Cold and flu season, yep… it’s here again: along with coughing, sniffles, sneezing, infected sinuses, chills and headaches. We all know about flu shots, and there are people who swear by them and others who swear at them, but maybe this will help. Following are 10 ways (besides cough and cold medicine) to boost your immune system during cold and flu season (with or without flu shots)!
Do you know why these symptoms occur? It is actually the way your immune system fights off whatever virus you managed to pick up. Look at this:
• Fever – Higher temperatures will increase the performance of your immune system and it slows down germ production.
• Swollen Sinuses – This is caused by that army of immune cells rushing to battle those nasty germs.
• Drippy Nose – This flushes germs out of your body along wit the excess mucus being produced.
You need to build up your immune system to lesson and possibly avoi the severity of the flu or a cold. Try some of these suggestions:
1. Eat a healthier diet. Eat minimal saturated fats and a lot of wholegrains and fresh fruits and veggies. Consume alcohol in moderation.
2. Get enough sleep. Sleep deprvation is a common problem area for Americans!
3. Work at maintaining your weight, through diet and exercise.
4. Get control of your stress level and your blood pressure. Diet and exercise will help here, too.
5. Wash your hands often and thoroughly. This is one of the best ways to avert germ contamination. Do this especially when handling foods, both before and after.
Health food stores and reputable websites online offer many homeopathic immune system boosters. Some natural things you might try would be:
6. Natural herbal teas will help clear that stuffy nose, ease your stress, and help you sleep while natural expectorants, cough drops that contain lemon, honey and/or green tea will soothe your cough.
7. Vitamins and supplements that do not contain chemicals, colors and preservatives, can boost your immune system and lessen symptoms when you have a cold. Zinc, vitamin C and multiple vitamins are helpful…but not when you take too many.
8. Quit smoking. Avoid those who smoke when you have a flu or cold, even if you don’t smoke.
9. Have regular checkups, especially if you are elderly or if you have chronic conditions that would be exacerbated by a cold or the flu.
10. Having a regular routine also helps to boost your immune system during cold and flu season, believe it or not! Going to bed and getting up at the same time every night and morning helps to regulate your body. Also, eating at normal times, and drinking plenty of water every day, will help to keep the stress level down and the germs at bay!
These are all great ways to stay feeling healthy, avoid doctor fees and staying away from antibiotics. Finding homeopathic cold remedies will also help you in these areas.