk. Even if your face is the only part exposed to the sun, you will find it far more revitalising than simply sitting at your desk.

Knowledge about vitamin content in foods has become quite extensive, and we can now tailor our diet to target our vitamin deficiencies.

Some foods that boost Vitamin D:

-          Egg yolks

-          Cod liver oil (make sure it is a high quality brand)

-          Some types of unpasteurised milk

-          Orange juice

-          A good brand of vitamin supplements can also be beneficial

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Remember that sunshine is the source of all life and nothing is as effective as the power of natural sunlight to absorb vitamin D.