Flu epidemic: How to boost your immune system naturally

With Australia in the midst of what is likely to become it’s worst flu season in 15 years you can consider yourself lucky if you haven’t been hit yet.

Over 70,000 people have been struck down so far this year, but with many of us skipping a visit to the doctor the number is likely to be much higher.

Some of the confirmed cases were people that fell ill despite the flu vaccination. So we thought we’d look at some other ways you can strengthen your immune system naturally – including things we can do and eat.

With pregnant women, young children, and senior citizens most at risk, leading naturopath and sports nutritionist, Kira Sutherland, shared her three food immune boosters with Be.

Antioxidants
Antioxidants are nutrients within foods that are supportive to a strong immune system. “Berries are packed with antioxidants, are low in sugar, and usually contain lots of fibre,” Kira tells Be. “Blueberries, for example, contain both vitamin C and K, and resveratrol, which is a fabulous antioxidant.”

Kira also suggests juice, such as H2melon. “Watermelon is high in water and lower in sugar than most regular juices, and contains vitamin C, lycopene, and beta-carotene, which are all antioxidants that help to support the immune system.”

Probiotics
According to research, the digestive system represents almost 70 per cent of the entire immune system. “Yoghurts contain great ‘gut bacteria’ known as probiotics which are important for good digestive and gut health,” Kira says.

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Protein
Protein is important for stabilising blood sugar levels and our immune systems depend on good quality protein to keep it working properly. Kira says many people will use protein powders to easily get their protein hit. Other good sources of protein include meat, fish, chicken, eggs, dairy, beans, soy foods, nuts and seeds.

In terms of things you can do, Brisbane natural health expert Jo Formosa shares a few tips to ward off the flu.

Avoid rapid changes in temperature: The biggest one is going from warm to cold – these dramatic changes impact how our system recovers.

Eat smaller meals: When you’re sick you don’t need to eat as much.

Avoid dairy products when you have the flu: This contributes to mucous and phlegm production, instead go for ginger and turmeric - in juice, milk or honey.

Eat more warm soups: in particular with garlic, ginger and black pepper as this breaks up mucous and phlegm.

Stay warm when out in the elements: Even if it's sunny outside, it’s important to take care to keep the head and neck warm.

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