My Favourite Vitamins & Minerals To Keep Illnesses At Bay 

Getting ill at any time is never fun.  Here are some of my favourite vitamins & minerals to keep illnesses at bay:

- Vitamin C: This vitamin is vital to maintain your immune system - especially during and after exercise. Its other benefits include reducing tiredness and fatigue, protecting cells from oxidative stress, and contributing to the normal metabolism of iron.

- Zinc: This mineral helps to support growth, and protects our cells from oxidative stress and risky in helping to keep our immune systems strong and healthy.

- Vitamin D:  In the Winter months, we don’t get as much Vitamin D as we need – in fact UK sunlight isn’t strong enough in the autumn and winter for us to produce Vitamin D. Vitamin D is crucial to take care of our bones and muscles, as well as helping your immune system to work as well as can be.

- Iron: Iron helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue, supports oxygen transport in the body, and the formation of red blood cells. Iron also supports the normal functioning of the immune system, meaning a deficiency can make you more susceptible to infections.
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- Vitamin B6: A key B vitamin for winter is B6, which contributes to a normal immune system. On top of its immunity benefits, it’s also needed for healthy nervous and psychological function, as well as normal protein and glycogen metabolism – meaning that it’s vital for releasing energy from food.
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And lastly - hydration! Hydration is absolutely key. Dehydration is possible even in the long, cold days of winter. It can be dangerous too because the body does not sense thirst as well when it’s cold outside. Mild dehydration can affect mood and mental performance. For example, you may experience increased fatigue, confusion, and anger, as well as decreased concentration, short-term memory, and reaction time. Staying hydrated, on the other hand, will keep your blood pressure normal, protect and cushion your joints and organs, control your body temperature, and keep you aware and alert.