Winter is here, and you are probably watching your co-workers, friends, and relatives drop like flies as they succumb to the cold virus or other illnesses like mononucleosis. If you’re dreading the possibility that you will be the next to catch a cold, there are a few things you can do to help boost your immune system and ward off the virus.
First of all, wash your hands regularly. This is how doctors and nurses can work around sick people and rarely get sick themselves. Cold germs are often spread by getting the virus on your hands and then touching your nose, eyes, or mouth. We touch our faces a lot more than we realize. Try to be conscious of this, and keep your hands clean to reduce the risk of transferring the virus into your body.
Some people swear by vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C does boost the immune system, so it can’t hurt. More importantly, eat a balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables in order to get all of the nutrients you need. Some people swear by eating a grapefruit every day. It certainly can’t hurt, so why not give it a shot? Also, avoiding processed sugar will be very helpful. Sugar actually depresses the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. If you can’t avoid it all year, at least avoiding it during the cold and flu season will be helpful.
Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night. When the temperature drops outside, we all turn on our heat to warm up. This sudden change to breathing warm, dry air puts stress on your nasal passages and throat. As your throat dries out, it actually becomes more susceptible to infection. Using a humidifier will help keep your throat moist and prevent infection.
Finally, remember to get plenty of rest. That is often easier said than done, but sleep is how the body rejuvenates and heals itself. When you aren’t getting enough sleep, you can be come stressed and your immune system weakened. Remember to get those crucial eight hours of sleep each night, and you will be rewarded with a healthier body and less stress in your life.