If you\u2019re reading this, you\u2019re likely feeling a little under the weather\u2014or at least, you know you will be soon. Be it a lingering tiredness, a tickle in the back of your throat, or a nose that resembles an open tap, sick season is officially upon us.<\/p>\n
Outside of stocking up on zinc-rich foods<\/a> (an essential mineral for healthy immune function) and getting enough sleep, there are a couple of other expert-approved ways to ward off the winter lurgy. Here, three nutritionists share their best advice for staying well, from smart supplements to fortified gut health.<\/p>\n 1. Prioritize antioxidants<\/p>\n \u201cSome nutrients support the optimal functioning of immune cells, like vitamin C,\u201d says W-Wellness<\/a> nutritional therapist Maz Packham<\/a>. \u201cIt\u2019s a powerful antioxidant that\u2019s needed for our white blood cells to defend the body against infection.\u201d<\/p>\n Her suggested sources of vitamin C include:<\/p>\n Kiwis<\/a>Citrus fruits like lemons and limesBerriesPeppers2. Think color<\/p>\n When in doubt, add in as much (natural) color as possible to your daily diet. Fruits, vegetables, and plants like red cabbage, pumpkin, and squash are rich in immune-supporting nutrients like vitamin C, beta carotene, and zinc, says nutritionist and functional medicine practitioner Farzanah Nasser<\/a>.<\/p>\n She likes to mix things up by incorporating pumpkin into delicious loaves of bread, adding root vegetables to soups made with bone broth<\/a> and taking advantage of the antiviral nature of matcha.<\/p>\n 3. Stock up on vitamin D<\/p>\n