Boost your immune system
The clocks are going back, the heating is coming back on, and suddenly everyone at work is sick. Winter means shorter, darker days, less sunlight and more time indoors. Becoming more health-conscious in the winter seems to be on the rise. Understanding how the foods we eat can impact our immune system and how our gut health plays a key role in immune health can help to keep you feeling your best despite the lack of daylight.
The gut and your immune system
When we think about immunity, the gut isn't usually the first place that springs to mind. Yet, around 70% of our immune system is located in our gut, where our immune cells are in constant conversation with the trillions of microbes that live there. Making sure our gut is in optimal condition helps to minimise additional work for our immune system, meaning it can focus on keeping the bugs that get you sick at bay.
There is also growing research on how our gut microbes are also in communication with the microbes within our respiratory system. This is being referred to as the ‘gut-lung-axis’.
Meet Targeted Immunity, powered by AB21
AB21 is a blend of four specific live bacterial strains:
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP 022
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP 023
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP 033
Pediococcus acidilactici KABP 021
With live cultures, the strain matters, which is why you’ll see the strain codes on the end. It matters because two bacteria from the same species can behave quite differently, which is why researchers study specific strains rather than species in general.
AB21 was selected specifically with the gut–lung connection in mind, rather than for general digestive use. Lab work has explored how the strains interact with immune cells and the gut lining, and the blend has been studied in human trials in both adults and children. It was even named Probiotic of the Year at the 2022 NutraIngredients Awards.
AB21 is made with allergen-free ingredients and is non-GMO. Its species hold Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) status from the European Food Safety Authority, and the blend provides 2 billion CFU in a once-daily dose.
Vitamin D
If you’re from the north of England, you’re probably well aware of the lack of sunshine pretty much year-round, but between the months of October and March specifically, the sun isn't strong enough nationwide for us to make our own Vitamin D. That's why government advice is for everyone to consider a daily 10 microgram supplement through autumn and winter.
Interestingly, when we all start getting sick in winter, most of us reach for vitamin C. That's no bad thing, but vitamin D often gets overlooked, even though it's the one many of us run low on during the darker months. Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system, which is why AB21 is often paired with it in finished products.
Feeling your best through winter
When it comes to looking after ourselves and feeling our best, we have to look at the entire picture and not just a single area like nutrition or physical activity. Within health, nothing works in isolation, and everything is connected. A few bad nights of sleep in a row can impact our nutrition and our mood, both of which can impact our motivation to do physical activity or even socialise with friends. Think of each area of wellness like a cog: when they all turn together, things run smoothly, but if one area is struggling, then everything else can take a hit.
To give yourself the best support this winter, focus on:
Sleep: Making sure we’re not staying up on our phones doomscrolling before bed so that we can get as much restful sleep as possible and not feel like a zombie in the morning. Waking up feeling rested means we’re more likely to have a nutritious breakfast and maybe even hit the gym instead of feeling like we need 30 mins more in bed instead.
A varied diet: A diet rich in variety of colours and fibre-rich whole foods can help us feel our best across the winter. By feeding our friendly gut bugs and keeping them happy, we are supporting our gut lining and, as a result of that,t supporting our immune system. These wonderful colourful foods are also packed with micronutrients that help to keep us feeling healthy, energised and happy. Having a colourful diet is essentially nature's multivitamin.
Movement: Regular activity can help the endorphins keep flowing in the cold, dark winters. Exercise keeps us physically healthy but can also keep us mentally healthy too. Exercise can also be a social activity too; even if you go to a yoga class and don’t speak to anyone, feeling like part of a small community can help to minimise feeling lonely in the darker months.
Overall, AB21 can be one small part of a bigger winter routine that helps to support you on your journey to feel your best.
