Boost Your Immune System

by Matthew Powell

A Body Aware Specialist

I don’t mean to be contrary, but if you read anything telling you that X, Y or Z is a sure fire way of “boosting” your immune system, then what follows is either a lie or a guess. 

That’s not to say that there is malevolence in their text, although in researching this article my visits to health food stores did almost result in me exclaiming, “Charlatans” in some kind of late 19th century fashion, but simply that there seems to be no conclusive, thoroughly tested, scientifically proven direct links between X, Y or Z and “boosted” immune function.

by Lucy Miller

A Fitness and Nutrition Expert

Yuk, it’s here. Cold and flu season is upon us and if you haven’t had it already, all I can say is lucky you - and keep doing whatever you are doing!

To keep bugs at bay, I am a huge fan of washing, washing, and, washing your hands, especially after the gym.  I don’t wish to put you off, but germs and diseases thrive in the warm, sweaty atmosphere on the gym floor, so to avoid illness I always take my by own antibacterial spray or wipes and clean off the equipment before I use it. I recommend you do this too. I know it sounds a bit OTT but seriously you need to think about your health and how many people have been sweating it out on that piece of kit. 

by Maureen Cromey

An Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Expert

I’m always being asked at my clinic if Acupuncture can boost the Immune System. The answer is yes...  it is amazing at doing this. 

Acupuncture is thousands of years old and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has understood immunity for a long time.  As early as the 11th Century the Chinese were using 'nasal vaccinations' to prevent the spread of smallpox. The secretions from a smallpox lesion were diluted and a very small amount inserted into the nose and inhaled by the healthy person.  This triggered a natural reaction of the immune system to produce antigens and prevented the smallpox epidemic in China that devastated Europe.

by Angie Newson

A Yoga and Pilates Expert

The physical and physiological  benefits of yoga are well documented - improved flexibility, increased muscle definition, enhanced body tone and alignment, you'll feel taller, look slimmer, have more energy, sleep better and learn how to deal more efficiently with the stresses and tensions of everyday life. But did you know your yoga practice also boosts your immune system as a bonus?

Regular exercise, particularly yoga, is not just beneficial to how we look on the outside, but even more importantly it tones and strengthens the insides of our bodies improving organ function, balancing our hormones and naturally detoxifying and oxygenating the body.

by Dr. Sarah Brewer

A Nutritionist and Doctor

Everyone knows from experience that winter is the main season for respiratory infections. Why? Partly because cold viruses survive longer away from the body when temperatures are low, partly because our vitamin D levels are falling (which reduces immunity) and partly because of our behaviour. We spend more time indoors, increasing the opportunity for viruses and bacteria to spread from person to person. In addition, central heating reduces humidity in our nasal passages, making it easier for respiratory infections to take hold, and we tend to eat less fruit and salads so our intake of antioxidants and other immune-boosting phytonutrients is reduced. The stress and dietary excesses of Christmas and New Year also play a role.

by Steve Halsall

A Celebrity Personal Trainer

It is the time of year when one hears so many people sniffing and spluttering on trains, tubes and at work. I both despair and have sympathy with the tissue clutching hoards who I come into contact with every day. Having a low immune system makes you vulnerable to the viruses and diseases that kick around and although the obvious solution is four weeks in the sun, you can do an awful lot to build your defences.