Happy & Healthy

7 TIMES YOU CAN GET RID OF YOUR SNIFFLES

Here we go again. Just when a sunny press trip is around the corner, my body lets me down again. It hit me last night. Headache, sore throat, sweating... Great timing. The flu.

So today I'm locking myself in the office with Team Sniffles. Because there’s quite a bit of sniffling going on here, I must say. To my right, someone is cold all day long, and across from me, there’s non-stop sucking on Strepsils. And me? I'm hiding in my scarf today and alternating the nasal spray with a throat tablet. Which I then wash down with my ginger tea.

Now, of course, I want to spare you this misery. And that’s why I’m giving you seven tips to boost your immune system. All natural, just like you’re used to from me.

Antioxidants

The most important thing to keep diseases at bay. Antioxidants in your food help your body fight against diseases. They are abundant in blueberries, cranberries, and various spices like cinnamon and turmeric.

Be kind to your gut

Healthy guts mean few bacteria. Fiber is important for good digestion. They would clean the intestines and keep the bad guys out.

Relax

Make sure you are relaxed. This improves your immune system's ability to respond well to intruders. Try a yoga class or do meditation exercises, and you’ll be zen in no time.

“Thanks Kiek, as long as your make-up is on point…”

Eat enough unsaturated fats

Have a nice omelet for breakfast with half an avocado. Avocado is full of unsaturated fats, and these fatty acids reduce the chances of bacteria getting in.

Supplement your proteins

Proteins play an important role in the functioning of the immune system. Hence that omelet in the morning.

Blijf gehydrateerd

Drinking enough and maintaining the right fluid balance ensures good resistance. Because when you drink too little (water), waste products are not eliminated. Just put that glass of wine aside for a moment, because the more alcohol you drink, the less attention your body pays to fighting germs.

Sufficient sleep

During the night, the hormone cytokine is produced; this arms you against infections. Good resistance starts with sufficient sleep.

And last but not least, Kiek gives me one more tip that will make you feel better in a second. She hands me her pink lipstick. And it’s not just any color, no, it’s L’Oréal’s shade ‘Doutzen’. Well, if you don’t feel like a supermodel now…

Thanks Kiek, as long as your make-up is on point.