As the cooler days of winter begin to settle in, many of us start thinking about how to best protect ourselves and our families from those inevitable cold and flu bugs. We all want to feel resilient and keep those sniffles at bay, which is why we’ve gone straight to the source!

We recently sat down with Moshy’s Lead Dietitian, Kirby Sorensen to get the most accurate and up-to-date information, helping us cut through the noise and debunk some common immune system myths you might hear this season.

Most importantly Kirby emphasises, “Consistently eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is what you need to ensure your immune system is functioning at its best.”

Can you BOOST your immune system by eating “Superfoods”?

No, while foods packed with certain nutrients are definitely important for a healthy immune system. The idea of a quick fix isn’t quite right. Consistently eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is what you need to ensure your immune system is functioning at its best.

Cutting out all sugar will make your immune system super strong

Eating too much added sugar isn’t great for your overall health, however, completely cutting out all sugar isn’t usually necessary or even doable for most of us. It’s better to limit processed foods and sugary drinks and focus on whole, healthy foods. Your body needs different kinds of nutrients to thrive, including carbohydrates.

If you’re not taking supplements to support your immune system this Winter, you’re not doing enough

Wrong! The best way to have a strong immune system is by eating a well-rounded diet that gives you all the vitamins and minerals you need. While some supplements such as Vitamin C, D or Zinc may be recommended by your Dietitian or medical practitioner if you have specific deficiencies, relying on supplements without looking at your overall diet isn’t the most effective way to go.

“Detox” or “cleanse” diets will make your immune system work better and FAST!

Really restrictive “detox” diets often don’t give you all the nutrients you need and can even be harmful. Instead of focusing on these cleanses, support your body’s natural processes and your immune system by eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and staying hydrated.

Your gut health doesn’t impact your immune system

Actually, your gut health and your immune system are super connected! 70% of the immune system exists in the gut! Our gut health impacts not only physical and psychological well-being but also our immune system. This is why it is so important to not overlook gut health!

Loading up on Vitamin C is the secret to staying healthy

Your immune system is complicated and needs a variety of nutrients to function at its best. Just focusing on one single nutrient, like Vitamin C and ignoring everything else won’t give your immune system the best support. Moderate evidence suggests a well-balanced diet that includes foods rich in key nutrients like Zinc, Vitamin D, and Vitamin C can support maintaining a strong immune system.

If your diet is “perfect”, you’ll never get sick

Even if you eat the healthiest diet, your immune system is still going to come into contact with germs. Getting exposed to viruses and bacteria is a normal part of life. Eating well can  help your body fight more effectively and recover faster. Other factors such as stress, sleep quality and exercise can also play a role in supporting a strong immune system.

If you are still feeling unsure and would like further information or need individualised support, we recommend seeking advice from an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

Our sister brand, Moshy, offers a convenient online platform where you can connect directly with certified doctors and practitioners from the comfort of your home. Their supportive team of medical experts provides comprehensive guidance and creates tailored plans to address your specific needs, promoting sustainable and lasting results.

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