Boost your immunity and thrive with these simple, effective tips

Our world has changed and now more than ever it is important to keep our mind, body and spirit healthy and well.

While we realise the importance of washing our hands, sanitizing, social distancing and wearing masks, we need to make sure our immune systems stay healthy and strong too.

Your immune system is your body’s first defence against illness.

Try these simple yet effective ways of boosting your immune system:

• Stay active: Whether it is a walk, run, skip or hop, keep moving! We have seen how daily gym workouts have changed… so find a Zoom and online class to keep you motivated and fit

• Eat your veg: The fridge may be your new best friend but stock up on a rainbow of fruits and veg. These help arm your body with antioxidants it needs to fight oxidative stress which includes contracting an illness. Freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices and smoothies are a great way too boost your intake. Add supplements such as Green Vibrance, or Nutrigreens as a quick easy way of improving the amount of veg you consume daily.

• Rest up: Getting sufficient sleep helps your body recover from everyday stress and promotes better functioning of our immune system. Enjoy the slower pace, have an afternoon snooze if you can or use the opportunity to go to bed a bit earlier. During this stressful time, sleep can be harder to come by, Bach Rescue night drops or Flordis Redormin herbal tablets can help promote sleep.

• Reduce stress: Although this is easier said than done during this time, stress can compromise our immune system and make us more vulnerable to infections. Take supplements such as the amino acids L-Theanine, or herbs such as Valerian to reduce anxiety and stress levels.

• Get a quality supplement

Take daily vitamins and supplements to support your immune system –

– Vitamin D supports your immune system and help your body to produce antibodies which in turn help ward off illness. Metagenics make a premium and affordable Vitamin D at therapeutic dosages to boost your immunity.

– Zinc is a mineral that is needed for immune cell development. Zinc may also help reduce the duration of a common cold and help protect against respiratory tract infections. Zinplex syrup will help to boost the kids immune systems and zinc tablets are beneficial to adults.

– Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports the function of immune cells and enhances ability to protect against infection. Try the Ester-C combo from the Real Thing or the NRF Vitamin C powders as great sources of getting bioavailable quantities of Vitamin C into your system

– Ultraflora Balance is an excellent probiotic which promotes gut health and immunity begins in the gut so this will help build the basics for boosting your immune system.

– A good Multivitamin, such as the Solgar VM2000 has a good bioavailable spectrum of vitamins and minerals to boost your system and keep you better than well.

For more information, visit wethrive.co.za and or follow on Instagram (@thrive_za) and Facebook (Thrive Better Than Well).

Lynda Bryant, founder of Thrive Ballito, is a pharmacy graduate of Rhodes University, with a passion for both health and business.

At the age of just 26, she bought her first pharmacy in Kloof and grew it into an integrated wellness store. 

The Kloof outlet won best community pharmacy in South Africa in 2013.

Thrive claimed this award again in 2019. 

She opened the Ballito branch at The Well in March this year.

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