T
he recent surge in Covid-19 cases
across Australia has made us all
more concerned about our health,
and as we head into autumn we are
also grappling with the usual bugs and
illnesses that flourish witha
change of season.
Unfortunately, cooler
temperatures are far
friendlier to any
cold and flu viruses
floating through
the air. In addition
to this, the cold,
d ry air reduces the
healthy mucus that coats
areas of your respiratory
system, leaving airways more
susceptible to unwelcome microbial
visitors.
Plus, as we spend more time indoors
than outside, we’re much more likely to
spread germs to each other.
All of these factors make this monthWITH A PANDEMIC CURRENTLY SWEEPING ACROSS
THE WORLD, LOOKING AFTER OUR HEALTH IS MORE
IMPORTANT THAN EVER. ERIN FISHER SHARES SOME
SIMPLE WAYS TO HELP YOU STAY WELL
the perfect time to build a solid immune
system for the months ahead.
When you sit down for each meal, try
to make sure that your plate always has
some fruit and veggies.
These are high in protective
antioxidants and immune-
enhancing compounds
like vitamin C, so the
more you eat, the
stronger your system
will be at defending
against viruses,
bacteria and other
bugs. If you do still
happen to catch a cold
orflu, quality nutrition
willhelp your body to fight it
off much faster and you won’t feel
so run down.
“My ideal meal would be fish (which
is rich in zinc and omega-3) with a
colourful array of antioxidant-rich
veggies such as carrots, mushrooms,spinach, sweet potato, capsicum and
garlic,” says nutritionist Melanie
McGrice. “By including veggies such
as sweet potato, spinach and capsicum,
you’ll also get plenty of vitamin C,
and mushrooms and garlic are rich in
prebiotic fibre.
“Gut health is extremely
important to our
immunity. Foods that
are rich in prebiotic fibres
are great for supporting
our gut health, and
consequently our
immune system.”
Foods high in omega-
fats such as oily fish,
walnuts and flaxseed
have a wonderful
anti-inflammatory effect,
and healing spices such
as turmeric and ginger
can really dial up the flavour while
giving you a big hit of nourishment.
If you’re already fairly healthy,IMMUNITY
Boost your
quality
nutrition
willhelpyour
bodytofight
it off much
faster