Simple Ways to Support Your Family’s Immunity This Winter

As the weather turns colder and the evenings draw in, we all know that cold and flu season isn’t far behind.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll do whatever you can to stop those lingering coughs and sniffles from making their way through your home!

So, what can you do to help keep those bugs at bay?

Thankfully, there are plenty of natural, effective ways to support your immune system during the winter months. Here are some of my favourites:

Vitamin C

I’m often asked whether vitamin C can stop children from catching colds. While it may not prevent them entirely, it can help shorten the duration of a cold and reduce symptom severity.

Try adding colourful vitamin-C-rich foods to your child’s meals, think peppers, oranges, tomatoes, spinach, and even parsley (which is surprisingly high in vitamin C!). And of course, a warm honey and lemon drink is a lovely way to top up too. You can also add a vitamin C supplement in, just remember that if you take too much it can cause a loose bowels.

Vitamin D

Here in the UK, our lack of sunshine makes vitamin D deficiency quite common, especially during winter. This is why it’s recommended that everyone over 12 months takes a vitamin D supplement through the colder months.

Vitamin D plays a key role in supporting immunity. You’ll find it naturally in foods like oily fish, mushrooms, organic dairy, eggs, and grass-fed beef, but a high-quality supplement is usually needed during winter. I’m a big fan of BetterYou sprays, they’re easy to use and great for little ones.

Elderberry

Elderberry is one of my go-to immune remedies for both children and adults. Naturally rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, it can be a great addition during cold season. Sambucol’s blackcurrant syrup is a tasty option that’s usually a hit with families.

Ginger & Garlic

These two are real immune-supporting powerhouses.

• Ginger contains antioxidants and has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Garlic offers strong antibacterial support along with plenty of vitamins and antioxidants.

Add garlic to meals whenever you can, and try ginger in curries, smoothies, or steeped in hot water with honey for a soothing drink.

Zinc

Often overlooked, zinc is a fantastic mineral for reducing the length of a cold and supporting the body’s ability to fight infection. Kids can sometimes fall short on zinc intake, especially if they don’t regularly eat foods like shellfish, legumes, nuts, seeds, dairy, meat, or eggs.

If bugs seem to be circulating nonstop in your home, zinc may be worth considering. BetterYou do a great kids’ zinc spray, and Animal Parade have a child-friendly lozenge.

What next:

If you or your children seem to be catching more bugs than usual, or taking longer than expected to bounce back, feel free to book a free call with me. We can explore tailored ways to strengthen your immune system or look deeper into what else may be going on.

Stay warm and well this Winter!