More tips to thrive on in the battle against colds this season:
Drinking water to stay hydrated and washing or sanitizing hands maybe effective in fighting the cold. But preparing for the cold, getting battle ready is even more important. How do you prepare for the season? You fortify your immune system, and prepare to face the weather change. Here are a few tips to gain an edge in the cold battle:
Get some rest. The body functions at its best when well rested. Being busy is not the way to go, staying active is. Be sure not to confuse the two. Many people get sick and become vulnerable to colds during and after the holidays because of the toll from holiday stress on the body. During the holidays there is almost no time for proper rest. The body was made to regenerate itself during rest and sleep. Not enough or too little sleep can compromise the immune system rendering it able to beat the cold in the event of an invasion.
Building or supporting the body’s immune defense is one of the best ways to thrive during the winter months. Though getting enough sleep would help, there are many herbs that help with specific areas of immune defense. For example melatonin, a natural compound produced by the brain known to promote natural sleep rhythms, has shown immune system boosting effects.
Vitamin C is another popular common cold supplement. It is water soluble and so is eliminated from the body via urine, so a time release version proves to have longer lasting effects. Dosage of vitamin C is another controversial issue because it varies from person to person. Bowel tolerance is a good way to go. If acidity is too difficult to handle, plant sources like rose hips may be an option.
Though Vitamin C has received a lot of ink in the cold battle, zinc plays a big role in fighting the common cold. With its immune support potential, it has since gained fame as a viable cold remedy. “We’ve known since 1984 that zinc- gluconate could soothe sore throats and decrease the severity of colds,” says John C. Godfrey, Ph.D., president of Godfrey Science and Design in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania who put an end to the zinc debate. One of the reasons for its poor press is taste. Lozenges have since been improved to solve that problem. Contact is key with using zinc as a cold remedy. So Zinc lozenges prove to be a better option.
Peppermint oil and Ancient Chinese Tei fu Oil can also help with a variety of cold symptoms when used as a vapor rub or vapor-inhaled. Other natural immune system aid include
immune stimulator -supports and boosts the immune system, Pau D’Arco- an immune system developer, probiotics- improve immune system function, and astragalus- another famous herb from the Orient that promotes immune function.
Which one of these statements is False?:
1. A mild fever is the body’s way of fighting off viruses.
2. Colds are much more likely to be spread by hand contact than by oral contact.
3. Wet feet, wet hair, and exposure to cold weather and drafts can cause cold.
4. Mild exercises like a brisk walk help anti bodies fight cold and flu viruses during winter.
Answer in the paragraph below
Contrary to popular belief, the cold viruses lurk in warm dark places, in homes and bars not outdoors. Exercising outdoors is a way to get away from the cold virus and it also gives the immune system an edge as the pressure from the invasion dwindles. Getting out of the house; getting some sun and fresh air is always a good thing to do. (#3 is False)
Home remedies to battle the cold are always welcome and cheap. Apple cider vinegar (one table spoonful morning and evening) is known to alter the body’s pH assisting the immune system in combating bacterial invasion. It is best used at the onset of the cold: the sore throat, hoarse voice, and coughing stage. chlorophyll and lemon also have similar effects. Some other items you can find in your kitchen that can help with the cold are honey, cayenne pepper, garlic and ginger. Make your ginger tea with them.
Ginger Tea Recipe
Ingredients
Fresh ginger (peeled and sliced or grated)
2c water
Honey to taste
1/8 lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
Boil water. Add ginger and steep until flavor is infused through hot water (about 5minutes). Stir in honey, or xylitol (highly recommended). To make other varieties try a squeeze of fresh lemon, or a dash of powdered cayenne pepper to heat things up, or one teaspoon cider vinegar, or some cinnamon to get in the holiday mood.