{"id":50681,"date":"2021-11-25T15:09:44","date_gmt":"2021-11-25T14:09:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/?p=50681"},"modified":"2021-11-30T11:08:39","modified_gmt":"2021-11-30T10:08:39","slug":"stregnthen-your-immune-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/en\/training\/stregnthen-your-immune-system\/","title":{"rendered":"Why cyclists need to boost their immunity over winter \u2013 and how to do it"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Winter causes a spike in illnesses and infections among athletes. But with some simple scientific upgrades to your diet and training you can strengthen your immune system and keep cycling all winter long<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One particular virus may have dominated the headlines over the past 18 months but athletes are vulnerable to a wide range of illnesses over winter. According to the International Olympic Committee, about 50% of athlete illnesses affect the respiratory tract, such as influenza, colds and flu. But other common issues include stomach bugs, skin rashes and genitourinary infections. Research on Olympians suggests that the rate of infection among athletes can treble over the winter months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a15ea26689cf&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a15ea26689cf\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-124-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50699\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-124-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-124-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-124-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-124-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-124-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-124-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-124-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-124-1060x707.jpg 1060w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-124-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-124-325x217.jpg 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption> \u00a9 Kathrin Schafbauer <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>That is why elite cyclists now follow a \u2018winter action plan\u2019 to boost their immunity over the cold months. And it really works: a winter immunity plan introduced by the English Institute of Sport \u2013 which provides sports science support to English athletes \u2013led to a huge 41% drop in athlete illnesses compared to the previous winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All amateur cyclists will benefit from adopting an immunity-boosting winter action plan. You cannot ride your bike far when you are coughing and sniffing. And a severe illness will leave you stuck in bed when you would rather be outside riding your bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So here, with the help of Professor Mike Gleeson &#8211; Emeritus Professor of Exercise Biochemistry at Loughborough University and the author of Eat, Move, Sleep, Repeat &#8211; we reveal ten immunity-boosting tips to ensure you spend more time pedalling than coughing this winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Keep riding your bike<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before getting into details, remember one vital fact: exercise is fantastic for your immune system. Research has shown that regular exercise can reduce your risk of upper respiratory tract infections by up to 50%. And a paper in the journal Exercise Immunology Review confirmed that regular exercise helps to keep your immune system strong. So make sure you keep riding your bike this winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a15ea2669673&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a15ea2669673\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_340-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50705\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_340-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_340-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_340-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_340-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_340-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_340-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_340-1060x706.jpg 1060w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_340-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_340-325x217.jpg 325w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_340.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption> \u00a9 Alexander B\u00f6hle <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhenever you exercise, blood circulates around your body which means an increased number of white blood cells (immune system cells) enter your bloodstream,\u201d explains Professor Gleeson. \u201cThose cells then travel around your body to deal with any threats. If you deal with any threats quickly, you can prevent them from multiplying and causing the symptoms of infection.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Don&#8217;t push too hard<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Exercise is good for your immunity, but don\u2019t dig too deep over winter. Really intense and draining exercise can lead to a temporary depression of the immune system after you have completed your workout. According to research for the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences, this dip in immunity is most severe when the workout is endurance-based or is of a moderate to high intensity. \u201cVery prolonged bouts of strenuous exercise can cause transient depression of white blood cell functions and weaken your defences,\u201d explains Professor Gleeson. The secret is to not push your body too hard over winter. Keep the intensity low, allow plenty of recovery days, and never increase the volume of your training by more than 5-10% per week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Carbs are your friends<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Research suggests that athletes\u2019 immunity can be affected when they exercise in a fasted or low carbohydrate state. So make sure you fuel your rides well over winter. \u201cCarbs help to prevent drops in your blood sugar levels which can cause a spike in stress hormones and reduce your immunity,\u201d explains Professor Gleeson. Carbs also fuel the multiplication of your infection-fighting white blood cells. Aim for around 40g of carbs per hour on long winter rides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a15ea266b487&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a15ea266b487\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/08\/AlpecinRideClub_Lene_Gardasee-480-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-46226\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/08\/AlpecinRideClub_Lene_Gardasee-480-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/08\/AlpecinRideClub_Lene_Gardasee-480-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/08\/AlpecinRideClub_Lene_Gardasee-480-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/08\/AlpecinRideClub_Lene_Gardasee-480-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/08\/AlpecinRideClub_Lene_Gardasee-480-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/08\/AlpecinRideClub_Lene_Gardasee-480-1920x1277.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/08\/AlpecinRideClub_Lene_Gardasee-480-1500x998.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/08\/AlpecinRideClub_Lene_Gardasee-480-1060x705.jpg 1060w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/08\/AlpecinRideClub_Lene_Gardasee-480-700x466.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/08\/AlpecinRideClub_Lene_Gardasee-480-325x216.jpg 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption> \u00a9 Kathrin Schafbauer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Power up with protein<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Protein does more than just build muscle. It also helps to fuel vital components of your body\u2019s immune system, such as your antibodies and your white blood cells. Professor Gleeson says that athletes should consume 1.2-1.6g of protein per kg of bodyweight per day. Meat, eggs, nuts, chickpeas, soybeans and fish are all good sources of protein.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wash your bike<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The best way to prevent illnesses is to avoid the germs, viruses, bacteria and pathogens that cause them. Cyclists should wash their hands after exercise, carry a hand-sanitiser gel for mid-ride caf\u00e9 stops, and avoid touching their eyes and nose when they ride. Professor Gleeson also recommends washing your bike saddle and handlebars with soapy water at the end of each ride to prevent any build-up of bacteria which could make you ill on your next ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>W<\/strong>ear a snood<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Research suggests that cold weather can irritate the airways and lungs, leaving athletes with flu-like symptoms such as sore throats and coughs. \u201cCold air can irritate the mucosal lining of the upper respiratory tract,\u201d warns Professor Gleeson. Protect your airways from cold and dry air by wearing a neck warmer or snood over your mouth if the temperature gets close to zero degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a15ea266c40a&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a15ea266c40a\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_386-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_386-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_386-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_386-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_386-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_386-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_386-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_386-1060x706.jpg 1060w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_386-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_386-325x217.jpg 325w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/20211113_Alpecin_ridecaptains_386.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption> \u00a9 Alexander B\u00f6hle <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Take probiotics<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences, taking probiotics &#8211; such as a probiotic yoghurt &#8211; can reduce the frequency of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections among athletes. \u201cProbiotics are live bacteria which modify the bacterial population in your gut to strengthen your immune function,\u201d says Professor Gleeson. Probiotics also appear to help athletes \u201ctolerate\u201d more effectively certain illnesses, therefore reducing the severity of the symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Stay hydrated<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is easy to lose your thirst on cold winter rides but that would be a mistake, says Professor Gleeson. Your saliva contains special proteins with antimicrobial properties which help to support your immune system. So make sure you stay hydrated on winter rides. Many professional cyclists use insulated bottles filled with warm lemon cordial to encourage them to drink more often on cold days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a15ea266d108&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a15ea266d108\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-130-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50697\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-130-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-130-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-130-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-130-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-130-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-130-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-130-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-130-1060x707.jpg 1060w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-130-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AlpecinCycling_KSchafbauer_2020-130-325x217.jpg 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption> \u00a9 Kathrin Schafbauer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Top up your vitamins<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Eating a colourful diet rich in fruit and vegetables will ensure you get the full range of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants required to power a healthy immune system. These include the antioxidant vitamin C (found in citrus fruits), and the immunity-boosting vitamin B9 (found in green leafy veg) which supports your white blood cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over winter it is hard to get sufficient quantities of Vitamin D, which is produced when your skin is exposed to the sun. \u201cMost athletes would benefit from a Vitamin D3 supplement (4000 IU or 25\u00b5g per day) over winter,\u201d advises Professor Gleeson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He also suggests checking your selenium intake. \u201cSelenium is important for immune function and defence against viral infection,\u201d he explains. \u201cDeficiency can cause worsening of lung infections. Selenium is mostly found in meat, dairy, nuts and wholegrains.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Get more sleep<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Research has shown that athletes who get less than seven hours of sleep per night are three times more likely to develop symptoms of respiratory illness. \u201cIf you suffer from a poor quality of sleep with frequent awakenings in the night you will be more vulnerable to respiratory illness,\u201d says Professor Gleeson. Aim to bank eight hours of sleep per night over winter to keep your immune system strong. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p><strong><em>Professor Mike Gleeson is the author of Eat, Move, Sleep, Repeat<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a15ea266dc71&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a15ea266dc71\" class=\"wp-block-image size-medium wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"216\" height=\"300\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Professor-Mike-Gleeson-Emeritus-Professor-of-Exercise-Biochemistry-at-Loughborough-University-C-Mike-Gleeson-216x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50701\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Professor-Mike-Gleeson-Emeritus-Professor-of-Exercise-Biochemistry-at-Loughborough-University-C-Mike-Gleeson-216x300.jpg 216w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Professor-Mike-Gleeson-Emeritus-Professor-of-Exercise-Biochemistry-at-Loughborough-University-C-Mike-Gleeson-737x1024.jpg 737w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Professor-Mike-Gleeson-Emeritus-Professor-of-Exercise-Biochemistry-at-Loughborough-University-C-Mike-Gleeson-768x1067.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Professor-Mike-Gleeson-Emeritus-Professor-of-Exercise-Biochemistry-at-Loughborough-University-C-Mike-Gleeson-1106x1536.jpg 1106w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Professor-Mike-Gleeson-Emeritus-Professor-of-Exercise-Biochemistry-at-Loughborough-University-C-Mike-Gleeson-1475x2048.jpg 1475w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Professor-Mike-Gleeson-Emeritus-Professor-of-Exercise-Biochemistry-at-Loughborough-University-C-Mike-Gleeson-1920x2667.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Professor-Mike-Gleeson-Emeritus-Professor-of-Exercise-Biochemistry-at-Loughborough-University-C-Mike-Gleeson-1500x2083.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Professor-Mike-Gleeson-Emeritus-Professor-of-Exercise-Biochemistry-at-Loughborough-University-C-Mike-Gleeson-1060x1472.jpg 1060w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Professor-Mike-Gleeson-Emeritus-Professor-of-Exercise-Biochemistry-at-Loughborough-University-C-Mike-Gleeson-700x972.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Professor-Mike-Gleeson-Emeritus-Professor-of-Exercise-Biochemistry-at-Loughborough-University-C-Mike-Gleeson-325x451.jpg 325w, https:\/\/www.alpecincycling.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Professor-Mike-Gleeson-Emeritus-Professor-of-Exercise-Biochemistry-at-Loughborough-University-C-Mike-Gleeson-scaled.jpg 1843w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 216px) 100vw, 216px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption> \u00a9 Prof. Mike Gleeson <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>by Mark Bailey<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>About 50% of athlete illnesses affect the respiratory tract, such as influenza, colds and flu.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":50690,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[87],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-50681","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-training"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - 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