Expert tips to help you stay healthy during the colder months
We all know winter is prime time for coughs, colds and flus – so much so that getting sick often feels inevitable. But if the past year or so has taught us anything, it's that looking after our wellbeing is vital. Taking steps to safeguard your health during the cooler weather will strengthen your immune system and enable your body to ward off any bugs that might come your way. To help you stay healthy, we've enlisted WelleCo's formulator Dr. Simone Laubscher Ph.D, a Clinical Nutritionist and Naturopath, to support you through the season with her expert advice on staying well in winter.
1. Eat warm, nourishing meals
According to Dr. Laubscher, eating a diet that's rich in warm, nourishing foods will ensure your body doesn't get too 'damp' through the colder months. Dietary dampness can lead to an increased risk of illness during winter, as your body succumbs to the chill too easily.
Dr. Laubscher suggests counteracting this by eating lots of warm food that nurtures your body. "Our bodies need more warming foods in winter. Swap out your regular chilled meals for more stir-fries, soups and stews," she says. "Or, if you're prone to comfort eating but want to be mindful of your intake, swap out the classic potato for butternut pumpkin, or swap out rice for quinoa. "
2. Nothing raw after 4pm
If you're partial to a year-round salad, it might be time to reconsider. Cold foods such as salads or sushi might be good for you but in winter, those cold meals could actually enhance your susceptbility to mucus and sickness-inducing bacteria. According to Dr. Laubscher, dairy can also be one of the biggest offenders. "Things like dairy are going to create the most dampness in your body, which creates an environment in which fungus and candida can thrive," she explains. "It invites mucus, which invites bugs, so if a bug comes your way, it's the perfect environment for the bug to take hold."
Dr. Laubscher suggests avoiding any dairy or raw food, such as salads or zucchini noodles, particularly after 4pm to keep your body warm during cold nights and ensure your immune system is running smoothly.
3. Stay consistent with The Super Elixir™
The Super Elixir™ has your back when it comes to your health in the colder months. Our powerful super greens formula was designed to support your entire body, including your immune system, to keep you feeling and functioning at your best – which is particularly important during winter.
The considered, sustainably-sourced blend of more than 40 ingredients helps to boost your immunity, guarding against potential ailments and supporting your system when it comes to flushing out any toxins.
Double your dose on days when you aren't feeling your best, or Dr. Laubscher suggests starting on our 30 Days Welle program to re-boot your body. For more information on 30 Days Welle, head here.
4. Eat thermogenic foods
Ensure all your meals are rich in warming herbs and spices during winter. "You'll want to be having more ginger, chilli, cinnamon and garlic, and high sulfur foods like onions," says Dr. Laubscher. "This is going to support your immune system with thermogenic foods, which keeps everything moving internally."
In short? Your immunity will be supported and so will your metabolism, which is great news for those of us who tend to hibernate during the colder months.