An expert has issued a rallying cry to help people reinforce their immune defences through the power of foods found in your local supermarket aisle. Phoebe Liebling, nutritional therapist at Natural Nourishment, champions raw honey, fresh rosemary and a parade of fermented foods as invaluable allies against the winter assault of viruses without reaching for the supplement shelf.
As the sun retreats and Britons bolster their diets with vitamin D supplements, dieticians contend that a savvy menu might eliminate such needs. In her enlightening chat with Reach PLC, she raves about the trio’s health virtues and schools us on incorporating them effortlessly into our diets.
She waxed lyrical about the aromatic herb, unveiling its armoury of antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant properties, saying: “Rosemary contains numerous compounds which have strong antibacterial and anti-viral effects in addition to being anti-inflammatory and a natural decongestant.”
Casting common home remedies in the shade, she advocates: “Many will turn to hot lemon and ginger if they are thinking about supporting their immune system but rosemary is actually far more effective! I encourage my clients to add chopped fresh rosemary into their meals, it’s surprisingly brilliant and scrambled eggs and omelettes.”
Phoebe, a health expert, has recommended adding raw honey to hot lemon and ginger tea, highlighting its “naturally antibacterial and antiviral” properties which can be protective against respiratory viruses.
She noted: “It also contains probiotic bacteria vital for immune function and act as a natural demulcent, coating the throat and providing relief from irritation if someone has a sore throat,” reports GloucestershireLive.
Phoebe also advocated for the inclusion of fermented foods in the diet, such as kimchi, kefir, yoghurt, and sauerkraut, due to their rich probiotic content that supports immunity and overall health.
She explained: “Probiotic bacteria will directly impact the gut in a positive way, but they also have the ability to stimulate the production of immune cells which help to fight infection.
“Fermented foods can also be valuable in supporting the absorption of other nutrients from foods consumed with them, and more nutrient absorption means more robust and resilient health.”
Phoebe further stated: “They can also be incredibly valuable if we do fall ill as they help to break up mucus relieving symptoms such as blocked noses/sinuses, chesty coughs and congestion related headaches.”