As the British capacity for incessant, torrential downpour makes itself known once more, it’s time to prepare for the onslaught of seasonal illnesses.
With the kids returning to their petri dishes (aka school) and the great winter chill edging ever closer, the potential to catch seasonal colds and flus rises tenfold. But you don’t have to be a parent to be susceptible.
If you know me personally, you’ll know there’s always some kind of ailment in my life – factual or fictional. There’s a reason my colleagues (lovingly?) refer to me as a sickly Victorian child.
Instead of making my Broadway debut in Oliver! I’m here to tell you everything I’ve learned as an ex-perennially unwell person (my immune system is on the up, for now) as we stand at the threshold of the most sickly season of them all.
Immuno-boosting ingredients to look out for
- D3: Even after a hot summer, the vast majority of UK-dwelling citizens are Vitamin D-deprived. Healthy bones and muscles aside, the nutrient helps to maintain a healthy, functioning immune system.
- B12: A nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of your nervous system. Supplementing B12 not only helps with red blood cell production and DNA synthesis, but can help improve energy levels while reducing fatigue, weakness and dizziness.
- Manuka Honey: Nectar of the Gods, Manuka honey has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and is also believed to help relieve seasonal allergies.
- Vitamin C: An essential nutrient that supports normal immune function. It may not prevent sickness altogether, but it certainly helps to reduce symptoms and potentially shorten the amount of time you’re unwell for.
- Functional mushrooms: Reishi helps to promote overall health and longevity, while mushrooms like Shiitake and Lion’s Mane help to reduce inflammation and offer immune support. Chaga is great for gut health and cognitive function.
- Omega-3: The three main types of omega-3 fats are DHA, EPA and ALA – found primarily in fish oil supplements, which help promote brain and heart health while delivering strong anti-inflammatory properties. EPA fats are good for the heart, whilst DHA fats are good for the brain.
One of the best ways to prevent the onset of illness? Serious self-care. That means bubble baths and face masks, friends. Take this as your sign to spend your next Saturday evening in your own company. Light a candle, take your supplements, watch your favourite series and give your body some much-needed healing time after a summer of fun.
Without further ado, read on for my catch-all list of health and wellness essentials that’ll help boost your immune system and prevent the onslaught of seasonal flu.
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Manuka Doctor 65 MGO Manuka Honey 500g
Manuka Doctor’s genuine New Zealand manuka honey is rich in natural MGO (methylglyoxal), which supports immunity, soothes sore throats, and boosts energy through its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Traceable to the hive it was sourced from, the Manuka Doctor 65 MGO Manuka Honey 500g is the perfect sweet treat to drizzle on yoghurt or spread on your morning toast.
Buy now £17.00, Manuka Doctor
Berocca Immuno Effervescent Tablets Orange Flavour 15s
Long a staple part of the post-night out cure kit, Berocca puts much-needed electrolytes and essential vitamins and minerals back into your body, including both vitamin C and B. Rachel Clarkson, registered dietitian at The DNA Dietitian explains that the formula “gives a heavy dose of vitamin C – a potent anti-oxidant that fights off free radicals that may be caused by drinking”.
Buy now £7.65, Amazon
Purolabs Vitamin B12 Supplement
Minimal in ingredients, Purolabs has spotlighted the key vitamin B12 nutrient in this immunity-supporting and energy-yielding supplement. Tackling these two concerns, alongside encouraging red blood cell formation, the dietary add-on derives its star ingredient from a highly absorbable form of methylcobalamin, which is typically used to treat nutritional diseases and often Alzheimer's and rheumatoid arthritis.
It is free from any synthetic fillers or ingredients and can be safely consumed alongside a vegan diet.
Buy now £29.99, Purolabs
London Nootropics x Fantastic Fungi Mush Love
A limited edition blend created with Fantastic Fungi, the group who produced the eponymous Netflix Documentary, this adaptogenic coffee is made with lion’s mane, cordyceps and chaga mushroom extracts from Hifas da Terra in Galicia.
The soluble powder features 6 per cent finely ground roasted coffee for those who prefer their mushroom coffee less earthy and more like a classic cup o’ joe. Simply add one sachet to a mug of hot water and stir well to dissolve before topping with your favourite milk.
Buy now £60.00, London Nootropics
Brain Feed Omega 3 plant-based DHA 500mg
The immediate appeal of Brain Feed’s plant-based omega-3 supplements is that you only have to take one a day. Hurrah! Derived from non-GMO algae which has been sustainably cultivated using fermentation methods, this supplement is free from heavy metals, gelatin, carrageenan and PCBs. Each capsule contains 500mg of DHA and 30mg of EPA.
Buy now £34.99, Amazon
Nutrition Geeks Vitamin D 1000iu Optimum Strength
Each of these tablets delivers 1000iu of high-strength Vitamin D3, offering 500 per cent of your daily Nutrient Reference Value (NRV), for optimal absorption. The formula is also vegetarian and gluten-free, making it accessible to a wide range of dietary needs. Plus, it has enhanced absorption to ensure you’re getting the most out of every single dose.
What makes this supplement even better is the ease of use. The tablets come in a resealable pack, so they’re not only convenient but easy to store as well.
Buy now £6.99, Amazon
Manuka Doctor Monofloral Manuka Honey MGO 525+
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Not only is Manuka honey absolutely delicious, it’s packed with antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant health benefits. Manuka Doctor honeys are no exception.
The rich golden nectar is thick, creamy, smooth and bursting with unbelievable flavour. It can be used to soothe sore throats and improve digestive issues. This honey can also be applied topically to help heal wounds and dry skin conditions such as eczema.
Buy now £32.49, Amazon
Organic Beef Broth by Borough Broth
Borough Broth’s organic beef broth is an award-winning winter warmer that is made using organic British beef bones and vegetables. With sustainably sourced ingredients approved by the Soil Association and a whopping 40 per cent bone content, Borough Broth is filled to the brim with umami excellence. The delicious concoction is lowly simmered alongside mineral-rich British spring water for 24 hours to extract the utmost flavour and nutrients.
Buy now £37.99, Amazon
REN Clean Skincare Atlantic Kelp and Microalgae Anti-Fatigue Bath Oil
Ren’s Atlantic Kelp and Microalgae Anti-Fatigue Bath Oil is liquid pep. To ease racing minds and weary limbs, the combination of the named Atlantic kelp and plankton extracts with omega-rich microalgae oil nourishes the skin, while the brand’s own anti-fatigue essential oils provides destressing aromatherapy.
Buy now £20.99, Amazon
anatomē Relax + Sleep Chamomile Bath Salts
Feel restored from head to toe with the pick-me-up that these anatomē bath salts provide. With magnesium flakes, they have been designed first and foremost to encourage sound slumber, which is enhanced by the inclusion of sage.
To ensure that the formula remains every bit as invigorating and calming as you would hope for in a bathtime experience, there are chamomile, lavender, mint and rose for a floral, herbaceous soothing effect.
Buy now £30.00, anatomē
Panasonic EH-XS01 Portable Facial Steamer with Nano-Ionic Technology
Facial steamers are an invaluable at-home tool for stubborn blackheads and pesky pores, but they also help clear congestion and ease sinus pain. I’m a chronic sufferer when it comes to sore sinuses, and steaming my face nightly as the seasons start to change helps to prevent mucus build-up by keeping the airways clear.
Buy now £118.99, Amazon
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Serum Mask
While soaking in a bath filled with rejuvenating salts, relax the senses and heal the body further with this intensive soothing mask from Dr JarT+. Infused with an ultra-hydrating serum containing allatonin and anti-inflammatory centella asiatica extract, this sheet mask works to strengthen the skin barrier while delivering a cooling, relaxing boost of freshness.
Buy now £8.50, Space NK
