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It's a fact: modern life can have a huge impact on our health. With so many of us juggling stressful jobs, family commitments and a social life (if we're lucky!), it's no wonder that our immune system can become depressed, exposing us to debilitating cold and flu viruses. This is especially the case at this time of year.

If you have more than two colds a year, it's worth taking a look at your lifestyle. Are you getting enough rest? Do you exercise? Are you eating healthily? If you tick all these boxes (or even if you don't!) and you still feel low, you need to give your immune system a boost.

Pre-emptive strike
The most effective weapon in your armoury before the cold virus hits is Echinacea. Taking it regularly (but not overdosing), it can more than halve your likelihood of catching a cold. Keep a phial of Boots Echinacea Tincture close at hand at home and work. Just add up to 5ml in water or juice once a day to maintain good health. For fab-tasting flavours, try Medic Herb Revitonil Echinacea Extract, which also includes liquorice, aniseed and peppermint.

Healthy glow
For most people, Vitamin C is the vitamin of choice at the first signs of a cold. Hey, all those seafaring types can't be wrong! In addition to boosting the immune system it also lowers blood pressure and helps guard against various kinds of cancer. Boots Zinc & Vitamin C tablets gives the body 100% of its RDA of vitamin C with the added bonus of immune-boosting zinc for glowing skin, nails and hair. Another great zinc supplement is Seven Seas Zinc Plus Vitamin C Forest Fruit Bursts. Zinc is a vital mineral for boosting the immune system and particularly important if you are trying to become pregnant. For children and anyone else who can't bear to take tablets, try fizzing Haliborange Vitamin C Effervescent Tablets, which is full-to-bursting with the juice of up to 12 oranges.

Get vitalised
Vitamin E gets less press than Vitamin C, but it's a super-vitamin! Not only is it a powerful antioxidant, it keeps you skin in radiant condition and can reverse the effects of ageing - to help you look as good on the outside as you will feel on the inside. One a day of Boots Feel The Difference Super Strength Natural Vitamin E gives your body all the Vitamin E it needs to help boost your immune system.

Force for good
Like zinc, selenium is anessential trace mineral that plays a big role in many functions of the body. It is another powerful antioxidant. Despite the fact that intake has fallen off in recent years, it's a supplement we should really include in our diet. Wassen Selenium ACE 30 tabletscombine selenium with vitamins A, C and E to pack a powerful punch for the immune system.

Ward off evil
Garlic famously wards off all kinds of evil - and that includes colds! Allicin, a substance produced by garlic, also helps control cholesterol and strengthens the heart. Kwai Garlic 300mg 30 Tablets use highest quality Chinese garlic cloves for maximum boost and the outer coating makes it odourless - good news for family and friends! Hofels Odourless One-a-Day Garlic with Parsley is also excellent for fighting catarrh and cold symtoms.

Ode to Omega
Omega 3 has had a lot of positive press recently - and justifiably so. The omega-3 fatty acids in flax oil and fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel are bacteria-busting immune boosters and they also protect the body against reacting to bacteria. Vertese Omega Oils 3+6+9 give you three omegas for the price of one. They are gelatin free, making them eminently suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Be a well woman
If being faced with a barrage of different vitamin and mineral supplements is overwhelming, taking a good multivitamin may be the answer. Sometimes life is already complicated enough. And if you are a working woman, having a multi-vitamin tailored to your specific needs may be a godsend! Wellwoman Capsules are designed to give the modern woman everything she needs to ensure good health, from boosting the immune system and taking care of skin, hair and nails to balancing hormones. This formula also includes calming evening primrose and starflower.