As we head into the winter season here are some quick and easy ways to support our immune
systems.
We’ll go through three of the best ways to make sure your immune system is at its best. Whether it’s
through supplements, sleep or exercise – we’ve got the tips you need to stay healthy.

Due to spending so much time indoors, especially in comparison to what we were used to in a preCovid world, we may have missed out on some important nutrients that contribute to the normal
functioning of our immune systems.

Habits some of us may have started to slip into during lockdown such as poor diet choices, can
contribute to a weakened immune system.

While it’s absolutely understandable that we’ve been more tempted to opt for a takeaway, the
result of indulging in unhealthy meals too often can lead to a low intake of nutrients that support
immune system functioning, such as Vitamin A and C.

Couple this with a lack of exposure to the sun which can lead to low Vitamin D levels, alongside
disturbed sleep and reduced exercise – it’s easy to see how our immune system may have been
impacted over the past year.

With this in mind, Emily has shared three ways to help supercharge your immune system as we
finally begin to emerge from lockdown.

1. Immune-supporting supplements
“Supplements can play a big role in supporting our immune system.”
• Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a really important nutrient, as it contributes to the normal function of your immune
system and helps maintain normal bone and muscle function.
“We can usually synthesise our own vitamin D naturally from our exposure to the sun, but even with
the summer sun approaching, some people may still be at risk of low vitamin D, such as those
spending lots of time indoors, individuals that may cover up when going outside, or individuals with
darker skin tones, as larger amounts of melanin may reduce the ability to produce vitamin D as
efficiently.

• Vitamin C

Vitamin C also plays a key role in supporting our immune system. Vitamin C is also an important
nutrient for normal energy yielding metabolism and reduction in tiredness and fatigue.


2. Keep your body moving
“Exercise is really important for maintaining the immune system, whether that be a brisk walk to the
shops instead of driving, or a swim in the sea, lake or river.
“Research reveals that regular and appropriate exercise can act as a modulator to the immune
system, by increasing the circulation of lymphocytes.
“This is a type of white blood cell, some of which can produce antibodies that can destroy certain
pathogens and also promote the release of cytokines, small proteins that influence immune cell
activity.

3. Get those ZZZs
“As many of us will begin to have a more active lifestyle again, it’s important that we allow our body
enough time to rest and recover, allowing us to feel re-energised for the following day.