5 Ways to Avoid Colds and the Flu

Introduction

Your immune system is your first line of defense against foreign invaders like germs and viruses that can make you severely sick. It is critical to ensure that you stay healthy throughout the year and to maximize your chances of boosting your immune system. Here are five tips to help you stay healthy and avoid getting sick with a cold or flu.

Step 1 - Eating Well

Eating healthy entails consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables while also remaining hydrated. Enough to provide your immune system with a variety of minerals and antioxidants. You'll want to make sure you're getting enough selenium, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Selenium can be present in fish or nuts (such as Brazil nuts). Vitamin E can be found in spinach, seeds, and peanuts, among other foods. Many vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes, contain vitamin C. Drinking plenty of water will assist your body in flush out pollutants such as germs that can cause illness.

Fish

Fish, particularly tuna, is an excellent source of selenium. Around 30 mcg of selenium can be found in one ounce of tuna. Selenium is an important mineral for our health and immunity since it is a powerful antioxidant. A daily dose of 55 micrograms of selenium is recommended for adults. Other fish and seafood typically contain 12 to 20 micrograms of selenium per ounce. Salmon is also a great way to boost your immune system. It's high in "good fat" (omega-3), which is proven to boost the immune system and lower the risk of heart disease.

Lentils

5 Ways to Avoid Colds and the Flu

Lentils are a fantastic substitute for fish if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. Around 6 mcg of selenium can be found in a cup of lentils. They're also high in anti-inflammatory minerals, fiber, and protein.

Garlic

Garlic is another vegetable that has an immune-boosting effect comparable to zinc. Garlic, according to some research, has the power to keep a cold at bay. In several trials, people with cancer were able to improve their immune system by increasing their garlic intake.

Blueberries

Antioxidants are abundant in berries in general. Blueberries have the highest concentration of antioxidants of all fruits and vegetables. Not only has research linked blueberries to a lower risk of stomach fat, cholesterol, heart disease, and cancer, but it has also been related to a lower risk of stomach fat, cholesterol, heart disease, and cancer.

Sunflower Seeds

Vitamin E is abundant in sunflower seeds. One ounce contains 76 percent of your daily need or 15 milligrams. Vitamin E, like selenium, is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and helps fight illness.

Step 2 - Practice Good Hygiene

The most effective way to avoid getting the flu or a cold is to avoid antigens by maintaining excellent hygiene. That involves limiting your exposure to viruses and germs as much as possible.

The virus's purpose is to find a host, which is a cell in the body. Our innate immune system, which includes our skin, is the body's first responder. Our skin, as the first line of defense, acts as a surface barrier to keep viruses and germs out of our bodies

That's why, during flu season, you'll see placards urging people to wash their hands all over. Washing your hands kills the antigen before it does harm to the body. Hands should be washed before each meal, after going to the bathroom, and after using the restroom.

Step 3 - Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water will aid your body in flushing out pollutants that could make you unwell. 75 percent of individuals are chronically dehydrated, which is likely one of the main reasons why we get sick or don't recover quickly from illnesses. Toxins must be flushed from our bodies, so water is essential. We can't get rid of poisons fast enough if we don't have enough water. Toxins can be found in the form of bacteria or viruses. Drinking a lot of water can help you fight infection. You can start boosting your water consumption by carrying a refillable bottle with you at all times. Water consumption should be between 2 and 3 liters each day.

Step 4 – Implement a Bedtime Routine

You must obtain enough sleep to ensure that your immune system is operating properly. It is recommended that we receive between seven and eight hours of sleep per night because sleep is so important to our immune system. That amount of time is sufficient to repair the body. Getting enough sleep improves the ability of the body's white cells to fight infections and reduces the symptoms of the common cold and flu. To get a good night's sleep, strive to establish a bedtime schedule that allows you to receive your recommended amount of sleep. Here are some suggestions to help you sleep better.

Create a Routine

A regimen has been demonstrated to deceive your body into sleeping at a set hour. Try to notice whether you are sleepy at any point during the day. If this is the case, ensure that you go to bed before that time. Create a regimen that allows you to finish everything and go to bed before that hour. You can also set an alarm to remind yourself that it's time to get ready for bed. You'll be less likely to forget what time it is and more successful at sticking to a routine this way. A bedtime ritual is a wonderful complement to your daily routine. A good nighttime ritual allows you to unwind, withdraw from the stresses of the day, and gradually signal to your body that it is time to sleep.

Set a Comfortable Atmosphere

It might be time to take a look at your bedroom and see what you can do to make it more conducive to a good night's sleep. Don't underestimate the influence of new linens and the comfort of your bed and pillow. You will have a difficult time falling asleep or remaining asleep if you are uncomfortable. Another factor of comfort is the room's temperature and the quantity of noise in the vicinity. Sleep with a fan or a white noise machine turned on. Having a continuous sound in the room

The room might be able to help you sleep better. Try a drop of lavender on your pillow if you prefer essential oils; it will help your brain rest.

Avoid This

From 2–3 hours before bedtime, avoid any alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine, or a substantial meal.

Talk to an Expert

If you've tried all of these suggestions and are still having trouble sleeping, you should talk to your doctor or a sleep expert. They may also be able to offer you other solutions for dealing with your sleeping problems.

Step 5 – Manage Your Stress

Stress is a major factor in many illnesses. One out of every three people says they are quite stressed in their daily lives, which puts us in danger of triggering any harmful viruses that may be lurking in our systems. When we are stressed, our bodies ability to resist antigens with antibodies is harmed. Our immune system can be harmed by daily stress and stressful situations. Your immune system will become stronger as you incorporate more stress-reduction exercises into your life. Here are two methods to help you minimize stress and boost your viral immunity.

Change Your Mindset

Being more optimistic and living in the present moment can help you transform your perspective. Positive thinking, according to research from around the world, is a trait that improves your health and lowers your risks of getting sick from a virus. Not only do optimistic people have a stronger immune system, but they also appear to be healthier in general. Whatever happens in your environment, you always have a choice in how you respond to it. With a half-full glass or a half-empty glass, you can view it either way. Focusing on appreciation is a great strategy to start improving your attitude. Identifying things for which you are grateful

will assist you in seeing the bright side of everything. You can do so by writing in a notebook the thankfulness you want to communicate on a daily basis.

Practice Mindfulness

will assist you in seeing the bright side of everything. You can take a new perspective on life by adopting a mindfulness practice to help you manage your tensions. The ability to dwell in the present moment and not worry about the past or future is referred to as mindfulness. Less mental stress equals l• Breathing in through the nose

• Breathing out through the mouth

• Repeat two more times

Less mental stress equals less physical stress, giving your immune system greater vigor. Take three deep breaths to practice mindfulness breathing. an do so by writing in a notebook the thankfulness you want to communicate on a daily basis.

Repeat this attentive breathing practice a few times during the day for a total of 5 mindfulness breathing exercises.

Tap Into the Power of Aromas

Essential oil aromas can boost your immune system while also generating a sense of calm in your environment. One of the most potent essential oils is lavender. Lavender is an antioxidant-rich oil that aids in the protection of cells from toxins in the body. It may be diffused to help eliminate allergens, bring a fresh scent to your environment, and relax you. Put a drop of lavender oil on your pillow to help you sleep better. Another great technique to utilize lavender oil is to add two to four drops to your bathwater. Lavender oil aids in the removal of impurities from the body while also providing a deep sensation of relaxation.

Anyone can focus on strengthening their immune system to improve their chances of staying healthy throughout flu season or when faced with bacteria. As you have learned from this five-step strategy, consuming particular foods and reducing stress in our lives can help us battle illness. You also have the option of improving your sleep, which will aid your body's ability to fight infection.

When you follow those five steps, you will most likely realize that you have more energy to accomplish more of the things you enjoy when you are healthier. Keeping your body in good shape offers numerous advantages

If at all possible, strive to maintain this lifestyle throughout the year, as it will aid in the development of a strong immune system that can withstand antigens. You will not only have a better chance of staying healthy, but you will also recover faster if you become ill.