Thinking about immunity support for the family this winter? Boots has you covered
This article is sponsored by Spatone, Berocca, Vitabiotics, BetterYou, Seven Seas and Comvita
The days are getting shorter, the children are back at school, and that can only mean one thing: the start of autumn and winter, AKA, the start of cold and flu season.
We all want to look after our families and help prevent them catching colds, and at Boots, we have your one-stop shop for immunity support.
Our tips for helping prevent colds
The number one way to help prevent colds is through having a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Hygiene
Make sure to wash your hands regularly throughout the day, especially after using the bathroom, playing with pets, or before eating. Make sure to encourage your children to use soap and warm water, and wash their hands for the amount of time it takes for them to sing ‘happy birthday’ twice. Remind little ones to wash their hands after coughing or sneezing too.
If someone in your family has a cold, try not to share things like cups or towels, and make sure to wipe any toys your child has been playing with if they’re poorly.
Getting enough sleep
It can be easier said than done sometimes, but getting a good night’s sleep and prioritising your sleep hygiene is important for looking after your body, and in turn, your immune system.
Our golden rules:
- Limit phone and devices use two hours before bedtime, and avoid using them in your bedroom completely
- Avoid big meals, caffeinated drinks like coffee, alcohol and nicotine two to three hours before bed
- Try to relax before bed. Maybe swap TV for reading a book, because it can help relax your mind and get your body ready for bed
Healthy living
You don’t have to go crazy with the kale – but adding in some extra fruit and vegetables and eating a balanced diet can help keep your body fighting fit.
Try our top recipes for healthy batch cooking, perfect for mid-week meals or healthier packed lunches.
Staying active is also a big part of living well. Try to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, whether that’s having a walk on your lunch break or going to the gym. Your children should have PE lessons at school, but you can also encourage them to find an after-school sports activity that they enjoy.
Finally, a big part of healthier living is getting the right amount of vitamins and nutrients. Whilst we should be able to get all of the vitamins and nutrients we need from a healthy, balanced diet, there are times where this can be more challenging. Read on for our suggestions to help support immunity.
Immune support picks
Consider: Spatone Apple Daily Iron Shots & Vitamin C
• 28 1-a-day sachets
• Suitable for adults & children 2+
• Apple flavour
Spatone’s Apple Daily sachets contain vitamin C and iron, to help support your immune system while reducing tiredness. Mix one sachet into a vitamin C-rich fruit juice, for a source of iron that’s gentle on the stomach and easily absorbed.
Consider: Berocca Immuno Gummies
• 60 chewable gummies
• Suitable for adults & children 7+
• Orange flavour
Berocca's Immuno Gummies are packed with vitamins A, C and D as well as zinc, all of which help to support your immune system: your body's natural defender. Vitamin A also helps support normal skin. Simply chew two a day, an easy way to stay on top of taking your daily vitamins.
Consider: Vitabiotics Immunace Extra Protection
• 30 1-a-day tablets
• Suitable for vegetarians
Immunace Extra Protection provides the highest level of nutritional support in the Immunace range, including vitamins C, D and zinc which contribute to the normal function of the immune system. These tablets also contain lycopene, l-carnitine, astaxanthin and alpha lipoic acid.
Consider: BetterYou Vitamin D+K2 Daily Oral Spray
• 30 sprays (12ml)
• Suitable for adults & children 13+
• Peppermint flavour
BetterYou Vitamin D+K2 Daily Oral Spray delivers 3000IU of vitamin D to help support a healthy immune system, healthy bones and help aid muscle function. This easy-to-use spray is vegetarian and free from palm oil – plus, the packaging is 100% recyclable and planet-friendly.
Consider: Bassetts Multivitamins Orange & Passionfruit Gummies
• 30 1-a-day gummies
• For ages 12-18 years
This soft and chewy multivitamin is tailored with a blend of nutrients and evening primrose oil to support daily health for teenagers, plus zinc for healthy hair and nails and vitamin B6 to help support the balance of hormone activity. Your teenager only needs to take one a day, making them easy to take even when they're busy.
Consider: Seven Seas Omega-3 & Multivitamins Woman
• Duo-pack of 30 tablets each
• Designed for women
With twenty-two nutrients, these multivitamins by Seven Seas help support your body’s functions, including iron to help with the normal function of your immune system. Take one tablet from the pink blister pack and one from the red blister pack with a glass of water every day.
Consider: Comvita MGO 83+ Manuka Honey
• Size: 250g
While there’s no evidence that honey can help with your immunity, it’s been a firm favourite for providing comfort during cold and flu season. Comvita’s Manuka Honey tastes delicious, especially when stirred into porridge, tea or coffee. Have a sore throat? Mixing some Manuka Honey into lemon tea could help soothe your throat.
