Liverpool Law Bulletin December 2013 December 2013 | Page 25

Healthy Living
The onset of winter often brings
with it colds and coughs with the
average person suffering between
2-3 a year. But is there anything
you can do to stay healthy and
keep your immune system working
well?
Diet- a healthy and varied diet
consisting of lots of fruit and
vegetables may not prevent you
catching a cold but it could help to
reduce the severity of the symptoms
and the duration of the illness.
Zinc - is an essential mineral that
plays a role in the functioning of the
immune system. Good sources
include oysters, beans, nuts,
wholegrains.
Vitamin C - Whilst there is no
scientific proof that the regular
intake of Vitamin C will prevent a
cold the research undertaken
confirms that Vitamin C may well
have a benefit in reducing the time
you spend feeling ill.
Vitamin D - can boost the bodies
immune system- good sources
include oily fish such as mackerel,
eggs, fortified breakfast cereals and
fortified fat spreads or sunlight on

our skin so what a great excuse get
away for some winter sun.
Echinacea - reported benefits of
taking this herbal remedy each day
are that it may well help to reduce
the risk of catching a cold. Certainly
the results of a study undertaken in
2012 concluded that the use of
echinacea is likely to at least reduce
the duration of the cold symptoms.
Probiotics- the friendly bacteria
found in yoghurt have been found
to strengthen the bodies immune
system as well as the other benefits
of helping to lower blood pressure
and cholesterol levels.
Sleep- try to get 7-9 hours a night to
maximise your b