The nights are drawing in and the summer sun is fading as the autumn and winter months approach. It’s the time of year when we need to wrap up and look after our immune systems to guard against colds and flu.
Your immune system protects your body from infection. It fights the viruses, bacteria and germs that can make you ill. The most common winter conditions are coughs, sore throats, colds and flu. We can also add COVID-19 to that mix and Norovirus, the winter sickness bug.
Yes. For example, if you have a flu vaccine the body is tricked into thinking you have an infection. This provokes an immune response which means the body fights the illness. This means you might be fully protected or only have mild symptoms instead of becoming seriously ill.
If you eat a healthy diet that includes fruit, vegetables, nuts and pulses you will be helping your immunity to function well.
You should also make sure that you have the right amount of vitamins and minerals. The vitamins and minerals that help your immune system include:
You get vitamin D from eggs, oily fish and dairy products. Eating breakfast cereals that contain added vitamins will also help. Sunlight also helps to produce vitamin D so try to get out when the sun’s shining through the winter months.
If you eat poultry, eggs, meat, cheese and fish you’ll be putting zinc into your body. As well as helping the immune system it also aids your sense of smell and taste.
Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Oranges, Kiwi, broccoli and peppers are good sources of vitamin C. It not only helps our immunity, but it also helps the body to absorb iron.
Vitamin A is present in cheese, oily fish, eggs, milk, yoghurt and liver. You can also get it from carrots, spinach and red peppers.
Don’t eat liver or liver products if you are pregnant though. This is because liver contains a high concentration of vitamin A. Too much isn’t safe during pregnancy. If you’re not pregnant and you eat liver at least once a week then you shouldn’t take a supplement containing vitamin A.
Selenium also helps thyroid function. It also acts as an antioxidant preventing damage to your cells from the environment. Brazil nuts contain selenium as well as tuna, baked beans, eggs and milk.
Yes, you can. Supplements are useful if you’re not getting a varied or balanced diet. It’s a good idea to take a vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter months, or if you can’t get outside in the sunlight.
Here at VSM Pharmacy, we have a range of vitamins and minerals. But here are three that we recommend:
Berocca contains vitamin C and Zinc as well as calcium and magnesium. The tablets also have all eight B vitamins. They are effervescent, so all you need to do is pop a tablet in a glass of water and enjoy the fizzy orange taste. There’s no sugar or caffeine and they are suitable for vegans.
Metatone is a liquid supplement that’s taken as a tonic to give you an energy boost if you’re feeling run down. You should take one or two spoonfuls a day directly from the bottle or added to water. It’s also suitable for children from the age of 6.
Zincovit contains Zinc, vitamin C and propolis (a compound from bees). It is a lozenge which soothes a sore throat and helps the immune system. It’s suitable for vegetarians and doesn’t contain gluten or lactose.
If you’re not sure which type of vitamins and minerals you want to take, then talk to a member of staff. We can help you choose the right product for your needs.
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