It’s that time of year when everybody seems to be ill. If you haven’t already caught a bug then chances are you’re trying your hardest to avoid it! Boost your body’s defences and zap that cold fast with these handy immunity boosting tips.

Drink, drink and drink some more… Staying hydrated is important all year round, flu or no flu. But when you’re ill, drinking water can be especially helpful in aiding a quick recovery. We loose water through sweating when we have a fever, which can be a particularly huge part in causing headaches. Drink water to rehydrate and also to help flush out any nasty toxins!

Get your Vitamin C. Yes, vitamin C really is good for immunity. Stock up on the fresh orange juice or red and orange peppers for the ultimate fix.

Rest your head. Go to bed early. Sleep works miracles for our health by allowing our bodies to repair and recover. Aim for around 8 hours of sleep a night and when you’re ill try for 9 or 10 if possible.

Grab a banana! Bananas are full of potassium, which is amazing for our immune system. You might not feel like eating much when you’re ill (or want to grab the comfort food), but having a banana will give you that added energy boost to get you through the day.

Walk it out. Don’t go too heavy on the exercise when you’re not well. You need to let your body rest. Try going for a brisk walk. The fresh air will clear your head and light movement will help to ease your muscles, especially if they’re feeling cramped.

Olbas Oil. The best relief for a blocked nose! Drop a little into a hanky or buy a small bottle to pop in your pocket. When you’re feeling clogged up sniff a little olbas to clear your head and aid easier breathing. A fresh sensation to kick that blocked nose in the butt and relieve sinuses! Sometimes a husky voice isn’t so attractive…

Say hello to the dark side. Dark berries that is. Blueberries, blackberries and blackcurrents are all full of the immunity-fighting, anti-inflammatory antioxidant anthocyanin. Eat up!

Now don’t let those nasty bugs get you down. Kapow!! xx