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By Nell Hankins

Summer is upon us, bringing with it sunshine, vacations, and surprisingly ... colds?

Although often associated with the chillier winter months, colds in the summer are in fact more common than you might think. But fear not, there are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to help ensure your immune system stays boosted throughout the year, keeping you healthy and cold-free for the duration of the Summer months.

    It's crucial to separate fact from fiction when it comes to improving our immune system's functionality. What do we need to know?

    While there is no evidence to support the notion of "boosting" the immune system with remedies or specific foods, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, rich in nutrients and fibre. Regular physical activity also stands as a pillar of good immune support as well as the importance of good sleep hygiene. All these elements combined provide the building blocks your immune system needs to function optimally throughout summer and winter months.

    How can supplements be used to tactically support your immune system?

    There are a number of Vitamins and Minerals that can be added to your diet in order to further support your immune system. Let's explore some options:

    Antioxidants: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A, along with minerals such as Zinc and Selenium are considered professionals when it comes to fighting unstable molecules that damage cells and weaken our immune systems. Usually found in fruits like berries and citrus, brightly coloured vegetables like peppers and carrots, and of course, the all important nuts and seeds. These super immune protectors can be taken as supplements for that added support.

    How important is Vitamin D throughout the Summer?

    Often called the "sunshine vitamin", Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune function throughout the year. You would have thought that during the sunnier months, the levels of Vitamin D we acquire would mitigate themselves... but this couldn't be further from the truth!

    In the UK, the sun is only strong enough to meet our Vitamin D needs from April to September, meaning throughout the winter, the levels of Vitamin D support we should be seeking is much higher than in the summer months.

    On top of this, we should be consuming the "sunshine vitamin" within our balanced and nutritious diets. However, food sources alone rarely give you enough Vitamin D to meet your daily needs. It is advised that the average Brit should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10μg of Vitamin D to help maintain a healthy, thriving immune system.

    Can Probiotics make a difference in the efficacy of your immune system?

    Your gut microbiome - the collection of good bacteria in your intestines - is a major player in the strength of your immunity. Research suggests that 70-80% of immune cells in the body can be found in the gut, therefore protecting and boosting your gut health can be the difference between healthy holidays & summertime sniffles.

    Probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt, kimchi, and kombucha can help maintain a healthy gut environment, which in turn supports a strong immune system. If none of these are quite your thing, there are plenty of Probiotic Supplements available to help boost your gut microbiome without the addition of fermented products.

    The importance of Sleep in boosting your immune system...

    Sleep can impact both our mental and physical health, including daily activities and our mood. Giving us energy and boosting the immune system, helping our body recover quicker and more easily from illnesses, the importance of sleep is vital to the function of our everyday lives.

    To ensure the best possible nights sleep and in turn our immune system, it is important to prioritise sleep health. There are a number of products designed to aid in a great nights sleep from Magnesium to Ashwaganda, specifically designated devices to Merino Wool bedding. We should all take sleep health as seriously as everything else when discussing the optimal function of our immune health.

    Can we really fight off Summer colds by boosting our immune systems?

    In conclusion, by correctly fueling your body with the nutrients it deserves, adding supplements where your diet may be lacking, and prioritising your sleep health, you can stand a fighting chance of batting away those summer illnesses.

    Embrace deliciously healthy foods, take long afternoon strolls, and ensure 7-8 hours of good quality sleep every night to help boost your immune system for this summer. Remember, there are no shortcuts or magic solutions when it comes to immune health-consistency and healthy habits are the key to unlocking your immune systems true potential!