Brought to you by Comvita
The short days and long, cold nights of winter are often accompanied by a range of complaints. Find out how you can nurture your immune system to help you and your family have a healthier winter.
There’s not much you can do to avoid winter ills and chills altogether. However, a stronger immune system is better at recognising harmful microbes in your body and fighting them before they multiply and take over.
It’s essential to do everything you can to support a healthy immune system.
So, how can we help look after our immune system naturally?
Free radicals and antioxidants
Free radicals are by-products of our body’s natural processes but can also be produced by chemicals in our environment (e.g, sunlight, smoke, water and air pollution). These free radicals can cause cellular damage in our bodies. Antioxidants help ‘clean up’ the waste that free radicals cause in our cells. While our body produces antioxidants naturally, the amount is often insufficient to clean up all the free radical waste. This can result in ‘oxidative stress’ which ultimately can impact on the effectiveness of our immune system.2
You can boost the antioxidants in your body through eating whole, plant-based foods such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Olive leaf extract
Olive Leaf has traditionally been used in western herbal medicine to support the body’s natural immune system function.3 The polyphenols found in olive leaf extract are also known antioxidants and, in fact, olive leaves contain around 60 times more beneficial polyphenols than olive oil!4 Comvita Olive Leaf Extract* liquid or capsules can provide everyday antioxidant support.
Propolis and Manuka Honey
Propolis, produced by bees, contains high levels of active bioflavonoids with well-known immune support and antioxidant properties.5 Comvita® Propolis Herbal Elixir* is a natural, powerful, all-in-one herbal formula that contains flavonoids designed to support winter wellness with the added benefits of UMF™ 10+ Manuka Honey. New Zealand Manuka Honey has a worldwide reputation for supporting wellness through its special properties that are unique to manuka honey.
If a winter ills and chills are circulating, Comvita Soothing Manuka Honey Lozenges with Propolis* and a zesty lemon flavour can help soothe a dry, sore throat with active UMF™ 10+ Manuka Honey. The lozenges come in a handy resealable pouch that’s ideal for the glovebox or handbag.
A healthy lifestyle
Getting enough sleep is another great way to help your immune system function well – although if you are a parent of young children this might seem to be an almost impossible goal!
Moderate exercise, such as going on a brisk walk a few times a week, can also give your immune system a boost, as can keeping hydrated, reducing stress, and enjoying some winter sunshine for Vitamin D benefits.
Comvita: Driven by nature, proven with science
A range of Comvita Winter Wellness products can be found at local supermarkets including Countdown and New World.
*Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Comvita® Olive Leaf High Strength Capsules contain lecithin from soy and sulphites from gelatin Comvita® Propolis Herbal Elixir and Comvita® Mānuka Honey Lozenges with Propolis contain propolis, which can cause severe allergic reactions.
Lozenges, Elixir and Lollipops are available from selected Countdown, New World, PaknSave and Life and Unichem Pharmacies.
Olive Leaf products are available from selected New World, PaknSave stores and Life and Unichem Pharmacies.
Written by Her World New Zealand with information from Comvita.
1 https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/immune-system
2 https://www.livescience.com/54901-free-radicals.html
3 https://www.comvita.co.nz/blog-article/how-olive-leaf-antioxidants-could-boost-your-immunity-this-winter/O7900182
4 https://www.comvita.co.nz/blog-article/the-science-behind-the-good-leaf-with-dr.-jackie-evans/X8500170
5 https://www.comvita.co.nz/blog-article/boost-your-immunity-with-propolis/4000233
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.