We’re winter proofing the family with Tetley!

You’ve only need to look at my twitter and Facebook profile photo above I think, to realise how much I love tea. I love the comfort a hot drink brings, especially in winter time. In this post I wanted to share with you some exclusive details about the brand new Tetley tea range and a ten point plan to winter proof yourself from GP, presenter and write Dr Hilary Jones.

I’ve working my way through the entire Tetley tea, Immune, Boost and Super Green Tea range this week, and I think they are totally delicious. I can see this is all I’m going to be drinking this winter!

Dr Hilary says:

When light and temperature levels plummet in the winter, the chances of catching a cold increase by 80%. And new research by Tetley reveals that 75% of Brits say they feel run-down in the winter. So I have teamed up with Tetley to come up with a ten-point plan to winter-proof yourself as the nights draw in…

Vitamin C. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system and can help prevent colds and flu. So this winter eat foods that are high in vitamin C, such as kale, strawberries, oranges and broccoli. You can also increase your vitamin C intake with a Tetley Super Green Immune or Tetley Super Fruits Immune with added vitamin C – enjoy at least one mug a day as part of a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Keep hydrated. It is as important to keep hydrated in the winter as it is in the summer. With central heating blasting when we are indoors, the air can get hot and dry, and hydration levels can drop fast. And when outside in the cold for long periods of time, the body’s thirst response can become diminished as the blood vessels constrict to keep the blood and heat in the body’s core. This fools the body into thinking it is properly hydrated, which means you don’t feel as thirsty as you should. So keeping fluid intake high is important whether you are indoors in the warm or outdoors in the cold.

So much more natural than a Doctor’s prescription and without any side effects. But when the cold sets in we may not feel so keen on that walk, run or cycle. Keep your exercise regimes going by visiting the gym, going swimming – and investing in some waterproof running gear if necessary. That way you can walk to work rather than taking the car if you choose, which is a great way to stay in shape.

Vitamin B6. This vitamin assists in forming haemoglobin – the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body and helps with the reduction of tiredness. To combat winter fatigue, eat plenty of vitamin B6 rich foods like chicken, vegetables, brown rice and eggs. Or enjoy at least one mug daily of Tetley Super Green Boost or Tetley Super Fruits Boost with added vitamin B6 as part of a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Keep your head warm. Research has shown that cold noses really do lower our immune systems. So pull up those scarves and keep your nose toasty when out in the cold.

Vitamin D. This is the sunshine vitamin and is needed to keep our bones and teeth healthy. It is also said to have an effect on mood. Deficiency is common and so is seasonable affective disorder (SAD), or winter blues, which studies suggest that up to 15% of us suffer from. Unfortunately your body can’t make vitamin D from sunlight during the winter months, but you can eat oily fish and eggs, which are naturally rich in vitamin D, or fortified breakfast cereals with added vitamin D.

De-stress. Stress hormones trigger anti-immune reactions. Winter can be a hectic time with many social events to arrange and attend. Make sure you take time out to relax to keep stress levels at bay. Mindfulness meditation is helpful for some people, as is exercise.

Keep bugs at bay. Use antibacterial hand wash and put used tissues in the bin. These two small measures make a big difference when it comes to fighting the spread of germs.

Dress carefully. Plan your winter wardrobe – instead of heavy chunky garments opt for layers, which trap hot air. You can them remove layers as needed, making it easier to regulate your temperature.

Be positive. Looking on the bright side can be good for your health as research suggests that positive people get fewer colds. Try writing a gratitude diary on a daily basis, so you can identify and appreciate the things that are going right for you.