A strong immune system is the foundation of good health, it helps fight infection and inflammation and allows you to recover quickly when you do get sick.
A diet rich in whole foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meat, chicken, fish and dairy, wholegrain breads, cereals, nuts and seeds, along with good hydration provide the vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and dietary fibre to help you fight off winter illness.
On the other hand, lack of exercise, poor sleep, stress, excessive alcohol and caffeine, smoking and a diet high in saturated fat, simple sugars and processed foods can weaken your body’s natural defences.
Andy is a full-time dietitian at Hawke’s Bay Hospital. He also has a private practice in conjunction with Bariatric Surgery at the Royston Centre.