Fight off the Winter Sniffles

Why are colds and the flu rampant during the winter months?

There are a number of factors leading to why we’re more likely to pick up fluey symptoms when its cold outside.

First of all, the Influenza Virus and the Rhino Virus (the cold virus) peak during the winter months as they thrive in cold, dry weather.

Plus research shows that in cooler weather our immune systems can become weaker. One study argues that like the seasons our genes also shift, causing a change in our immunity and our body’s ability to fend off a cold or the flu. This research found the immune system to be more pro-inflammatory during winter making it easier for a cold or flu to invade our immune systems.

The dry air from indoor heating also plays a role in this - being stuck inside where it’s stuffy and not properly ventilated means germs are able to spread much more easily.

Our Top 5 Supplements for Health and Immunity

We want you all to defy the odds and embrace winter and its nasty colds with healthy, strong immune systems! So, we’ve compiled a list of our top five immunity-boosting supplements to keep you healthy and happy. If you’ve fallen victim to a cold already these supplements can help you bounce back into good health.

1. Green Fusion for maximum vitamins, minerals and antioxidants

First up we have our 100% natural greens blend, Green Fusion. Green Fusion is a combination of the best greens out there; Spirulina, Barley Grass, Wheatgrass, and Chlorella. It’s an optimal source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants making it a great choice for a multivitamin. Here’s a bit more about these four super greens;

Barley Grass and Wheatgrass

Both Barley Grass and Wheatgrass have been included for their effect on free radicals and the reduction of inflammation. They also contain high levels of chlorophyll and calcium, as well as a general spectrum of vitamins and minerals.

Spirulina

Spirulina is a very popular greens superfood as it contains such a diverse variety of vitamins and minerals. It contains 18 of the 22 amino acids, is especially high in B-Vitamins and chelated minerals and also has high levels of iron. Studies have shown spirulina to boost immune function too!

Chlorella

Chlorella has a high density of key vitamins, macro and trace minerals, essential fatty acids, proteins, nucleic acids and antioxidants. It’s commonly supplemented with by vegans due to being a bioavailable source of both Iron and Vitamin B12.

We recommend taking one to two serves (5g) of Green Fusion each day, a double dose would be beneficial if you’re already unwell.

3. Vital Pre Mix is packed with vitamins and minerals

Vital Pre Mix is our all-in-one powdered vitamin and mineral supplement.

One single 1.46g serve provides 33% of your recommended daily intake of all essential vitamins and minerals!

With a fairly neutral taste, Vital Pre Mix is ideal to add to your protein shakes or smoothies to boost the nutritional content.

Further reading: Can a sauna help you fight off a cold?

4. Vitamin C for general health and immunity

It’s true, Vitamin C really is key to general and immune health!

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin with antioxidant properties and various different health benefits. But as we would all know it’s often supplemented with to ward off the common cold. It’s effective at reducing the duration of sickness when taken at higher dosages either at the onset of sickness or as a daily preventative.

Vitamin C is also a very cost-effective supplement at just 7 cents per serve or even less if you buy in bulk!

5. L-Glutamine can help digestion

Glutamine is an essential amino acid that can be found naturally in certain foods like meats and eggs. This making it a good add on supplement for vegans, who aren’t able to get it naturally through food. Glutamine has been found to be beneficial for gut and intestinal health in its role to maintain gut mucosal integrity and overall health of the gastrointestinal tract.

So if you’ve had diarrhoea or an upset stomach, Glutamine is something that your gut would love to have to help you recover.

Some studies have also revealed that Glutamine can help minimise the breakdown of muscle and can improve protein metabolism. This is especially useful for those who are unable to eat or workout while ill and are wanting to preserve their muscle.

Wrapping up on staying healthy

There you go! Our top five supplements to help you recover from a nasty cold or to take as a preventative measure. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and rest up while you’re unwell and you’ll be back on your feet in no time.

Further reading: How to stay motivated to train in winter and Can you train when you’re sick?