The cold weather is upon us and while Cape Town weather is as unpredictable as ever, we need to ensure our bodies are protected and ready to conquer every day - come rain or sunshine. To ensure your immune system thrives this Winter, take care of these six areas:

Immune Boosting Tip #1: Vaccines 

Your immune system is smart, but the best advantage you can give your health in Winter is to make use of vaccines. A vaccine trains our body to react quicker and smarter to diseases, and allows us to fight off the illness before we get seriously ill. Stay up-to-date on recommended vaccinations, especially COVID_19 vaccine or booster and your annual flu shot. Reviv Medical Center, Virtus Medical and Pathcare are all health facilities at The Point Mall that offer a range of medical services including vaccinations. 

Immune Boosting Tip #2: Diet

Experts believe that our bodies absorb vitamins way more efficiently from our food sources than from supplements. Therefore the best way to ensure a healthy immune system is to eat a well-balanced diet. A balanced diet includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins. Micro-nutrients found in specific foods also play a role in maintaining your immune system. For example; Vitamin E which is found in almonds, peanut butter and spinach, Vitamin C which is found in citrus fruits, tomatoes and broccoli and Vitamin B6 found in salmon, tuna, chicken, green vegetables and bananas. 

The Point Mall is known for its wide variety of healthy eateries and grocery stores. Check out Kauai, Bootleggers, Poke Co and Chef Chen for a delicious and healthy sit down meal, while Checkers and Wellness Warehouse offers an array of healthy ingredients and meals to enjoy at home. 

**Check out the top Date-worthy restaurants in Sea Point Right now!

Immune Boosting Tip #3: Exercise

Did you know that engaging in as little as 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise every day stimulates your immune system and improves your overall circulation? By keeping your body active during Winter, you are making it easier for immune cells and other infection-fighting molecules to travel more efficiently throughout your body. Check out: Five Ways To Achieve Fitness Goals and Increase Motivation.

The Point Mall offers a range of exercise and fitness classes for you to choose from, including: Leopard Lagree, BUC Fitness, Sweat1000, BASI Pilates 

Immune Boosting Tip #4: Hydration

Drinking a sufficient amount of good quality water is imperative when supporting your immune system. Lymph is a fluid in your circulatory system that carries important infection-fighting cells around your body and it is largely made up of water. When a person is dehydrated, it slows down the movement of lymph and can lead to a compromised immune system. Adults should drink 6-8 glasses of water throughout the day.

Immune Boosting Tip #5: Destress

Stress can have an extremely negative effect on our immune system. During a period of chronic stress, your body responds by initiating a stress response that is meant to help you handle the stressful situations coming your way. Unfortunately, this response also suppresses your immune system — increasing your chance of infection or illness. Stress responses are different for everyone, therefore it is important for you to know how to identify your own stress response, as well as figure out how best to destress on a daily basis. 

Exercise, meditation, deep breathing and massages and spa treatments are excellent methods used to eliminate stress. Visit Yemaya Spa or Sorbet at The Point and book a relaxing facial or deep tissue massage.

Immune Boosting Tip #6: Sleep

People who sleep often can get labeled as lazy, but most people today are actually not getting enough sleep every day. For your immune system, important infection-fighting molecules are created while you’re asleep. According to studies, people who don’t get enough quality sleep are more prone to getting sick after exposure to viruses. 

Give your immune system the best chance to fight off illness by finding out how much sleep you should be getting and if your current sleep schedule is working for you. Visit The Point Mall’s Sleep center, Apnisleep Apnea and Snoring Professionals