Cold & Flu Season Tips - Q&A with Ali Riley

The weather is getting crisp, the leaves are starting to fall to the ground and germs are beginning to spread more! We’re officially entering the start of cold and flu season, but with some mindful behaviors, you can keep yourself and your family as healthy as possible this year and enjoy the best parts of the Fall and Winter seasons. In order to stay healthy throughout cold and flu season, it’s important to be proactive to limit germ exposure and also to boost your natural immunity.

It’s important for all of us to do what we can to stay healthy, including professional athlete, Ali Riley. In fact, for Ali, who trains year-round, it’s especially important to prioritize her immune system. Getting sick can set her training back quite a bit and cause her to miss game days.  We sat down with Ali to talk about some of her favorite tips and tricks to stay healthy year-round, her favorite immune-boosting products and foods, and how she combats feeling under the weather. Read on to get the inside scoop!

Wedderspoon: Why is it important for you, as a professional athlete, to stay healthy year-round and be proactive during cold and flu season? 

Ali: To continue training and performing at my best day in and day out! I focus on quality sleep, nutritious foods, plenty of hydration, and definitely hand washing!

Wedderspoon: What changes do you make to your daily routine to boost your immune system and/or avoid germs during cold and flu season?

Ali: For me, these are year-round practices because the training never stops! I use collagen and magnesium and make sure I am loaded up with protein. The biggest change I make is being overly cautious if I’m feeling under the weather to protect my teammates.  

Wedderspoon: Do you have any favorite supplements or health products that help you keep your immune system strong through the winter? What kinds of things do you do, eat or take when you start to feel a cold coming on?

Ali: I don’t take any supplements specifically for this purpose but I truly love the daily combo of Wedderspoon’s Manuka Honey and lemon. Always always helps. I also love ginger - a ginger shot or ginger added to my smoothies. 

Wedderspoon: Do you have a favorite comfort food recipe for when you’re feeling under the weather?

Ali: In Sweden (where I played professionally previously and where my fiancé is from), you get ice cream when you’re sick and I have to admit I love that! It definitely soothes the throat but I think it’s more of a feel-good food. I also love mac and cheese, especially my vegan recipe made with veggies!

There are plenty of things you can do to limit your risk of getting sick, or, at the least, shorten your time being sick. Stock up on immune-supporting products now so that you have them when you need them!

• Wedderspoon Immunity Lozenges deliver a powerful and fast-acting immune boost and soothe and coat the throat. They are individually packed and perfect to take on the go.
• Wedderspoon Propolis Spray supports your body’s natural defenses and provides instant relief and comfort for sore throats.
• And, you know what we say…a spoonful of Manuka Honey a day can keep the doctor away! Manuka Honey is a superfood filled with properties that naturally boost the immune system. It can be enjoyed by the spoonful or mixed into food or drinks.

Incorporate immune-boosting foods and recipes into your daily routine throughout the fall and winter months. Produce high in vitamin C, like oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, cauliflower and potatoes are good to include in your meals. Garlic, ginger and turmeric also possess antiviral and antibacterial properties your body needs to prevent and fight off illness. Try our Vibrant Citrus Immunity Smoothie for a delicious immune-boosting breakfast.

If you do end up feeling under the weather, don’t fret too much. Focus on eating well, relaxing and supporting your immune system for the quickest recovery. Our Pumpkin Spice Hot Toddy will help you relax, and our Homeopathic Throat Soothing Cough Syrup recipe will reduce throat inflammation and discomfort and naturally boost immunity.