With the cold weather comes sore throats, stuffy noses, and maybe a fever here and there. It’s hard to miss once winter makes its entrance. And if you’re like me, having the worst immune system known to man, then you dread those common cold and flu symptoms.
One of the biggest mistakes people make during this time of year is not noticing the warning signs prior to getting sick. So don’t wait for that tickle in your throat or feverish feeling and use these five tips to dodge the latest bug:
1. Get plenty of vitamin C
To help protect yourself from a case of the sniffles, try taking some vitamin C daily. This nutrient may protect against airway damage caused by heavy breathing.
2. Practice good oral hygiene
Taking good care of your pearly whites doesn’t only mean having a great smile. It can also keep bacteria from working their way into your lungs, where they can cause respiratory distress. Brushing and flossing regularly can also prevent your immune system from diverting cold- and flu-fighting resources to combat inflammation in your mouth.
3. Get a massage
It may be a splurge, but if it means a smaller chance of getting a cold than get yourself to a spa. Doing so can increase the production of cells that boost immunity, getting the kinks worked out pushes blood and fluid from around your cells through the lymph nodes.
4. Exercise!
Scheduling some daily sweat time is generally important in life. But making sure you exercise for at least 20 minutes, five or more days a week may cut your chance of catching a cold by nearly 50 percent.
5. Stress less
Take a deep breath. Researchers say that people who are chronically tense are more likely than calmer people to develop cold symptoms. Making time to relax is imperative so try yoga or sit down and read a good book.
What do you do to stay cold and flue free? Share your tips with us on Facebook and Twitter: @LucilleRoberts
