Quick tricks to avoid getting ill

Natural preventatives aren’t just old wives’ tales…

ADD GARLIC…

Garlic has antiseptic and antiviral properties and contains iron and phosphorus. ‘It’s best eaten raw and crushed,’ says nutritional therapist Alice Godfrey.** ‘To avoid it being too eye-watering, add it to salad dressing.’

…AND GINGER

Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help fight colds and flu, plus ease aches and pain. Steep some fresh root ginger in boiled water to make a soothing tea.

LOVE CITRUS

Citrus fruits are packed with vitamins, particularly vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the development of white blood cells, strengthening your body’s defence system. Other sources include peppers, broccoli and potatoes.

GO NUTS

Snack on walnuts for cold-busting zinc, and Brazil nuts for selenium, essential for a healthy and well-functioning immune system. Zinc may help to shorten the length of a cold so top up on meat, shellfish and bread, which are good sources.

TAKE A DEEP BREATH

Long-term stress can affect your immune system, reducing the number of white blood cells available to fight off infection, says Dr Rhianna Mcclymont, lead GP at livi.co.uk. ‘The lower your white blood cell levels, the more likely you are to get sick. Anything that helps you relax – deep-breathing, yoga or walking – will help.’