Many people spend a considerable amount of time every year nursing a sore throat, a cold and a runny nose. An adult will typically have to deal with a cold at least three times every year. Each episode of the cold will last for at least a week, while a good number of people will get a cold that lingers for a longer period. There are more than two hundred cold viruses you are likely to catch. Your body is immune to the type of cold you have previously suffered from. Even so, these viruses mutate with time, and this makes you vulnerable to new strains.
The good news is that there are certain steps you can take to ensure your immune system is able to fight off colds and flu. Here is how to increase immunity.
Good sleep and rest help a great deal in boosting your immunity in order to fight cold and other infections. While people generally have different needs, experts recommend not less than 7 hours of sleep every night. It is paramount that one enjoys a healthy meal. The best foods to fight off and prevent colds and flu are those that are produced by Mother Nature.
Meals packed with vegetables, fruits and whole grains are the most ideal when it comes to boosting your immune system.
Oranges, kiwi fruits and pineapples are rich sources of vitamin C, which makes it possible for the body to produce antibodies for fighting infections.
Foods rich in vitamin A help to improve and maintain the health of your skin. This vitamin also helps to maintain the good health of the nose, mouth and mucous membranes. Other nutrients that boost the immune system include vitamin E, which can be found in foods such as whole wheat, dairy products and lean meat.
Staying hydrated is also very important. Your body needs at least half an ounce of fluids that are not caffeinated for every pound you weigh. This is a daily requirement for a strong immune system. The reason remaining hydrated is important because it helps maintain the moist environment in the mucous membrane. This goes a long way in lowering the chances of catching a cold or flu. This is how to increase immunity power against cold.
Being under too much stress over a period of time can affect your immune system negatively. Since it is not possible to completely avoid stress, it is advisable to come up with coping mechanisms. Exercising for half an hour each day can boost your immune system, help in excreting toxins via sweat, and also help to relieve stress.
For you to boost your immune system against cold, you need to get rid of invading viruses and bacteria. This can be done by frequently cleaning your surrounding and dusting as often as possible. This minimizes the number of viruses you come into contact with, thus reducing your chances of developing a cold.
According to research, when you’re exposed to high sugar levels, white blood cells become ineffective at fighting bacteria and viruses. This suppresses your immune system and its ability to fight colds and flu.
It is highly recommended that one eats foods that raise their pH levels. Increase your intake of foods containing minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.
According to studies, you increase your body’s ability to fight the cold by up to 50 percent if you take up meditation. This is because meditation reduces the effects of stress, which as mentioned earlier, weakens your immune system.
Taking probiotics can help as well. These are supplements or foods with healthy bacteria. Probiotics reduce your chances of contracting gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.
This is a Chinese exercise that involves your mind and body. People who practice this exercise record a lower number in terms of cold experiences in a year as compared to people who do not exercise.
This is a very effective way of combating cold. While most people might shy away from it because of the use of needles, it is actually a very effective way of preventing a cold for anyone between eighteen and sixty-four years of age.
Cleaning your hands as often as possible is one of the best habits you can cultivate. Your hands are most times coming into contact with contaminated surfaces. This is one of the ways you contract a virus or bacteria. Clean your hands and ensure you dry them thoroughly. Avoid using damp towels.
Studies have shown that garlic has components that help to fight and prevent infections. You can eat garlic to prevent and relieve symptoms associated with fungal, viral and bacterial infections.
It is believed that products that produce herbs such as Echinacea, aloe vera, and licorice roots are great for fighting viruses. Licorice roots have been used by the Chinese for decades. It can be used on its own or used with other herbs for even better results.
One way to ensure you keep your hands clean is by using sanitizers. Most commercial sanitizers contain chemicals that have been found to be harmful and can cause allergic reactions. Therefore, natural sanitizers are recommended. You can use lavender oil as a natural hand sanitizer.
Bacteria and viruses thrive in damp, stuffy environments. Therefore, it is advisable for you to make a habit of opening your windows to improve air circulation around you. This is how to increase immunity power against cold.