Struggling to shake off the lurgy? Unfortunately, by the end of January and into February, our summer stores of vitamin D have dwindled to a year-round low, negatively impacting our in-built immune defences and leaving us more prone to picking up bugs. With over 200 varieties of the common cold virus it is hardly surprising that the average adult typically suffers an average of 2-4 colds a year, and for children this can be as many as 12. However, there are some tasty ways to protect yourself, here’s our Top 10 Immune Boosting Foods:

• Mushrooms - shiitake in particular contain sugars called ‘polysaccharides’, which along with zinc can increase the production of white blood cells and help to prevent infection. Mushrooms are also a source of vitamin D, leave them outside or on a sunny windowsill for 30 mins to increase their natural vitamin D content. Sautee with garlic and parsley as a tasty side dish. Alternatively, top up levels on the go with our delicious Vitamin D Mango & Passionfruit.
• Garlic is a well-known anti-viral, as we breathe the essential oils move through our respiratory tract helping to combat lurking bugs or viruses, if you can face it, raw is best!
• Yoghurt – a healthy gut means a healthy immune system, choose probiotic live yoghurt containing strains of lactobacillus to support beneficial bacteria and promote antibody production.
• Cruciferous veg like cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients and contain ‘choline’ which strengthens cells in our gut wall, helping to keep bugs out! Whip up a garlic yoghurt dip to have with cauliflower or broccoli crudités
• Sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash and dark leafy greens contain beta-carotene which is converted into vitamin A and helps to protect the respiratory and intestinal tracts, you may also like our Vitamin A Blackcurrant & Blueberry.
• Eggs are rich in protein and provide key fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E and K for immune function. They also contain B vitamins for energy production, plus minerals zinc and selenium. If you’re feeling run down, enjoy a boost of energy with our Apple & Raspberry blend of B Vits.
• Greens, like kale and spinach have high levels of vitamin C our number 1 healing nutrient, try to include at every meal by adding a handful to smoothies, soups and salads. As vitamin C is water soluble you need to keep levels topped up, our Vitamin C Sparkling Orange is a tasty solution.
• Cinnamon has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties as well as helping to support the metabolism. Combine with oats at breakfast, dust on fresh fruit or add a sprinkle to coffee or hot chocolate.
• Ginger - when a cold sets in, an inflamed respiratory tract causes congestion. Ginger contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, try it fresh and steeped in hot water with lemon as a soothing drink or grate into curries and stir-fries for a fiery kick.
• Tomatoes - lycopene gives their flesh it’s red colour and offers an array of health-building benefits, including reducing respiratory inflammation.

 

The Wintery months are rolling in and the team at Get More Vits HQ are trying not to give in to the annual hibernation period that happens around now. It helps that we've now got our newly released Tropical flavoured Active BCAA drink! They're keeping us motivated and thinking about being healthy. Obviously we're not going to be healthy all time. Especially at this time of year when treats like mince pies and all butter biscuits are looking at us from the kitchen. But, we're trying our best to lead a balanced, healthy lifestyle by enjoying the treats as well as sticking to our regular exercise routines. We know how hard it can be to step out into the cold and make that walk to the gym in the morning. So, if you're feeling disheartened, ditch the gym for a home workout! You don't need lots of equipment and can keep it simple by following some classes on Youtube and staying hydrated. You can do this! No matter where your workout is taking place, grab a can of our Active BCAA drink to: a. Hydrate your body b. Ease aching muscles c. Aid muscle gain d. Combat fatigue

More about BCAA

What does BCAA stand for we hear you say? Well, these cans are packed with 'branch chain amino acids'. These are a group of essential amino acids that are the building blocks of protein and can only be produced in the body by eating food. You can find out more information on the nitty gritty details in our previous post. Essentially, the BCAA's have been carefully added to this tropical drink to help your body to build muscle and fuel your work-out. They also help to combat fatigue when you're feeling tired. They're delicious AND they help you feel amazing before and after a workout. It's a win-win! If you want to get your hands on one (or a few) of these power-drinks you can currently get them delivered straight to your door from Ocado. We'll announce the latest stockists on the Products page of our website so keep an eye out!