Brought to you by Linwoods Healthfoods

Winter is officially the season for colds and flu so if you’re worried that the dreaded illness is coming to get you, hold the tissues... we have EVERYTHING you need to know to beat it.

Your body is more powerful than you could EVER imagine. Simple, everyday activities have immunity boosting powers that can help you stay healthy and happy all year long. With endless ways to avoid getting sick this year, here’s our guide to winter-proofing your body and boosting your immune system to keep you ticking through to spring.

1. Get more social

Did you know that socialising can help boost your immune system? Social engagements are associated with healthier immune system, especially for older people. This means that you are better able to fight off colds and flu. You don't need to tell us twice.

2. Take a 10-minute walk a few times a day

Working out does more than keep your waist trim gals. As boring as it sounds, exercising regularly and eating healthy are the most significant factors for your immune system. Getting a total of 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise can really strengthen your immune system. Exercise gets antibodies and white blood cells moving through the body faster so they can detect illnesses sooner.

3. Up your iron intake the natural way

Feeling tired and can't seem to shake it off? You might be lacking energy because of a lack of iron in your diet – the best way to up your iron intake and boost your immune system naturally is with nuts and seeds - they're high in iron and a fab snack for any time of day. Linwoods' range of milled seeds, nuts and berries are the perfect superfoods for your seed-hit. There are many great benefits to flaxseed including weight management, added protein and the transport of oxygen around the body. The Omega 3 fatty acids in flax seed, work with lignans to help your white blood cells and immune system fight off disease With 70% of your immune system located in your digestive tract, it makes sense that a healthy digestive system supports a healthy immune system so make sure you eat right and look after yourself.

4. Get enough rest

When you're feeling overwhelmed by everything you have to do, it can be all too easy to sacrifice sleep to get everything done but DITCH this habit and watch your immune system flourish. A lack of sleep can make you feel rundown and leaves your immune system open to infection so aim for 7-8 hours per night and you'll be fighting fit.

5. Drink MORE water

One of the many benefits of drinking water is that staying hydrated has a positive impact on your immune system. Water allows your kidneys to remove toxins from your body and to absorb nutrients. If you don't drink enough water, toxins will build up, weakening your body. Water helps all of your body's systems function at optimum levels so make sure to get your eight glasses a day. Brought to you by Linwoods Healthfoods.