Typically, just as the weather starts to warm up, we find ourselves sniffling and sneezing and, sadly, no it’s not hayfever.
Whether you’re stuck in an office or on public transportation next to a coughing, sneezing person, poorly person,or are simply worried about picking up the cold and flus that tend to go around, good health is without doubt your body’s first line of defense.
Follow these simple tips to help your body fight the flu and avoid catching cold.
Stay Hydrated
The average person should drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water per day. Water makes up 60% of your body weight and every single system in your body depends on water to run healthily. Water also flushes the toxins and waste products out which can lead to increased energy, better digestion, more productivity, and glowing skin…so hurry up and start drinking!
Get enough zzz’s
People on average need between seven to nine hours of sleep each night to function properly. Consistent sleep deprivation can lead to weight gain and increased stress levels. It also lowers your immune system’s ability to fight off colds and harmful germs so get off Facebook and catch that extra hour of sleep in the evening.
Load up on super foods
Maintaining good overall health is the number one way to avoid a cold. Don’t wait until you are already sick to start eating well. Super foods are packed with nutrients and vitamins that keep all of your body systems running smoothly and healthily. For a list of some of the best super foods check out our super food feature here. Incorporate any of these foods into your diet and reap the many benefits that they provide!
Get your D and C vitamins
Vitmin C and D two vitamins whose importance are often underestimated. For your daily dose of vitamin D, simply step outside in the sunlight for at least 15 minutes a day. We understand the difficulty in that request for those where rain and clouds is the everyday forecast, so luckily it also comes in little tablets that can be taken as a supplement each day. Taking vitamin C when you feel the onset of a cold coming on can prevent the cold from developing further. Vitamin C sources come from citrus such as oranges and grapefruits. for a quick load up on this vitamin, Emergen-C makes great little packets to pour into water bottles on-the-go that can give you a boost of vitamin C as well as many other vitamins to help out the immune system.
Skip the extra drink
On an evening out with friends, grab a glass of water instead of that cocktail. Drinking large amounts of alcohol effects the immune system and leaves it weaker for at least 24 hours after a night out. If you feel the onset of a cold, do yourself a favor and call it an early night.
Wash your hands
This is both the best and simplest advice to avoid sickness. Germs and bacteria acucmulate on your hands throughout the day and can be picked up from all surfaces. Take 20 seconds out of your day to wash with soap and water every few hours.
Eat right
The following are a list of foods shown to help the immune system, which is vital to maintaining good health.
-Garlic
-Yogurt with probiotics
-Oats
-Green tea
These basic tips can easily be incorporated into your every day lifestyle and can work wonders in reducing sickness to keep you healthy and happy!