Helth Tip

Our immune system guards against infection 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. No wonder it can be overworked at times.

So, rather than waiting for the first sign of a sniffle, here are some tips on how to keep your body’s natural defences fighting fit throughout the day.

Morning

Lemon water: Drinking a pint of warm lemon water is a great way to start the day.

As well as boosting hydration, it is a simple way to increase vitamin C intake and is thought to help digestion.

Lemon water has a long tradition in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, as it is believed to cleanse and detoxify.

Live bacteria supplements: These aid digestion and support the immune system, over 70 per cent of which resides in the gut lining.

Taken over the winter months, they can shorten colds and reduce the severity of symptoms.

Multi-strain products, such as Bio-Kult Multi-Strain Advanced Formula, £9.25 from bio-kult.com, with 14 different strains, are believed to have more positive benefits.

Some evidence suggests that taking them just before a meal enhances survival of the bacteria.

Most people also find it easiest to remember to take supplements with their breakfast.