January seems to be the season when hundreds of thousands of germs call an all out war on our world. Hand washing, flu shots, vitamins, anti germ preventions, a suit of armor, total body sanitizers, and perhaps living in a bubble would probably help protect you from nasty viruses, however, some of these are just not practical. After reading several studies on the web in the safety of a sanitary domain on a private sterilized keyboard, here are a few interesting, helpful suggestions for us to strengthen our immune system army and fight back against these nasty germs.
GARGLING with salt water has always been a popular home remedy for a sore throat. Gargling liquefies thickened mucous that forms when you catch a cold. It is believed that salt water gargling may help decrease your chances of contacting a respiratory illness. Try ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle, swish, and spit away germs.
PROTEIN helps your body produce antibodies. Antibodies fight colds. Eat lean meats, poultry, fish, and beans. These foods also contain zinc, which contributes to white blood-cell production. Snack on nuts for some extra protein.
WARM LIQUIDS, such as mother’s tried and true remedies of chicken soup or a cup of hot tea with lemon, are sure to lessen symptoms and shorten the duration of your cold or flu. Although this is not a preventative, hot liquids can help thin infected, thick mucous much like gargling. In addition, the oils in chicken soup stimulate the release of cytokines, which are molecules that act in clearing up infections.
KINDLE it. Public surfaces, including books and magazines contain members of this germ army of which we speak. As with elevator buttons, cash machine buttons, chairs, handrails, light switches, door handles, you get the drift, hand-to-hand contact is one of this army’s primary attack strategies. One germ touches a surface and then you touch it and transfer those germs to your mouth, nose, or eyes and the battle is on. Using hand sanitizer will help keep this army under control, along with using your own personal reading material especially when visiting the doctor or dentist.
MEDITATION AND YOGA might be a cold and flu preventative. Stress has a negative effect on your immune system, so reducing stress would be a positive against the virus war. Exercise makes us good fighting soldiers too. The effects of exercise and meditation can reduce the number of colds and flu by nearly half.
Hopefully by following these tips, washing our hands, coughing/sneezing into our arms, and staying home while we are sick we can recover quickly, stay healthy and help prevent the spread of germs and contagious illnesses.
Healthy, Happy New Year!
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