best health tips ever

ways to boost your immune system in  summer

Flu season might be over, but the change in weather can still wreak havoc with your immunity. Follow our tips to avoid a pesky summer cold or flu.

The weather might be warmer and the days longer, but just because flu season is over doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods.

A change in weather can lead to a weakened resistance to germs. While the rhinovirus – the main cause of the common cold in winter – may no longer be a problem, there are still enough viruses around in summer to make you sick. And who wants to be battling cold and flu symptoms when you could be partying outside?

Here are some ways you can protect your immune system during the warmer months.

1) Wash your hands

   Just because your colleagues aren’t sniffing and coughing anymore, doesn’t mean your environment is entirely germ-free. Airborne viruses are still around, even though no one is showing symptoms. And if you live in the Western Cape with its current water shortage, keep a waterless hand sanitiser on your desk.

2) Indulge in summer fruits and salads

   Now is the perfect opportunity to reap the benefit of vitamins. Not only are we more inclined to enjoy fruit smoothies or fresh salads in warmer weather, but fruits and veggies can offer the protection our bodies need during the change of season. Keep your smoothies healthy by adding more berries and spinach for extra antioxidants, and include fresh salads at lunch and dinner.

3) Get enough vitamin D

   Because we have so much sunshine in South Africa, we tend to slap on the SPF50 to protect ourselves against harmful UV-rays. Although sun protection is crucial, it can also mean that we get less vitamin D than we need. Vitamin D is important for the body to ward off illness.

Adults need a recommended dose of 5 micrograms per day. It is advised that you spend 10 to 15 minutes per day in the sun, but if this isn't an option, you can obtain vitamin D through a supplement, or from fatty fish such as tuna or mackerel, or eggs and dairy products.