Is there anything I can take to prevent a heavy cold?

Every winter I come down with a really heavy cold and some years it lasts for weeks, so is there anything I can take to prevent this?

Colds and flu are a very normal part of winter, but some people are far more susceptible to colds and flu than others. To avoid colds and flu, we need to ensure our immune system is healthy and ready to combat many of the winter bugs that circulate in our homes, offices and schools, on public transport and in public places.

Your immune system is what protects you from viral infections, and the foods you eat have a major impact on your immune system’s ability to fight off colds and flu. Fruits and vegetables do a great job of keeping your immune system healthy because they also contain vitamins A and E, as well as the flavonoids that work alongside Vitamin C to keep your immune system and your whole body healthy.

While you want to focus on increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat, don't forget to choose other healthy foods to supply nutrients that your immune system needs. A healthy balanced diet with lean meats, fish, poultry, low-fat dairy, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds provides your body with all of the nutrients you need for general health.

Protein sources such as lean meats, dairy, eggs and legumes are especially important because they supply the amino acids that your body needs to build the components of your immune system. Lean meats also contain iron and zinc; deficiencies of these minerals can depress your immune system.

A healthy diet can also be supplemented with appropriate natural health products to assist in supporting your immune system – especially at times of the year when you are most vulnerable to colds and flu. Propolis is a great source of flavonoids which are known to support a healthy immune system. Propolis displays anti-oxidant activity which can therefore assist in protecting the body from the harmful effects of free radicals or oxidative stress. You can take Propolis is the form of capsules or liquid and it is a great way to ward off colds and flu for the winter season.

This cold and flu season try to pay extra attention to eating a healthy diet and take a daily dose of Propolis and give your immune system a fighting chance during winter.

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The above advice is written by Catherine McHugh, a certified naturopath for Natural Life™, genuine health brand for Australia since 1996. For more advice about preventive care against colds and flu, you can contact Catherine at catherine (at) lifetimehealth.com.au. Natural Life is organising a giveaway of its Propolis products right now. Head over to www.naturallife.com.au to enter the competition.