Boost immunity naturally...

To finetune your defences against viruses, now is the time to take advantage of foods and natural substances that boost your immunity.

VITAMIN C

Before reaching for vitamin supplements, it is a good idea to boost your daily intake of foods that are rich in vitamin C, which is an antiviral that is not naturally produced by the body. Fruit such as clementines, lemons, oranges, grapefruit and kiwis are well-known sources of vitamin C, as are blackcurrants and red berries. With regard to vegetables, vitamin C is found in broccoli, turnips, cabbage, peppers, fennel and spinach.

GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT

An anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, grapefruit seed extract can combat 800 varieties of virus and bacteria. Taken in liquid form without alcohol, it is effective as a preventive and a treatment for all types of infections including colds, ear nose and throat infections in general, flu, bronchial complaints, and a tonic for chronic fatigue and a weakened immune system.

ROYAL JELLY

A honey bee secretion, royal jelly is used to feed queen bees, which is how it got its name. It stimulates and strengthens immune defenses. Another apiculture product, propolis, a resinous mixture can be taken as a preventive (colds, pharyngitis or laryngitis) and as a stimulant (for a period of 20 days), or in cases of sore throat, in pill or spray form.

GINGER

It can be consumed fresh, in grated form in cooking or as an infusion, like cinnamon which also stimulates the immune system.