FHT Vice President Jonathan Hobbs has contributed to an article extolling the virtues of Vitamin D in helping to beat a cold.

Jon writes “If you’re feeling up to it, go for a stroll. Fresh air will improve your mood and the exercise will get your circulation pumping. And you’ll boost your vitamin D. “Winter illnesses such as flu are commonly transmitted through the air via coughs or sneezes,” says Jonathan Hobbs, Vice President of the Federation of Holistic Therapists (fht.org.uk). “If you have flu, your body produces large amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which are typically responsible for the symptoms of fever and headaches. Vitamin D supresses the excessive release of them. It also increases the absorption of calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and phosphate, which are all important for our health. However, as we get most of our vitamin D from exposure to sunlight during the warmer months, staying indoors and a lack of direct exposure to sunlight in winter can lower our vitamin D levels, which can make us more susceptible to infection. Those who are frail, housebound or have naturally dark skin may wish to consider taking vitamin D supplements, under medical supervision.””

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