ASK LOTTIE

"What will help me to recover from this horrible cold?"

Catching a cold at this time of year can often feel inevitable. With the go-go-go energy that January typically brings, this can cause frustration, as many of us are holding good intentions of getting outside more, spend time in the kitchen prepping nourishing meals, and trying to stay busy to beat those January blues. Fortunately, there are some steps that you can take to support yourself and increase your chances of a speedier recovery: 

1. Focus on foods that are rich in vitamins D, C, and zinc: these are crucial for supporting immune function, so stock up on those zesty citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and oily fish. 

2. Stay hydrated: a tip you will find included in pretty much any of my 'ask Lottie' health questions! The impact of dehydration is so underestimated, and we often drink less water in the colder months, feeling more drawn to a cosy cuppa or a frothy coffee. If you're struggling to get through your water bottle, try sipping on herbal teas or opting for warming broths, as these are both great ways of increasing your fluid intake. 

3. Rest up and prioritise sleep: when we're feeling under the weather, our bodies are working overtime trying to fight the illness and get you back to full health. With this being the case, resting really is your best friend (something I know many of us struggle to do when there is a never ending list of tasks to get through!). You're much better off taking some time to fully rest, rather than half heartedly working and trying to relax, as this gives your body a better chance of recovery quicker. 

4. Prioritise anti-inflammatory foods: this means filling your plate with a diverse range of colourful fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil, avocados and oily fish. Adding in gut-friendly foods like kefir, kimchi, full fat Greek yogurt or kombucha can also help here, as around 80% of our immune cells reside in the gut! 

5. Limit alcohol intake and refined sugars: a glass of vino is perhaps the last thing you're thinking about when you're tucked up in bed with a box of tissues, and that's no bad thing! Alcohol and refined sugars can contribute to inflammation within the body and slow down your healing, so try and stay clear of these until you're fully recovered. 

Remember to be kind to yourself if you aren't feeling 100% - I promise it'll help!

Lottie x