Perhaps you have a significant deadline at work. Or maybe the dream vacation you've been planning for a long time is almost here. One thing is certain, regardless of what is on your calendar: You cannot afford to be slowed down by a cold or the flu. The secret to optimal health is simply common sense. For instance, you should stay away from germs and viruses at work and school. However, you may avoid that sore throat or runny nose and live a healthy life with a variety of additional feel-good remedies.
You can do more than just get vaccinated against the flu. Follow the approaches below for staying healthy.
Keep your hands clean
How flu and cold viruses propagate is not a secret. A sick person sneezes in their hand before touching a kitchen glass, the phone, or the laptop. Even hours after touching the item, you can still get the germ. Thus, wash your hands frequently. Rub them with an alcohol-containing hand sanitiser if you are unable to reach a sink.
Avoid dodging cough/sneezes with your hand
Do your part to protect your loved ones from germs. Avoid using your bare hands to sneeze or cough since they can harbour viruses. Use a tissue and discard it when you sense one coming. Sneeze or cough into the inside of your elbow if you don't have one with you.
Consume green veggies
Vitamin-rich green, leafy vegetables support a healthy immune system and help you keep a balanced diet. Eating cruciferous vegetables causes the body to release a chemical signal that increases certain cell-surface proteins required for effective immune system activity.
Keep moving
Maintaining an active lifestyle through consistent exercise, like going for a three-time-weekly walk, does more than only keep you active and fit. A study that was published in the journal Neurologic Clinicians claims that consistent exercise also decreases tension and the release of hormones linked to stress, speeds up the circulation of disease-fighting white blood cells (WBCs), and prevents inflammation and chronic disease, all of which aid the body in battling the common cold.\
Consume foods that contain phytochemicals
‘Phyto’ refers to plants, and the natural compounds found in them provide food vitamins a powerful boost. So, stop taking the vitamin and consume fruits and vegetables that are dark green, red, and yellow.
Avoid Smoking
Colds are more severe and common in heavy smokers. The immune system, which protects your body from infections, is harmed even by being around smoking. Smoke dries out your nasal passages. It has an impact on your cilia, which are the tiny hairs that line your lungs and nose and aid in removing flu and cold viruses. According to experts, they can be incapacitated for up to 30 to 40 minutes after smoking a single cigarette.
Unwind
Your immune system will be grateful. De-stressing has been shown to boost your immune system. Training yourself to visualise a peaceful or pleasant image is one method of relaxation.
Sip on some green tea
Green tea has been linked to health benefits for ages. The high concentration of flavonoids which are antioxidants, in green tea may be the cause of its health advantages. A study that was published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition suggests that drinking freshly brewed cups each day may have health benefits. These include a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and lowered blood pressure.
The secret to staying healthy is limiting your exposure to disease by staying away from germs. Here are a few simple and basic suggestions for maintaining proper hygiene:
• Take a shower every day.
• Before consuming or preparing food, wash your hands.
• Before putting on contact lenses or engaging in any other activity that involves coming into touch with your mouth or eyes, wash your hands.
• Scrub under your fingernails after 20 seconds of hand washing.
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.
• For on-the-go use, keep an alcohol-based hand cleanser with you. Keyboards, phones, doorknobs, and remote controls are examples of shared surfaces that should be cleaned regularly.