7 secrets of SUPER IMMUNITY

Boost your defences now to protect yourself against illness all winter long

- ALI HORSFALL

Expecting more sniffles and coughs in the coming months? While the colder weather and mingling indoors can make us more vulnerable to viruses and bugs, being ill isn't inevitable. How well you fight off the nasties will come down to the strength of your immune system.

'This mighty system protects our health by resisting uninvited infections, plus maintaining order and balance in our bodies,' explains immunologist Dr Jenna Macciochi, author of Immunity: The Science of Staying Well.

And although we depend on vaccines to defend against the deadliest viruses, or reach for antibiotics to clear up a bacterial infection, Dr Macciochi believes that 'there are no medications that can protect us in our infectious world quite like our immunity'.

If you are keen to swerve sickness, follow these simple steps to help supercharge your immune system and keep you healthy, not only in the colder months, but the rest of the year too.

1 Balance your gut

The billions of bacteria that make up our gut microbiome account for 70% of our immune system, so it's no surprise gut health impacts our susceptibility to illness. 'Support good gut bacteria by consuming kefir and probiotic yoghurt or take a friendly bacteria supplement, says nutritionist Adrienne Benjamin.

TRY Rawbiotics Daily Balance, R103 for 200 ml, rawbiotics.co.za

2 Keep moving in winter