“If a doctor treats your cold, it will go away in fourteen days. If you leave it alone, it will go away in two weeks.” – Gloria Silverstein
It’s getting to that time of year again when everyone seems to come down with a cold & there’s not a lot you can do about it. That’s where you are wrong… Ok, so you can’t eliminate colds completely but there are some things you can do to help you prevent them. Whether you think you pick up colds easily or not, these few tips will aid you avoid colds as much as possible over the winter.
Make sure you are consuming lots of brightly coloured fruit & veg, as they contain immune boosting antioxidants. These help battle free radicals that dampen your natural defences, so protect your immune system, which should lessen your chances of colds. Things such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peppers, broccoli, plums, kidney beans and tomatoes are some great sources of antioxidants.
Limiting your alcohol intake can also help. Alcohol impairs white blood cells ability to combat germs and viruses for up to 24 hours after consumption. So to decrease your chances of catching a cold, reduce the amount of alcohol you have and if you do feel the need to have a drink, stick to just one.
Last but not least, you’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again… wash your hands properly! It sounds pretty basic and you’re probably thinking you wash your hands enough, but during the colder months when illnesses are consistent at home and in your work place wash your hands more frequently to keep the germs at bay.
Steffi Davies – Level 3 PT