Neela Shearer

With temperatures dropping, talked to the experts to find out what you can do this winter to keep healthy and energised.

Have you ever wondered why some people can power through winter without missing a beat, while others seem to be sick all the time? Or why there are days when you feel completely rundown for no particular reason?

There are many factors that impact our immune system. We spoke with nutritionist and personal trainer Pip Reed and sports dietitian Robbie Clark, from The Health Clinic, to find out why we get sick and how we can boost our immunity with the onset of winter.

Stress and adrenal fatigue

It’s arguable that stress has become a norm in the lives of many people. A 2015 survey found that 35 per cent of Australians report having significant levels of stress in their lives, while 26 per cent report above normal levels of anxiety. The real problem, however, arises when these symptoms are ongoing.

‘‘Being stressed can cause a host of issues in our bodies, including sleep problems, fatigue, cravings, weight issues, anxiety, hormone imbalances, poor gut health and even depression,’’ say Reed and Clark. ‘‘If these issues become prolonged, you run the risk of developing adrenal fatigue.’’ Adrenal fatigue occurs when the adrenals (stress glands) become overworked as a result of chronic, prolonged stress.

According to Reed and Clark, signs of adrenal fatigue include ‘‘physical and emotional fatigue, depression, lack of motivation, abdominal fat accumulation, seasonal allergies, salt cravings, insomnia, body aches and back pain, recurring colds and flus, abnormal blood sugar levels and hormonal imbalances’’.

Low nutrient profile

If we become overwhelmed with stress our nutrient profile starts to suffer. Our body becomes deficient in essential vitamins and