Sneezing, coughing and sniffing are the soundtrack to our lives right now, as everyone (us included) succumbs to winter illness. Is getting sick in winter inevitable? Maybe, maybe not. To find out, we chatted to a Gold Coast naturopath to better understand how to stay healthy in winter.
Adelaide Poschelk is a clinical naturopath, and the founder of IME Naturopathy in Currumbin Waters. Her work focuses on healing the root cause of illness, both through dietary and lifestyle changes and with the support of herbal and natural medicine.
“Everyone is very different, so I work with clients to identify the contributing factors personal to them – for example, diet and lifestyle – that may be exacerbating a concern,” says Adelaide. “From there, we develop a treatment plan. The improvement that people see in their health is absolutely incredible. It’s a very rewarding job, that’s for sure.”
To find out how to stay healthy in winter, read our chat with Adelaide below…
Winter is prime time for illnesses like colds and the flu – especially after the pandemic and its impacts on our immune system. What are your top tips for boosting our immunity?
Definitely prime time and wow, hasn’t it hit everyone this year. My top immunity tip would be to ensure you are having enough rest! Sleep is so important for supporting our immune system, so aim for a minimum of eight hours per night and don’t overexert yourself if you’re already exhausted and depleted.
Personally, I love to incorporate echinacea into my daily routine when I feel sickness is around. Echinacea and lemon tea is delicious. I haven’t got sick this winter, so something is working!
And very importantly, make sure you’re eating nourishing seasonal foods, especially those that are high in antiviral properties (like garlic).
What are some of the other common health concerns we face during winter?
Something I commonly notice in clinic is a slight decline in mood. Living by the beach, we all love the beautiful hot weather and sunshine. With darker, colder mornings it makes it that little bit more challenging to get up and going. The early mornings are such a beautiful and peaceful time, so my advice would be to go for a walk or swim. You won’t regret it, and it’s a great way to set you up for the day.
What are some simple ways to maintain our general health during winter?
I love this question! Simple and achievable recommendations would be to reduce and manage stress – we should never underestimate how much stress impacts us physically and emotionally. Some amazing ways that I love to support my nervous system is the 4-7-8 breathing technique. Breathe in for 4 seconds through your nose, hold for 7 seconds and out for 8 seconds through your mouth. Repeat 3 to 5 times. This is an easy one that everyone can achieve daily.
Lastly, I would recommend daily movement and hydrating your body, ideally with filtered water. Hydration and movement play such an important role in helping our body to flush out toxins.
As a Gold Coast local, we’d love to know…
What is your favourite place to grab a healthy takeaway? Oh, I actually love the salads from Tarte in Burleigh.
What is your go-to winter workout? I have been loving beach walks and surfing this winter. The water isn’t super cold (with a wetsuit!) and it is such an incredible feeling to be in the ocean.
What is your takeaway drink order on a cool winter morning? And where do you get it? My go-to takeaway is a decaf cappuccino, and the amazing Bread Social has opened up in the next street to our office in Currumbin, so I walk there most mornings. If you haven’t been to Bread Social yet, you’re missing out.
What are your favourite health rituals during winter? Again, I think I would have to say surfing. It is such an amazing way to exercise, switch off from everything else you’re doing, a moment away from technology and the ocean itself is so healing. For me it is a complete mind and body ritual. I have been doing lessons with Tomas from Improve Your Surfing and highly recommend, it has been so much fun.