Accreditations
This is top of the list for a reason. You cannot maintain health with a poor diet.
Keep sugar and wheat intake to a minimum and try to minimise the amount of heavy drinking sessions per month. Why? Because large amounts of these foods suppress the immune system and leave you vulnerable to catching that "winter bug".
Vegetables are known as cleansing foods so make sure to eat plenty of greens and don't be afraid of having a homemade vegetable juice to up your intake of vitamins.
Make sure to stay active throughout the winter. We all know that the weather can be pretty horrendous but lets not use that as an excuse not to exercise. If you don't feel up to braving the cold, wet and windy weather then try one of the many alternatives; go to the gym, attend a class, get a personal trainer, go boxing, try a martial art etc.
Supplementation is very important, especially when combined with a good diet and exercise plan. To help keep me healthy throughout the winter I like to supplement with probiotics, a multivitamin, vitamin C and a cod liver oil Vitamin D blend.
Probiotics increase the numbers of beneficial bacteria in the gut, multivitamins with additional Vitamin C for a boost of powerful vitamins and antioxidants, cod liver oil is a great source of omega 3, a fatty acid that acts as a great antiimflammatory, and Vitamin D helps activate our immune defenses.
Insufficient sleep depresses the immune system, opening the door to colds, upper-respiratory infections, and other nagging ills. Whatever amount of sleep you need to feel refreshed, generally anything between 7 to 9 hours, make sure you get it!
Also consider your caffeine intake, and don’t let it keep you from getting a good night’s sleep.
The majority of adults in Ireland are deficient in Vitamin D(sunshine vitamin), especially throughout the winter months.
Good dietary sources include good old fashioned cod liver oil, grassfed beef liver, egg yolks from pasture-raised chickens, and fatty fish like salmon.
However the best way to up your D intake is to catch some rays. So, if you're in a position to do so try and schedule a sunny break away throughout the darkest months. You'll come home refreshed, reenergized and benefit from a stronger immune system.
*Seek the advice of a medical professional before you decide to take any supplements.
