There are so many ways to support your immune system naturally, and some of the simplest are directly through your diet and lifestyle.

Here are five simple ways to support your immunity.

1. Drink plenty of water to help assist with cell replenishment, nutrient absorption and the flushing of toxins. A dehydrated body can become sluggish, leaving it open to infection.

2. Increase the colours on your plate. You want your plate to reflect a rainbow. The brighter and more colourful your plate is, the more nutrients and benefits you will gain from your meals. Yellow, green, red, orange, purple… the list goes on! Stack them up on your plate and enjoy daily.

3. Add in citrus fruits. Vitamin C is like gold at the moment. Easily boost your immunity by adding citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, and orange to your daily routine to help reach your recommended daily intake (RDI). Below is a quick and easy immune-boosting tonic you can make at home for relatively next to nothing that the whole family can enjoy!

4. Exercising regularly is not only important for general health and wellbeing, but it also helps support your immune system. With gyms temporarily closed, for some this may prove difficult. But what a fantastic opportunity to get out in the fresh air and go for a walk, a run-up some stairs or kick a ball in the park with friends and family. Just remember your social distancing! Plus getting into the sunshine will help with Vitamin D status. At least 20 minutes a day is enough to help boost your intake.

5. Getting enough sleep is often overlooked by many but can have a larger impact on your health than you may think. Getting 7-8 hours per night allows your body to rest and recover, in turn leading to better immune function in the long run.

Immune Boosting Wellness Shots

• ½ cup of fresh turmeric root, rinsed and chopped

• ¾ cup of fresh ginger root, rinsed and chopped

• 4 cups of filtered water or coconut water

• Half a lemon squeezed

• Pinch of black pepper

• 1-2 Tbs of maple syrup to taste if using water (if you can’t handle it straight and need a little sweetness!)

• Slice ginger and turmeric into thin pieces and add into the high powered blender.

• Add in water or coconut water, along with the lemon and pepper and maple if using.

• Blend on high speed for about 1 minute and then let stand.

• Strain through a cloth into a jug or a French press.

• Pour shots from here and enjoy!

• Will store in an airtight jug for up to 3 days in the fridge.

• Note: You can also heat up and have as a warming tea.