It may sound strange, but colds can be a sign of good health, depending on how often you get them. 1-3 colds a year is a sign of a strong immune system capable of fighting off winter viruses.
Less than one cold a year could signify your immune system is sluggish; more than three could mean impaired immunity, often due to stress.
During stress we are in emergency 'fight or flight' mode, and often we cope well until the emergency is over. Hence many of us succumb to illnesses on holiday. Luckily there are plenty of natural ways to give our immune systems a boost.
Good nutrition is the foundation of good health. If you are susceptible to colds it is sensible to avoid mucus-forming dairy produce, sugar, which weakens the immune system, and refined (white) foods (bread, pasta etc.).
Equally, stimulants like tea, coffee and alcohol rob the body of immune-boosting nutrients. Good immune-boosting foods contain antioxidants, vitamin C and zinc.They include broccoli, red peppers, garlic, ginger, nuts and seeds plus purple, red and orange fruits and wholegrains such as porridge oats and rye bread.
Both echinacea and vitamin C boost immunity but ensure you take good quality brands. Food state vitamin C like Synergy's Pure Radiance C contains all the vital helper nutrients that assist its absorption, making it preferable to synthetic vitamin C.
Alternatively, you can try Pukka's Alma Fruit Tincture. Kiwiherb's Echinacea Root Formula is practitioner-strength and organically grown.
High Potency Propolis Tincture from Comvita is also an effective natural anti-viral and anti-bacterial.
To soothe the effects of colds and flu try Kiwiherb Marshmallow and Mullein Syrup or Pukka's Peppermint and Pipali, to ease chesty coughs; Pukka's Trikatu or Ginger tinctures or capsules to help you warm up or Pukka's Andrographis to help clear mucus.
Comvita Olive Leaf Complex is also a powerful antioxidant and good to take throughout the year but particularly during winter.
