BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

SEVEN SCIENCE-BACKED SOLUTIONS TO HELP YOU FEEL YOUR BEST

- Lisa Bendall

SACHIN OZA always seemed to catch whatever cold and flu germs were flying around. Despite being only in his mid-thirties, he felt out of shape and out of sorts. He realised that if he didn’t make some changes, his immune function would continue worsening with age. I have a family background of diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease,’ says Oza. Thad to take action.”

But Oza’s lifestyle stood in the way. He clocked long days working in finance in London, with little opportunity to be active or focus on his wellbeing. His commute from his home in Orpington, Kent, to the office was stressful and time-consuming, and he was spending far too many hours stuck behind his desk.

Oza’s increasingly sedentary lifestyle had repercussions. In addition to catching bugs easily, he didn’t sleep well, his body ached, and he felt lethargic. My immune system was really weak,” recalls Oza. I knew that I shouldn't be feeling this way before even hitting 40.”

So began a 15-year journey to overhaul his health. He implemented some changes to his diet, introducing more raw fruits and vegetables and cutting down on junk food. He started going for runs and began interval training, resistance training, and stretching. He also became interested in mindfulness, practising deep-breathing and meditation.

Now 49, Oza feels like a new man. I catch colds far less frequently than before,’ he says. His aches and pains have eased, his stress levels are lower, and he sleeps soundly. I no longer wake up in the early hours, which has made a huge difference in how I feel.”