John Arts Abundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz

At this time of year I have many calls from people struggling with winter ills – typically with colds, flu, general lethargy and poor motivation.

Part of the challenge is that in winter our immune system is at its lowest activity. Traditional winter advice was lots of vitamin C and herbal tonics, like echinacea. Modern research confirms that the number one nutrient to improve winter immunity is vitamin D.
A 2013 Boston University trial concluded that higher levels of vitamin D resulted in the activation of 291 genes that control immune cell function.
This demonstrated that vitamin D is needed to activate our immune response. Our vitamin D levels are lower in winter, which is why vitamin D supplementation is the first of my five steps to deal with winter ills.
My daily multi-formula has 1000IU of which I add another 1000IU as a separate supplement. Step two is a comprehensive multi vitamin/mineral/antioxidant with a full B complex for energy, and the immune-boosting trace minerals, especially selenium, zinc, copper and manganese. The third step is to take some extra vitamin C. If you are well, an extra 500mg daily is fine – but up to 2000mg in 4 x 500mg doses if unwell.
The fourth and fifth steps are only needed if you have a cold or flu. I add my high potency antioxidant formula as a one-month course. This has extra OPC, bioflavonoids and a reishi mushroom extract to improve immune function to help fight infection.
The fifth step is to add colloidal silver as a gargle for sore throats and as a nasal spray for congested sinuses.

Give me a call for personalised advice. My online newsletter at: www.johnarts.co.nz and has the extended version of this column. Also visit:
www.abundant.co.nz.
John Arts is a Nutritional Therapist and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559.