As soon as the mercury drops, the sounds of coughs, splutters and sniffles simultaneously rise!
We all expect to pick up a cold or two, even flu, during the winter months – but why? What makes our bodies more susceptible to illness in winter and what can we do to prevent it?
Is it the cold?
There is no real evidence to show that our bodies become more prone to illness during the colder months, meaning that the ‘cold’ itself can’t be directly responsible.
However, there is a link between the lack of sunlight and higher levels of illness. I have blogged before about the importance of Vitamin D and its impact on our immune systems.
Vitamin D
A 2010 study in Denmark found that Vitamin D was part of a complex process in which certain cells became ‘fortified’ to help fight infection and boost immunity.
An estimated 70-80% of the UK population have insufficient Vitamin D levels, which means their immune efficiency is impaired.
Coupled with the fact that we spend more hours inside and in darkness during the winter months – our Vitamin D levels can really plummet. I recommend taking a Vitamin D supplement from when the clocks go back through to the late spring.
Bugs and Hygiene
As most people’s immune systems are impaired during winter there are bound to be higher levels of colds, bugs and viruses being passed around.
The most effective step you can take to avoid picking these up is hand washing. Your Mum was right – washing your hands regularly, especially after travelling public transport, will help keep you healthy and illness-free.
Antibacterial hand gels are a good option if you’re on the go, but try and get hold of an alcohol-free version, as sensitive hands may find many too harsh.
If you do pick something up…
If you do manage to pick something up, try and stop your cold in its tracks.
Rather than resorting to sugar and caffeine-laden Lemsip, stick to hot water with lemon, manuka honey and a chunk of root ginger – which has brilliant anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.
As soon as you begin feeling under the weather, take an Echinacea supplement. A 2012 study found that three daily doses of the herbal remedy reduced the number and duration of colds by 26%.
While you’re waiting for your remedies to get to work, a hot bath and relaxing evening are in order!
Do you have any natural cold or flu remedies you rely on?
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