Diet

It is important to keep the body healthy, especially in winter as the immune system has a tendency to feel weak.

For a healthy immune system, this winter practise the following.

• Have a cup of hot water first thing in the morning - The Dalai Lama recommends this to be medicinal. To add a twist, add a slice of lemon - this will be beneficial for the liver the king gland of the body that suffers when we are stressed and when we have been drinking to much seasonal alcohol. The lemon is also beneficial for the bowels and contains Vitamin C for support for the immune system.
  
• Make sure you include lots of fresh vegetables. At least once in your lunch or dinner. Try to have a rainbow diet, consisting of red, yellow, green, purple and orange fruits and vegetables. This will keep your immune system happy, healthy and strong.
  
• As well as practising Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) get the lymphatic system working by walking at least 15 minutes each day.
  
• Remember to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, you may not notice but the heating does dehydrate us, as does the wind. So be sure to re-hydrate your body with plenty of water.
  
• Try zinc as an increased support for the immune system, it is instrumental for immune system function. Zinc lozenges soothe a sore throat and help fend off a cold before it takes hold. Zinc can also be found in green leafy vegetables, lentils and pulses.
  
• Other popular supplements good for boosting the immune system are garlic and citrus seed extract. Garlic is an excellent antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agent. Citrus seed extract is an excellent germ fighter for fending off colds and infections.

Most importantly remember: Mind over matter, if you think and feel the body is run down and you feel as if a cold is coming on. Have this thought in your mind.

"My immune system is strong and I am well and healthy"

When the mind thinks like this so will the body. The following meditation can be practised at the start of each day. "The sun shines throughout me, and I am warm and loving".

Make sure you also wrap up warm and give and receive plenty of big, nice, warm hugs.