Natural Cold and Flu Prevention

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Natural Cold and Flu Prevention There is no known cure for cold and flu, thus prevention should always be your priority. The best approach is to keep your body healthy to keep you from being susceptible to infection caused by cold and flu viruses. Getting a flu shot is effective though it doesn’t guarantee you will never get sick. Vaccination can help in keeping the symptoms milder and shorten the duration of the illness in case you get sick. Here are several natural remedies that can help you survive the cold and flu season. Practice proper hygiene Cold and flu viruses usually spread by direct contact thus washing your hands is extremely important. Germs live on for hours on objects and it can be easily picked up by another person just by touching that object. Avoid touching your face as well since cold and flu viruses enter the body thru eyes, nose, or mouth. Make it a habit to wash hands using soap and warm water. If you don’t have immediate access to water, you can use an alcohol-based sanitizer. When coughing and sneezing, always use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose. Avoid using your hands since this can only spread germs onto the objects you’ll touch. Exercise Exercising regularly speeds up the heart to pump larger quantities of blood leading to increased activity of a type of white blood cells that attack viruses. Overall, exercise can help in keeping your body healthy in lowering your risk against diseases including cold and flu. It is not necessary to do strenuous exercises, walking around the neighborhood or taking the stairs instead of the elevator will benefit you as well. Eat foods containing phytonutrients Foods that are high in phytonutrients include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and tea. T... ... middle of paper ... ...at it can reduce the severity and duration of colds. Side effects are minimal, this includes diarrhea, wheezing, and rashes. Avoid smoking Based on statistics, smokers are more susceptible to severe colds and other respiratory infections. Smoking keeps the number of white blood cells high, which is a sign that its fighting against damage and inflammation caused by tobacco. It temporarily paralyzes the tiny brush like hairs in the airways known as cilla, which is responsible in clearing your lungs against mucus and dirt. Drink plenty of water Water is essential to our overall health. Sufficient supply of water in the body prevents dehydration and this also helps in lessening congestion due to colds. Avoid coffee, caffeinated sodas and alcohol since this can worsen dehydration. Alcohol also suppresses the immune system making you more prone to cold and flu viruses.

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