The body works hard to fight off infections, but there are things people can do to support their immune system to help keep them healthy.
Echinacea: Echinacea helps to bring up the white blood cell count. White blood cells are the cells of the immune system which help protect the body against infection. Studies on Echinacea show that as well as being anti-bacterial, it has anti-viral components and can help a person to recover from a viral infection.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C slows down the progression of a virus so that a person may recover more quickly. It is important to take vitamin C for a few days after feeling better.
Vitamin D: The “sunshine” vitamin. A lack of vitamin D can make the immune system weak, therefore, replenishing vitamin D will strengthen immunity. Vitamin D is also good to help get rid of a cough faster.
Elderberry: Active ingredients in elderberry surround viral cells and stop them from replicating - it can stop a cold, flu or viral infection from getting worse and give the person a chance to recover.
Garlic: Garlic is anti-viral. It can also help to thin out mucous in the chest, nose and sinuses.
Zinc: Zinc is tissue healing. Zinc lozenges or liquid are very good to heal a sore throat.
Multivitamin: This would be a good base if someone’s energy is low. If a person has a bad diet, or if they don’t feel like eating much, a multivitamin will support them through the illness and help them to feel a bit more energetic and hopefully better sooner. If a person lives a stressful life or works too hard a multivitamin gives extra support.
For more information on how to support one's immune system, call into any of the seven Galway-based Evergreen stores and speak to a qualified member of staff, or take a look at its blog: www.evergreen.ie/blog
