Boost Your Immune System

As an athlete, you train hard to be as fast and strong as possible. You can take pride in the fact that all this hard work pays off, making you far fitter and stronger than the average Joe. However, there is a fine line between training well and over-training. One of the most common signs that an athlete is over-training and pushing his or her body too hard is lowered immune function and recurrent infections. If your immune system is struggling to defend you, you tend to suffer from lots of colds and ‘flus, which can obviously have a major impact on your performance and training. If this sounds like you, perhaps you need to give your immune system some support. By supplementing with the right nutrients and herbs, you can continue to train hard and boost your athletic performance, without affecting your immune resistance this winter.

In this month’s Endura-e-News we will be exploring a number of strategies that you can use to give your immune system a real boost, leaving you less likely to suffer from recurrent bouts of colds and ‘flus, and more likely to maintain high energy and optimal athletic performance this winter.

Is Your Immune Window Being Left Open?

As mentioned, a common side-effect of prolonged endurance training and competition is compromised immune function. Research confirms immune function is reduced for several hours following bouts of prolonged endurance exercise. This has led to the conception of the “open window” theory, which is described as the 1-9 hour period following prolonged endurance exercise, when immune function is decreased and risk of upper respiratory tract infections is elevated.1 Further, intense exercise can take a considerable toll upon your body because it significantly increases nutritional demands. If these demands are not adequately met, one of the first systems to be compromised is your immune system.

Fix Your Zinc and Vitamin C Needs This Winter?

Research has shown that zinc supplementation can boost immune function and help reduce the duration and severity of colds and ‘flus. Ethical Nutrients Zinc Fix is a highly concentrated and easily absorbable powdered formulation that contains therapeutic levels of zinc with vitamin C and other immune-supporting nutrients. This orange or raspberry flavoured powder can rapidly boost your levels of zinc, supporting healthy immune function for hard-working athletes like yourself. Ethical Nutrients Zinc Fix contains a good dose of vitamin C as well. Vitamin C is known to be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of acute and recurrent infections, as well as allergies. Also, vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen and connective tissue, and must be available in adequate amounts for normal post-training repair and recovery to occur.2 Just add ½-1 teaspoon of Ethical Nutrients Zinc Fix to some water or juice and reap the benefits!

Overtraining? Endura Can Help

Endura Overtraining Formula is a potent mix of herbs that may help your body adapt to the punishing effects of prolonged endurance training. This formula is designed for the relief of stress and exhaustion, providing mental and physical support for athletes. This combination of five powerful adaptogenic herbs have been shown to enhance stamina and also have an immune enhancing action that may help to reduce your risk of recurrent infections.

Defend Yourself Against Colds and ‘Flus

Ethical Nutrients Immune Defence is another supplement that is well worth considering this winter – especially if you do get sick. This powerful blend of immune-stimulating herbs and nutrients is formulated to prevent, and help manage, colds and ‘flus. The dual activity of this formula is to strengthen immune resistance to viral infections, whilst also relieving symptoms associated with colds and ‘flus such as tiredness, sleeplessness, sore throat, nasal secretions, headache, earache, phlegm and persistent coughs. Just 1-2 tablets daily of Ethical Nutrients Immune Defence will boost lowered immune function and help keep you healthy and fighting fit this winter.

The Harder You Train, the More Support You Need!

Achieving your athletic potential requires the right balance of training and nutrition. If you neglect your body’s nutritional needs, you will suffer from impaired performance and lowered immune function. The stress of endurance training increases your body’s need for many nutrients. So, make sure you’re eating a well-balanced healthy diet and consider taking a daily dose of Ethical Nutrients Super Multi Plus and Inner Health Plus to support your health and wellbeing this winter.

The Wrap…

If you don’t want your performance hampered by recurrent coughs, colds and ‘flus, add some extra nutritional and herbal support into your supplement regime today!