Essentially, the immune system is our body's “Department of Defence”. The immune system protects us from potentially harmful invaders by recognising and responding to them as a threat. When the immune system is functioning well, it acts like a powerful, well-regulated army. It consists of several highly specialised types of cells, much the same way an army is made up of many different specialty divisions.

Just like any other well-run army, our immune system requires good nutrition and adequate rest to function effectively. Deficiencies in certain nutrients, stress and lack of sleep can all compromise healthy immune function. The great news is that if our immune system is not functioning at an optimal level, we can support it with a few well chosen supplements.

Zinc is a crucial mineral for healthy immune activity and functions primarily in the development of white blood cells, which act to defend against viruses, bacteria and other harmful bugs. Vitamin C also plays a vital role in supporting immune health and has been proven to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms associated with the common cold.

Ethical Nutrients Zinc Fix is a highly concentrated, great tasting, orange or raspberry flavoured powder that contains zinc, vitamin C and other nutritional cofactors to rapidly boost zinc levels and support normal, healthy immune function. Ethical Nutrients Zinc Fix may help to reduce the severity and duration of colds, providing symptomatic relief of allergies, and assisting in the management of upper respiratory tract infections.

If you do come across a nasty cold or flu virus this winter, Ethical Nutrients Immune Defence Cough Cold Relief can help fight off the infection. Combining the herbs Andrographis paniculata, Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng) and Echinacea purpurea along with the nutrients zinc and vitamin A, Ethical Nutrients Immune Defence Cough Cold Relief provides an effective formula to help your army eradicate the enemies.

Andrographis has a long history of use in both Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat respiratory infections, fever and to support immune function. Echinacea enhances various aspects of the immune system, while Siberian ginseng increases resistance to stress and infection and aids in recovery. Zinc and vitamin A further support these actions to provide a comprehensive formula that may increase resistance to infection and accelerate recovery from many types of bacterial and viral illnesses.

As well as the nutritional and herbal supplements discussed, there are some simple dietary and lifestyle tips you can follow to keep your army strong this winter.

• Over-processing of food has become common in the last century resulting in many packaged and fast foods that have little or no nutritional benefit and yet are high in sugar, fat and salt. In order to boost our immune system, it is important to reduce fatty, processed foods and eat lots of fruit and vegetables, wholegrains and foods containing essential fats (such as oily fish, nuts and seeds).
• De-stress! Enjoy plenty of rest and relaxation. Stress can actually reduce your resistance to infection.
• Exercise regularly. Regular exercise reduces inflammation and can support healthy immunity.
• Increase water intake to six to eight glasses per day. Water is essential for all aspects of good health.
• Supplement your diet with recommended nutrients and herbs to boost your immune function.