3 Tips To Fight Off Cold And Flu

We all want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to avoid being taken down by cold and flu this season. Here we shared three great tips and tricks to prevent cold and flu, as well as some suggestions to make the symptoms go away faster. From checking your vitamin D levels to doing inhalations with essential oils, read on to find out 12 tips to stay healthy this cold and flu season.

ADD A HUMIDIFIER TO YOUR HOME AND BEDROOM-

Research suggests that there might be a reason why cold and flu season coincides with winter. Studies show that the influenza virus is more likely to survive in low humidity conditions, thus increasing its chances of getting more people sick. In warm weather the air has the capacity to hold more water, which is why it feels humid. “It seems that the influenza virus’ ability to survive and be transmitted person-to-person is greatly affected by how dry or wet the air is,” said Shaman. An easy fix is to run humidifiers in your home and bedroom as a preemptive measure.

GO FOR A DAILY WALK-

Research shows that light to moderate exercise on a regular basis can reduce your risk of getting a cold by a third. In a study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, researchers from the University of South Carolina and the University of Massachusetts examined rates of infections in the upper respiratory tract among 641 healthy inactive and moderately active adults ages 20-70 for one year. They found that moderately active individuals reported fewer infections. The benefit seemed highest in fall and winter. Those who participated in moderate physical activity during that time reduced their cold risk by 33 percent. Another study by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, showed that sedentary postmenopausal women who started walking five days a week for a year had 50 percent less risk of catching colds compared to those who did not exercise on a regular basis. So, to avoid cold and flu, get moving!

EAT MORE PLANT BASED FOODS-

According to Dr. Merrell, favoring a plant-based over an animal-based diet will help you stay healthier. Why? Unlike animal-based foods, plant-based foods are rich in phytonutrients, which play a key role in keeping us healthy and fighting diseases. According to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, phytonutrients have been proven to lower the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, fruits, like papaya and pineapple, contain proteolytic enzymes, which help to break down and dissolve the debris produced from infections being killed in your system. Dr. Merrell not only recommended a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, but additionally consuming them raw and juicing.