elev8 Wellness Rooms4-7 montpellier walk, Parliament Terrace, HG1 2QY - 01423 709844 - elev8me.co.uk

Winter BluesThe most common cause of illness in adults and children are colds or upper respiratory infections. It’s commonly believed that we ‘catch’ colds, but this is not exactly the case. Our bodies are sur-rounded by over 200 viruses which our body usually combats. However, if we become run down or our immune systems are too weak to combat the infection, we are susceptible to ‘catching a cold or flu’.

A few supplements are said to help prevent and treat cold and flu including Echinacea, Vitamin C, Zinc and Vitamin A.

Drink plenty of fluids, and add frozen citrus slices for that extra Vitamin C!

Sunshine

If you’re suffering a little from these cold, dark days then put a little sunshine in your life!

Vitamin D, the 'Sunshine Vitamin' is generally acquired by the body in two ways

- exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays

and dietary intake.

Vitamin D plays an important role in the

maintenance of good health and helps in the

• development and maintenance of bones.

• development and maintenance of teeth. • absorption and use of calcium and

phosphorus.

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Echinaceais a natural extract that is widely used in the treatment of cold and flu. It is said to activate the body’s T-cells which are an essential part of the immune response. Echinacea is believed to have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and immulostimu-lant qualities. Echinacea has been shown to help treat cold and flu when ingested in large amounts at 1200mg, three times a day for up to 8 weeks, however it should never be taken at this high dos-age for longer than eight weeks.

Vitamin Chas also been shown to boost the immune system when 1000mg of vitamin C is taken daily. If vitamin C is to be used to treat a cold or flu, it’s suggested that anything up to 4000mg per day (not to be taken at once) might help shorten the duration of the cold or flu.

Zinc is a vital nutrient that is used in the production of hormones that support the immune system to fight viruses. If 13.3mg of zinc acetate is taken at the first sign of infection, zinc is said to signifi-cantly reduce the period of illness.

Vitamin A is said to prevent infections and it is believed that the recommended daily dosage of 5000iu should be easily ingested within a balanced diet through foods like carrots, spinach and cap-sicum, supplementation is rarely required.

For more information on the best nutrition to get you through this bleak winter visit us at elev8me.co.uk or come in and talk to one of our expert wellness coaches at

elev8 Wellness rooms 4-7 Montpellier walk, Parliament Terrace Harrogate HG1 2QY