We are exposed to many viruses each year which cause severe flu and results in thousands of people going to the doctor and the hospital.

It is really annoying to have headaches, aching joints, sore and itchy eyes and with our changing climate that we have things can get worse.

The good news is that there are natural ways to boost your immune system and prevent any cold or flu at any time of the year. There are a variety of nutrients and herbs that can help you keep your immune system strong.

Turmeric: This yellow colour nutrient supports every body system. Oriental cultures have benefited from Turmeric for thousands of years. Turmeric contain a powerful antioxidant called curcumin that protects cells from free radical harm. It also keeps the skin looking youthful, soft and reduces inflammation. It fights cold and flu with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Piperine: Traditional indian cooking uses black pepper with turmeric as a medicine. It has been proven by science that black pepper and turmeric do work as a complement of each other. Taking black pepper and with turmeric helps your body to absorb those powerful anti-inflammatory properties and anti oxidants.

Bilberry Extract: Bilberry is known for improving vision due to its concentration of anthocyannis, which boost the production of a pigment that improves night vision called rhodospin, it also helps the eyes to adapt to light changes. In fact pilots of word war 2 ate bilberry to improve night vision. It also improves circulation, boosts immunity and improves blood sugar balance.

Bromelain: Pineapple helps to fight cold and flu because it’s high in bioflavonoid bromelain. Bromelain breaks down mucus to keep your airways ease and clear. But it also improves the function of key immune cells which destroy pathogens and form our immunological memory.

Cysteine: It’s true chicken soup is rich in amino acid cysteine and helps to cure common cold. The body converts the amino acid cysteine in a powerful antioxidant called glutathione peroxidase that fights free radicals and protects cells from any damage. Cysteine also boosts the immune system.

Beta 1-3 Glucan: Mushrooms have been used traditionally for its immune stimulating properties by the Chinese Medicine. They also contain important minerals and B vitamins. Beta Glucans are very effective in supporting immunity by enhancing the function of natural killer cells and macrophages. Bega Glucans are found in the cell walls of yeasts, algae, bacteria, and fungi. They can also help to fight cancer.

Olive Leaf Extract: Olive Leaf is a super food because it protects the heart, improves circulation and promotes a healthy and youthful skin. It gets its health properties from the active polyphenol in olives called Oleuropein. Oleuropein provides the leaves with potent antiviral, antioxidant, anti inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Those are some of the most important ingredients to boost your immune system that you should take specially if you are in your mid life, to keep your body healthy and strong against any disease or virus.

By Sarah