Get Ready for Winter Wellness

By Ella O., Nutrition Advisor

Harness the power of nutrition to support your immune system this winter season with our targeted formulas. Our in-house nutritionist shares her top tips.*

We are experiencing falling temperatures and shorter daylight hours in the UK, so there is a greater need for us to keep warm and to focus on nourishing our immune system. Without the UV rays we receive from the sunlight in the Spring and Summer months, we risk deficiency in Vitamin D – this alone could undermine our natural immune responses. A resilient immune system is needed to successfully ward off colds and viruses - but with everyday mental and physical stressors, it is easy to overrun our internal energy and immune systems, leaving us more vulnerable to coughs, colds, illness and fatigue.  

Warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon and turmeric added to hot drinks may help aid circulation.

Enjoying a varied and balanced diet can help to sustain your health - the colour pigments in fruits and vegetables are nutritional powerhouses, rich in flavonoids and anthocyanins.

Certain nutrients in foods directly contribute to normal immune functions- these include Vitamin C, Zinc and Selenium as well as Vitamin D.

Immune-Wellness formulas

Designed to support the immune system, Source Naturals Wellness Formula supplies a wonderful combination of high-potency Vitamin C, plus more than 30 other vitamins, minerals and time-tested herbs for daily wellness. Well-researched botanicals such as Echinacea, Propolis, Olive leaf and Elderberry perform in synergy with immune supporting nutrients such as Zinc, Selenium and Vitamin D3. An advanced daily multi-vitamin formula and herbal defence complex. The dosage can be adjusted to suit needs.

Here at Kijani Living, we have extended our popular Wellness Formula range to include Wellness Herbal Resistance Liquid: A wonderful combination of best time-tested herbs from three different traditions – European, Native American and traditional Chinese, including Echinacea and Elderberry. Being in liquid form offers fast and easy absorption.

This blend contains Yin Chiao, a time-honoured, Chinese herbal formula used to help the body maintain a sense of balance during changing seasons and in times of stress. Stress can impact on our immune systems and weaken our natural defences.

Favourites for the whole family

During the autumnal months, you might have spotted elderberries along country lanes, garden verges and woodlands. Black elderberries, also known as Sambucus nigra, have been traditionally used to help support the immune system. Clinically shown to help reduce the duration and severity of certain viruses, such as the influenza virus, Sambucus is a rich source of bioflavonoids and vitamin C.

• Sambucus Black Elderberry Super Concentrated Extract- suitable for the whole family from 6 years old.
• Sambucus Immune Defencewith Black Elderberry, Echinacea, Astragalus, Zinc and Vitamin C – ideal for the whole family from 6 years old.
• Sambucus Kids Formula – Black Elderberry infused with Echinacea and Astragalus - suitable for children from 4 years old. 

Essential D

It is pretty much impossible to get enough Vitamin D from your diet alone, so Public Health England officially recommends that we all take a supplement of this vital nutrient between October and March.

• Nature’s Answer Vitamin D3 Drops suspended in virgin olive oil supplies 2000iu per drop (4000iu per 2 drops serving). This liquid vitamin D3 is in its bioactive form and suitable for vegetarians.
• Garden of Life mykind Organics Vegan Vitamin D3 Spray offers a certified organic plant-sourced Vitamin D3 at 1000iu per dose in a delicious, convenient spray.  
• Nature’s Answer Vitamin D3 & K2 Drops offer added Vitamin K2 for synergistic support for winter wellness and bone health.

Mushroom power – Beta-glucans

Formulated by a team of expert mycologists with over 30 years of experience, OM Ommune Defence capsules utilise the power of 4 well-researched certified organic mushrooms: Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake and Agaricus blazei, as well as Vitamin C to support winter immunity and vitality. OM captures the extensive nutrient range that mushrooms provide, ranging from beta-glucans to other unique compounds not found elsewhere in nature. Research suggests 1,3/1, 6 beta-glucan compounds can help modulate the immune system.

Fortifying herbs

Used for more than 2000 years, Astragalus root is a revered ‘immune tonic’ within Chinese herbal traditions. Thought to help strengthen the body’s internal systems, it has been used in China to strengthen Qi (the body’s life force and protective energy).

Shop it: Nature’s Answer Astragalus Root – Alcohol Free Liquid Extract

Research suggests that the natural polyphenol compound, Oleuropein, found in Mediterranean olive oil and olive leaf may help support health in many ways including immune function, heart health and joint health – perfect choice for holistic winter wellness. Nature’s answer Olive Leaf is such a highly concentrated natural extract that it would be impossible to consume enough Olive oil to match the number of healthy polyphenols.

Shop it: Nature’s Answer Olive Leaf – Alcohol-Free Liquid Extract

Targeted support

Targeting the upper respiratory system, Wellness Herbal Throat Spray is a convenient spray that provides extra support where it’s really needed. It supplies a natural blend of herbal ingredients including Propolis, Mullein, Echinacea, Liquorice and Thyme.

Sambucus Black Elderberry Extract Throat Spray benefits from super-concentrated Black Elderberry as well as Echinacea, Astragalus, Sage, Propolis and Slippery Elm – in an alcohol-free, all-natural throat spray - making it an ideal addition on the go!

All set for the cold season ahead!

*The claims are based on clinical research, are not aimed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Food supplements should be used within the framework of a healthy lifestyle and not used as substitutes of a varied and balanced diet.