Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Your get up and glow winter health guide

With the cold weather upon us and the dark nights setting in, it can be hard to stay fit and healthy. As the average sneeze travels at approximately 100mph, it is easy to pick up all those nasty bugs. But fear not, there are measures you can take to boost your immunity, giving your body a fighting chance at good health for the coming winter months.

Glucasan+ is a new natural immune support supplement containing 1-3, 1-6 Beta-Glucans, which 're-boot' the innate immune system to prevent and treat cold and flu symptoms, by mimicking potential threats to the body in a harmless way. Glucasan+ should be taken once a day and increased to two per day when additional support is needed. Glucasan®+ costs £32.50 for 60 capsules and can be purchased online at www.vitalizehealth.com or via mail order on 0870 042 8423.

You can also eat your way to good health with MediBee Active UMF 10® Manuka Honey, which contains unique antibacterial properties recognised for their ability to stimulate the immune system and help the body deal with infections. Also a natural anti-inflammatory this superior honey can help fight the bacteria that can cause sore throats. MediBee Active UMF® Manuka Honey is available in UMF 10+ from Holland & Barrett priced from £5.95. For nearest stockist details call 0870 850 7114.

Spatone can help you feel energised when you may be run down. Spatone is a natural iron containing spa water found in the Welsh mountains of Snowdonia National Park. Iron is an essential mineral for carrying oxygen around the body so consequently those who are iron deficient get tired very easily because their bodies are short of oxygen. Spatone is available from Boots, Holland and Barrett and independent health food stores and pharmacies, price £6.49 for 28 sachets (4 weeks supply). For mail order call 01492 640 057.

But if you can already feel those sniffles coming on, Thursday Plantation’s Tea Tree, Honey and Menthol Lozenges (£2.95 for 20) help to soothe sore throats and ease nasal congestion. These all-natural, pleasant tasting lozenges are available from all good health food stores. For nearest stockist details please call 0870 850 7114.

And for warming relief Thursday Plantation’s Eucalyptus and Tea Tree Inhalant (£3.49 for 50ml) eases nasal congestion and coughs. This gentle formulation combines the natural antiseptic of Tea Tree Oil with the decongestant of Eucalyptus and calming Lavender oil. Available from all good health food stores. For nearest stockist details please call 0870 850 7114.

Let’s not forget that it isn’t just your immune system that takes a battering at this time of year – going from cosy heated rooms out in to the cold can wreak havoc on your skin. Not only can it feel dry and uncomfortable, those Christmas treats can cause unsightly blemish breakouts too. Fortunately you don’t have to give into winter’s aggressions and suffer the discomfort of dull, dry skin. Silicol Skin is a natural deep cleansing mask formulated from silica – an essential trace element found in foods such as barley, oats and millet – that absorbs excess sebum and gently lifts away dead skin cells and impurities. Available from health food stores or by mail order on 0871 911 1753 priced £7.99 for 50ml or £13.99 for 100ml. For further info please visit www.silicol.com.

For extra nourishing treatment, the Allergenics range comprises 100% natural skin care products for dry, itchy skin. Allergenics Wash (£6.89 for 200ml) is a 100% preservative, soap and fragrance free shower gel for the face and body, which leaves skin gently cleansed and soothed without stripping its natural protective oils. Allergenics Skin (£5.99 for 200ml) is a 100% preservative, lanolin and fragrance free soothing body lotion. Light in texture and easily absorbed, this highly effective lotion nourishes and protects with a 24-hour moisturising action that leaves skin feeling soft all day long. The Allergenics emollient therapy range is available from Boots, Holland & Barrett, Moss Pharmacies and selected health-food stores and pharmacies. For nearest stockist details please call 0870 850 7114.

Or to beautify your skin from the inside, try Efamol Pure Evening Primrose Oil. A new clinical trial, soon to be published in Cosmetics and Toiletries confirms that Efamol Pure Evening Primrose Oil aids the healing of dry and irritated skin and significantly improves its appearance in just three months.* Efamol Pure Evening Primrose Oil is made from a patented seed called Rigel that produces oil containing up to 33% more GLA than other evening primrose oils. Available from Boots, Tesco, Waitrose, independent pharmacies and health food stores, Efamol Pure Evening Primrose Oil comes in both capsule and liquid format. Prices start from £3.99 For further info visit Efamol.com or call the telephone helpline 0870 6060128.

For more info please contact Helen Streeter or Gemma Maxey at Pegasus PR on 01903 821550 or e-mail hstreeter@pegasuspr.co.uk

* R Muggli, Efficacy of Efamol on the hydration, roughness, redness, TEWL and biomechanical properties in irritated skin, Cosmetics and Toiletries, (date and reference to be confirmed).