As we transition into Fall the temp dips and with that comes the dreaded cold and flu season. We are often asked, “Can you stop a Cold?”
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), the typical adult gets 2-3 colds a year, which can translate into a lot of sick days, sleepless nights, coughing and sneezing.
Unfortunately once the cold virus enters your system, there’s not too much you can do to make it magically vanish. It’s a biological process that needs to take its course. However, there are some things you can start doing now to help build up your immunity, decrease your chances of falling ill and increase your ability to recover from a cold much faster. We also have some wonderful supportive work like magic supplements to help you feel better faster. We suggest keeping our Immune Support Kits on hand. Swing by and pick one up or Call us for an appointment
GET MORE SLEEP
Whether you’re recovering from a cold or trying to avoid getting one, studies have shown that sleep deprivation weakens immune health, making you more susceptible to colds and other bacterial infections. It also impairs memory, focus, psychological health and blood sugar balance. It’s during this time that our bodies are most able to fight off infections and fevers. The goal is to aim for 7-8 hours of sleep a night.
HYDRATE
Drinking adequate water helps to prevent dehydration and releases toxins and mucous congestion from the body. It also helps to oxygenate the blood (important for cellular health) and produce lymph, a fluid that runs throughout your lymphatic system that helps to destroy bad bacteria. According to Ayurveda, in order to flush out toxins, or ama, and build up immune health, sipping on hot water with added ginger or lemon every 20-30 minutes throughout the day is the most beneficial.
EAT A VARIETY OF WHOLE FOODS
There’s no one food that will heal all of our cold symptoms. However, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, healthy fats and lean proteins is nature’s best cold defense. Consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables will provide your body with the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants necessary to stay healthy all year round. During the cooler months, focus on more warming, cooked foods, and use spices such as turmeric, cumin and coriander to create delicious anti-inflammatory meals.
PRACTICE DAILY MEDITATION
Scientific studies show that the immune system is directly connected to your thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce stress (the number one cause of health problems) and inflammation and improve happiness and our ability to deal with difficult emotions. If you’ve never meditated, start slow. Commit to just 5 minutes a day first thing in the morning of silent, mindful meditation.
EXERCISE
Regular exercise is not only shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and strengthen bones, but it has also been shown to improve gut health and overall immune strength. Exercise has been shown to decrease stress and increase specific immune cells in the body that are responsible for destroying viruses and bacteria. However, keep in mind that there is such a thing as too much exercise and going overboard can actually have the opposite health effect, weakening your immune system.
IMPROVE GUT HEALTH
Your digestive tract is directly connected to your immune system. So keeping your gut healthy and happy is incredibly important. All of the above tips will help to improve digestive function, but for many of us that need the extra support after years of stress and poor diet and lifestyle habits, taking a high-quality probiotic to help replenish the good bacteria in your gut will help you stay healthy and fight off bad bacteria and infections that can lead to illness.
Call us today, so we can help support you and your family with good health throughout the year.
