• Vitamins & Supplements
  • Food & Drink
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Free From
  • Natural Beauty
  • Weight Management
  • Offers
  • Summer Shop
  • The Health Hub
  • Learn more Healthbox
  • Account
Track your order Delivery & Returns Help Centre My subscriptions

Customer Service

  • Contact us
  • Site map
  • Site map
  • Store locator

About us

  • Who are we
  • Working at Holland & Barrett
  • Press releases
  • Privacy & cookie policy
  • Terms & conditions
  • Holland & Barrett More
  • Holland & Barrett International
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Modern Slavery Statement

Connect with us

Store
0370 606 6606
My account
Rewards
  • Sign in
  • How do I join?
  • What are the benefits?
  • FAQs
Holland & Barrett :: the good life
  • Menu
  • Account
  • Store
  • Basket
    Search for
    • Vitamins & Supplements
    • Food & Drink
    • Sports Nutrition
    • Free From
    • Natural Beauty
    • Weight Management
    • Offers
    • The Health Hub
    • Healthbox

    Home / Conditions / Cold Sore / 3 immune boosting habits you need to incorporate today

    3 immune boosting habits you need to incorporate today

    When it comes to living a healthy and active lifestyle, the immune system is extremely important. Its network of cells and tissues are always looking out for invaders like bacteria, parasites and viruses.  

    Without an immune system, our bodies would be constantly open to attack. In essence, it would be like going into a boxing ring and not defending yourself against your opponent.

    A number of health issues are associated with a poor immune system, including cold sores. This condition is viral and a symptom of the herpes simplex (HS-1) virus. They usually form around the edge of your lips and are extremely contagious during the ‘shedding’ phase.

    Handpicked content: Cold sores: causes, treatment and prevention

    They can be passed to other people via kissing and sharing anything from lip balm to using the same cutlery. Once the first infection has ended, the virus is dormant for the rest of your life and can reappear whenever your body is weak.

    However, boosting your immune system can help stop cold sores and other illnesses from coming back so frequently. Here are a few simple immune boosting habits to help you achieve this.

    Exercise

    Establishing an exercise routine can do your body a world of good. It not only keeps you mentally and physically sharp, but it can really benefit your immune system too.

    Regular exercise is thought to increase overall fitness, which may improve immune system function. It may also lower levels of inflammatory cytokines that may play a role in heart disease.

    Sleep pattern

    Getting enough rest every night can be the difference between staying healthy or not. If you are struggling to get the right amount of sleep, your immune system will be weakened and be more exposed to common illnesses.

    To ensure you get enough rest every night, you need good sleep hygiene. This involves getting into a routine so that your body can optimise the time given to it to recover. Relaxation CDs, reading a book, yoga or even having a nice long bath are good ways to prepare for sleep. You should also try to avoid looking at your phone at least 30 minutes before bed, as this can impact your sleep timings.

    Handpicked content: 10 tips for a good night’s sleep

    Vitamins

    Consuming the right vitamins is another great way to give your immune system a kick up the backside and keep cold sores from reappearing as frequently.1

    • Vitamin A – Can help with the normal functioning of the immune system as it’s thought to play a role in the development of T-helper cells and B-cells (a type of white blood cell that secretes antibodies).
    • Vitamin C – this can help support cellular functions needed by the immune system. Oranges, orange juice, broccoli, strawberries and red/green peppers are your best source
    • Vitamin D – A deficiency in vitamin D could lead to a decreased immune system due to it playing a key role in boosting the immune system.

    If you’re struggling to incorporate a lot of these vitamins into your diet on a daily basis, it might be worth taking some supplements to ensure you’re hitting your daily quota.

    Handpicked content: 16 superfoods to boost your immune system

    Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP before trying any remedies.

    Shop Cold & Immune Support

    Sources
    1. www.1md.org/article/cold-sores-immune-report-doctor-1md

    Tweet
    Follow on Instagram
    Cold Sore Immunity Immunity Nutrition Vitamins Vitamins & Supplements Immunity

    You may also like

    Should my children take omega-3?

    Article

    Should my children take omega-3?

    From foetus through to breastfeeding, toddler, teenage years and beyond, omega-3s are critical for growth,..

    READ MORE...
    How much omega-3 do I need?

    Article

    How much omega-3 do I need?

    Sometimes one of the hardest things about building a healthy diet for yourself is knowing..

    READ MORE...
    9 of the healthiest vegetables

    Article

    9 of the healthiest vegetables

    Newsflash: veggies are good for you! Vegetables are low in calories but packed with fibre,..

    READ MORE...

    Connect with us

    • Log in Register
    • rewards for life

    Customer service

    • Store locator
    • Contact us
    • Site feedback
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Delivery & returns
    • Site map
    • My account

    About us

    • Who we are
    • Working at Holland & Barrett
    • Press room
    • Privacy & cookie policy
    • Terms & conditions
    • Holland & Barrett More
    • Holland & Barrett International

    Brands

    • Holland & Barrett
    • Bootea
    • Dr Organic
    • Precision Engineered
    • Manuka Doctor
    • Good n Natural
    • Miaroma
    Register
    Click to verify if this website is operating legally

    Copyright © Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2017. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. Registered in England: company no. 2758955. Registered VAT no. 211727395.