Natural Tips For Staying Healthy
Strengthen your immune system by feeding your body only the best. By eating a healthy, balanced diet of fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meats, fish, poultry, nuts, seeds and low-fat dairy, you will give your body the immune boost it needs to fight colds and flus.
Fruits and veggies high in phytochemicals are ideal for helping your body ward off infection. Try to nosh on a few of these infection-fighting superfoods such as kale, tomatoes, berries, grapes, grapefruits, pomegranates, sweet potatoes, mangos and spinach.
The human body is more than 60% water. Drinking water not only keeps you hydrated, it helps to remove the toxins from your body to keep your entire system clean and provides a moist and healthy environment for your ear, nose and throat tissues.
How will you know if you are drinking enough? Healthy adults need to drink approximately 64 ounces of fluids each day. Drinking green tea is also highly recommended during cold and flu season. "It's a rich source of a type of antioxidant called catechin which research has found helps fight antigens and viruses that causes colds," says Registered Dietitian Jennifer Haas of the Nova Medical & Urgent Care Center, Inc. in Ashburn, Virginia.
Believe it or not, hitting the gym regularly is another great way to beat the sniffles. Studies show that people who exercise regularly significantly increase their resistance to the viruses that cause colds and flus. But you don’t have to overdo it, either! Moderate aerobic exercise several times a week is enough to increase the body's natural virus-killing cells.
Keep It Clean
Viruses are easily transferred when sick people cough and sneeze. The best way to stop the spread of infection is by keeping all the surfaces in your home regularly wiped down and clean. Door knobs, light switches, keyboards, phones, remote controls, countertops and sinks can all be a breeding ground for infection if they are not washed regularly.
Regular hand washing also significantly cuts down on the spread of illness. Take care not to sneeze or cough into your hands, and avoid touching your face with your hands, as this is one of the most common ways of contracting a virus.
Get Plenty of Rest
Here’s another good reason to get those nightly Zzzz’s. Just like eating healthy, staying hydrated and regular exercise, your body needs adequate rest to fight off illness. When you skip out on sleep, your body doesn’t have a chance to recharge and your immune system does not function at its best. Boost your ability to fight colds and flus, as well as improving your health overall, by getting at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep each night.
Stress can have many negative effects on your health. When our bodies are under stress, they react by releasing stress hormones like cortisol which can lower immune resistance as well as cause even more serious health problems. Research demonstrates that people who describe themselves as under stress are more likely to succumb to colds and flus than people who feel more balanced in their lives.
Looking for some simple ways to cut the stress? Learn some helpful tips to bring more calm and tranquility into your life.