Most common ways to boost immune system

Brits have revealed the lengths they go to to maintain a healthy immune system – including taking ice baths, acupuncture, and colonic irrigation.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 34 per cent employ such tactics in the hope of building up their natural defences – with 37 per cent taking this ‘more seriously’ over the past two years. Other popular immunity hacks include having more sex, listening to uplifting music, taking vitamin D, fasting, and gargling salt water. And nearly one in 20 have even tried colonic irrigation – the practice of injecting water to flush out toxins.

It also emerged 27 per cent are open to trying more ‘extreme’ steps to improve immunity, such as having IV vitamin infusions, but 52 per cent aren’t convinced ‘alternative’ methods like these work. Instead, 70 per cent believe adopting little daily habits could be a more sustainable and effective way to support their immune system.

The research, commissioned by Actimel, found 40 per cent are eager to find tactics to support their immune system that they’re likely to stick to.

Immunologist, Dr Jenna Macciochi, who has teamed-up with the yoghurt drink, said, “Movement and adding more Vitamin D to your diet are two key ways to support the immune system. They are also arguably two of the easiest and most accessible methods for promoting this aspect of our health.

“While it’s encouraging to see such a large proportion of those polled actively wanting to adopt steps to support their immune system, they might be going to greater lengths than they need to.

“I am a firm believer of adopting little daily habits when it comes to sustainable solutions for supporting your immune system.”

The study also found 32 per cent of adults have been so keen to support their immune system, they’ve made a New Year’s resolution to do just that. However, 43 per cent only managed to stick to it for three to four weeks.

The top reasons for ending their pledge early are lack of motivation, it not fitting with existing routines, and it being unsustainable. However, this year, 86 per cent intend to pursue at least one activity or tactic with the aim of promoting a healthy immune system. And 54 per cent believe they will be more successful if they find a method which doesn’t involve overhauling their entire lifestyle and fits within existing routines.

Carried out through OnePoll, the study found 52 per cent of adults consider their immune system to be strong. However, 28 per cent ‘lack knowledge’ when it comes to supporting it, with 50 per cent wanting to learn more about this subject.

Dr Jenna Macciochi, from Actimel, added, “The little things that we do daily can make the biggest difference.”

1. Have more water

2. Taken Vitamin D

3. Exercised regularly

4. Eaten a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables

5. Taken oral vitamin supplements

6. Tried to get more sleep at night

7. Upped their step count

8. Have lemon water

9. Eaten fortified foods

10. Intermittent fasting

11. Gargled salt water

12. Had more sex

13. Taken cold showers

14. Veganuary

15. Gone on wellbeing retreats

16. Purposefully mixed with sick people to build antibodies

17. Taken ice baths

18. Tried acupuncture

19. Wild swimming

20. Tried osteopathy

The topic of ‘Control’

Part of the mental health and wellbeing advice series

Control within our lives

To meet the need for control, we need to feel that we have some say over our lives and personal choices. It can be helpful to recognise what we can take personal responsibility for and what we can influence, and accept that there are some things which we cannot control.

How do you look after your mental health and wellbeing?

That’s the basis for a new campaign for 2023 which focuses on 12 ‘emotional needs’ – one for each month – to bring you practical tips, people’s stories, and support to keep you well.

Be Well, Feel Well: A healthier Suffolk in 2023 is a partnership between Suffolk Mind, Public Health and Communities and a range of community groups teaming up to focus on ways for you to be well throughout the year. Look out for a new article every month with information for how you can keep healthy, get the help you need and even save money.

Jon Neal, Chief Executive, Suffolk Mind

Angela’s story:

3 Top Tips For Control

1. There are plenty of things in the news that may be causes of concern or worry. Remember, you are in control of your exposure to media content, so you can choose to give your attention elsewhere.

2. Some people find getting into a regular routine helps meet the need for control and also the need for security; we feel safer when we feel in control of our day-to-day life.

3. Finally, remind yourself when you need to that it is enough to do the best you can with the information you have.

Practical ways to feel more in control of your finances

“I am a single parent, with two young children. I’m already struggling to stay on top of my household bills, my weekly food shop isn’t stretching as far anymore and my energy bill is going up too.

I don’t know how I’m going to afford these price rises. What can I do to stop my finances getting out of control?“

First of all, you are not alone in this and there’s support to help you. Here are some useful tips to consider: suffolk.gov.uk/costofliving suffolkmind.org.uk

1. It’s always worth checking if there are benefits you don’t know about that you’re eligible for, including support with your energy costs and living costs. On the Citizens Advice website there’s a benefits calculator, advice on how to reduce living costs and information on other ways to increase your income. You may be eligible for support to make your home cheaper to heat through Warm Homes Suffolk, or financial support through Local Welfare Assistance. Find out more on Suffolk County Council's website - see below.

2. If you’re struggling to stay on top of bills, it’s really important to understand what money you have coming in and going out each month. Citizens Advice has a budgeting tool on its website that can help with this.

3. If you’re already behind on bills, prioritise paying your rent or mortgage, plus energy bills and Council Tax first. Not paying these bills has the most serious consequences. You should speak to the person or company you owe money to, to see if they can help you repay your bills affordably.

4. Citizens Advice can give you information on emergency support that you may have access to, such as food bank vouchers or fuel vouchers.

5. We know that times are incredibly tough but please remember, you don’t have to face this alone; contact your local Citizens Advice to help you find a way forward.

Visit ‘Suffolk InfoLink’ for more on support with your finances and the cost of living - see below.

Where can I find out more?

Adviceline (England): 0800 144 8848 citizensadvice.org.uk

A study of 2,000 adults revealed they typically consume 740ml a day of H20 –less than half the recommended daily amount of two litres of fluid.

Instead, 24 per cent stay hydrated using tea, while 20 per cent would rather sip on a cup of coffee. But almost two thirds are aware they should drink more water than they currently do each day, with 49 per cent claiming they often forget.

The research found four in 10 weren’t sure how much they drink in a typical day.

It also emerged that residents of Liverpool drink the least water, followed by Manchester and Leeds.

The research was commissioned by Volvic Touch of Fruit and found 24 per cent are just too busy to fit regular sips into their schedule. Gemma Morgan, a spokesperson from Volvic, said, “We’re seeing a nation struggling to stay hydrated despite knowing how crucial it is to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle.”

The research also found for 60 per cent, hydration is important to more than their physical health, as they agree they feel happier and healthier when they’ve drank enough.

In order to spot dehydration, 44 per cent recognise the dark colour of their urine as a tell-tale sign that they need to drink more. This is followed by a dry mouth, headaches, and dry lips as the key signs that another glass of water might be in order. For the new year, 28 per cent of adults have vowed to stay more hydrated in 2023, and 27 per cent are eager to cut back on the number of sugary drinks they consume. Flavoured water is a favourite for 22 per cent, and 41 per cent have tried flavouring their own beverages as a way to convince themselves to drink more.

Those polled are more inclined to lean towards fresh and fruity tastes, followed by zingy and citrussy notes, with lemon and strawberry being the most popular tastes. The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found 26 per cent would drink more water if it tasted better.

Gemma Morgan added, “We want people to know that drinking enough water is not only essential but can be done in a fun and delicious way, and we hope to help people achieve their goals.”

Following the findings, Made in Chelsea star Sophie Habboo has teamed up with Volvic Touch of Fruit to offer hydration hacks to help people drink more water on her Instagram @sophiehabboo