Expert Advice for, Staying Healthy, This Autumn.<br />'The Independent' recently spoke with Dr. Babak Ashrafi, <br />GP and clinical lead for service expansion at Superdrug <br />Online Doctor, for tips on staying healthy this fall.<br />Rapid shifts from warm to <br />cold weather can stress the body <br />and shock the immune system, <br />making you more vulnerable <br />to colds and infections. , Dr. Babak Ashrafi, GP and clinical lead for service <br />expansion at Superdrug Online Doctor, via 'The Independent'.<br />Rapid shifts from warm to <br />cold weather can stress the body <br />and shock the immune system, <br />making you more vulnerable <br />to colds and infections. , Dr. Babak Ashrafi, GP and clinical lead for service <br />expansion at Superdrug Online Doctor, via 'The Independent'.<br />It’s important to prepare <br />your body for this sudden <br />cold spell, to keep your <br />immune system on top form, Dr. Babak Ashrafi, GP and clinical lead for service <br />expansion at Superdrug Online Doctor, via 'The Independent'.<br />1. Get enough vitamin D, According to Dr. Ashrafi, adding <br />vitamin D-rich foods to your diet is <br />key to strengthening your immune system. .<br />During colder months, <br />decreased sunlight exposure <br />can cut your main source of <br />vitamin D, which is essential <br />for a healthy immune system, Dr. Babak Ashrafi, GP and clinical lead for service <br />expansion at Superdrug Online Doctor, via 'The Independent'.<br />According to the NHS, everyone should consider taking <br />a daily supplement which contains at least ten <br />micrograms of vitamin D during fall and winter months.<br />2. Dress for the weather, Dr. Ashrafi suggests that the body's <br />core temperature should remain within <br />a narrow range to function optimally. .<br />2. Dress for the weather, Dr. Ashrafi suggests that the body's <br />core temperature should remain within <br />a narrow range to function optimally. .<br />When you’re exposed to cold <br />temperatures, your body works <br />harder to maintain this temperature, <br />diverting energy and resources away <br />from other essential functions, <br />including immune responses, Dr. Babak Ashrafi, GP and clinical lead for service <br />expansion at Superdrug Online Doctor, via 'The Independent'.<br />When you’re exposed to cold <br />temperatures, your body works <br />harder to maintain this temperature, <br />diverting energy and resources away <br />from other essential functions, <br />including immune responses, Dr. Babak Ashrafi, GP and clinical lead for service <br />expansion at Superdrug Online Doctor, via 'The Independent'.<br />3. Stick to a healthy <br />diet and stay hydrated, Dr. Ashrafi recommends a well-balanced <br />diet full of fruits, vegetables, <br />lean protein and whole grains.<br />Ensure you’re staying hydrated <br />despite the cold, to keep mucous <br />membranes moist, helping <br />to defend against infections, Dr. Babak Ashrafi, GP and clinical lead for service <br />expansion at Superdrug Online Doctor, via 'The Independent'
