How to Avoid Winter Illnesses, Naturally
It's that time of year again - cold and flu season. The CDC has already received approximately 2,500 reports of infection so far this winter. It seems like no matter what precautions or procedures you take, you can't escape the inevitable- eventually, somebody in your family catches it.
And while you may be tempted to rush out and stock up on over-the-counter medications, there are actually some natural ways to help keep yourself healthy this winter. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best ways to avoid winter illnesses using herbs, supplements and other natural methods. So if you're looking for an alternative to conventional medicine, read on!
Ways on How to Avoid Winter Illnesses, Naturally
Have you been wondering how to avoid winter illnesses? Wonder no more! Here are some natural ways to help keep you healthy during the cold months. From boosting your immune system to taking precautions against the flu, we've got you covered. So read on and stay well this winter!
Boost your immune system with these natural tips:
Drink plenty of fluids, especially warm liquids like tea or brothWhen we're feeling under the weather, we tend to want to reach for something that can give us a quick pick me up or make us feel better altogether... but there are certain things that will actually make our symptoms worse. That's why it's important to stick with hot liquids like tea, soup broths or even hot water when you want something other than plain water! Hot beverages have been proven to raise body temperature during cold months and can be one of the best ways on how to avoid illnesses naturally.
Drinking fluids is the key to staying hydrated. Staying hydrated will help your immune system function properly, so it can better fight off illness. Warm liquids are even more beneficial, as they have the added benefit of heating you up from the inside out! Fluids also help to thin mucus, so this is another way to encourage your body to stay healthy.
Get enough rest and relaxation
Who doesn't want R&R? Warm liquids, rest, and relaxation are some of the best ways on how to avoid winter illnesses. According to alternative medicine experts, our immune system needs adequate rest. So make sure you take time for yourself and get lots of sleep- your immune system will thank you!
Warm up with some detoxing teas
Detox teas are one of the best ways on how to avoid winter illnesses naturally. They help boost your body's ability to detoxify itself by stimulating circulation and encouraging lymphatic drainage. As a result, they're fantastic at boosting your immune system as well as flushing out toxins from your body that can cause infection or sickness.
Herbal teas are fantastic for keeping illness at bay during the winter season because they're loaded with vitamins and nutrients that help you stay strong! You can drink tea daily or just when you feel like you might be coming down with something.
Incorporate garlic into your diet
Garlic is one of the best foods around when it comes to staying healthy this winter. According to holistic nutritionists, garlic is a powerful immune booster that helps your body fight viruses and disease" And many people find that eating garlic helps keep them from getting sick in the first place! So whether you eat it raw or cooked, incorporate more garlic into your daily diet this winter.
Consume lots of ginger
Ginger root is a great natural remedy for winter illnesses because it has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce congestion. Garlic works similarly by thinning mucus and fighting inflammation in the throat and nasal cavity areas. So if you're feeling under the weather, whip up some homemade chicken soup with plenty of ginger or garlic!
Eat some probiotics yogurt
Probiotics are good for boosting your immune system, so they're one of the best ways on how to avoid winter illnesses naturally. Look for active cultures yogurt that contains vitamin D and other essential minerals- these will give your immune system a boost as well! You could also take a supplement like this one to fight off colds and flu.
Drink plenty of water (and stay away from sugary drinks)
If you want the best way on how to avoid winter illnesses, drinking plenty of water is definitely key! Drinking water is one of the most important habit you can do to keep illness at bay during cold months.
Boost your vitamin D intake
It's no secret that vitamin D is fantastic for keeping you healthy during cold months. And one of the best ways on how to avoid winter illnesses naturally is by loading up on vitamin D. Foods like salmon, eggs, and fortified dairy products will give you a nice boost of vitamin D- even if it's cold outside!
The sun helps our bodies to produce D vitamin, which boosts your immune system". So be sure to get outside and soak up some sunshine as soon as you can this winter- it's one of the best ways on how to avoid winter illnesses naturally!
Exercise moderately (but make sure not to overdo it!)
One of the best ways on how to avoid winter illnesses is by getting enough physical activity every day- especially if you need to get outside! However, make sure that you're not overexerting yourself when exercising during this time of year, which is why it's probably not a good idea to try out for football or cheerleading right before winter break! You can always begin with something simple like taking walks outside or trying out yoga sessions in the gym until you build up more stamina for more arduous workouts.
Exercise is excellent for your immune system because it strengthens the heart and lungs. Plus, exercise also stimulates circulation, which helps keep your lymphatic system working properly. But make sure you don't overdo it when exercising outdoors in the wintertime- too much exertion in freezing temperatures can actually put a real strain on your body. Instead, opt for moderate indoor exercises like yoga or Pilates until the weather warms up a bit.
Stay warm and dry in cold weather
We all know that getting wet or cold is bad for your health, so make sure you dress warmly during the wintertime. And if you have to go outside in the cold, take it slow and don't overdo your exertion!
Do some steam inhalation
Steam inhalation is one of the best ways on how to avoid winter illnesses naturally because it promotes clear breathing, which helps prevent infection. You can do this easiy by boiling some water than standing over it with a towel draped over your head. Just be careful not to burn yourself!
Get plenty of sleep every night
Getting adequate sleep is imperative if you want to keep strong throughout the winter months- especially during flu season. The average adult needs at least eight to nine hours of sleep a night, but that number can vary depending on the individual.
The more rested you are, the stronger and better your immune system will be against all those germs floating around in the air! So get to bed early tonight--you'll feel better tomorrow morning when you wake up. And don't forget to drink lots of water- it's good for both your skin and your immune system too!
Try taking some echinacea supplements
Echinacea is a plant-based supplement that's great for strengthening the immune system and one of the best ways on how to avoid winter illnesses naturally. So if you're feeling like you might be coming down with something or simply want to prevent illnesses from occuring in the first place, consider using an echinacea supplement. Just make sure your doctor approves of you taking anything like this before you get started!
Take care of your mental health
You might not think that colds and flu are related to your mental wellbeing, but they actually are connected in one way or another. Sometimes our immune system can get so overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or depression that it's hard for the body to fend off certain infections. Research has proven that stress is a 'significant precursor' of illness. So, if you want to remain healthy during the winter months, make sure to take good care of yourself emotionally, mentally, as well as physically!
Get your daily dose of vitamin C!
If there were ever an essential winter vitamin, it would have to be vitamin C! Vitamin C is fantastic for strengthening your immune system during cold months and one of the best ways on how to avoid winter illnesses naturally. Just remember that your body can only absorb about 500 mg at a time- which is why it is not a good idea just to buy the biggest bottle of vitamin C pills you can find (even if they're cheap).
Try drinking some elderberry syrup
Elderberry syrup is fantastic for keeping illness away during cold months since it contains so many antioxidants. Plus, the plant has been shown to shorten the length of the flu by up to four days! And the best part? You don't have to cook or bake anything- elderberry syrup is actually something you can buy over-the-counter at your local health food store.
Try oil pulling
Oil pulling (swishing oil around the mouth) is a fantastic way on how to avoid winter illnesses naturally because it cleanses the mouth and promotes strong teeth and gums.
Plus, many swear that this natural remedy helps alleviate cold symptoms like sore throats or congestion! You can either purchase coconut or sesame oil for this method, but keep in mind that different sources say different things about which one is better for you... so test them both out and see what works best!
Use essential oils to help fight off sickness
Many essential oils (lavender, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil) are fantastic for clearing your sinuses and strengthening your immune system. Just make sure that you're not allergic to the plant before attempting this method!
Wintertime means sniffling noses and itchy eyes, so why not fight back against these cold-weather woes by filling up your house with a natural cure-all: lavender essential oil! On the other hand, tea tree oil is an excellent remedy for sore throats and coughs! Finally, Eucalyptus oil is one of the best ways to avoid winter illnesses naturally since it helps clear up congestion.
They smell absolutely fantastic, and their natural properties make them perfect for keeping your sinuses clear as well as minimizing stress levels (which is always a bonus during the holiday season). But make sure you use it sparingly! Most oils need to be diluted before being sprayed, or diffused eucalyptus oil will help open up your sinuses- both great remedies if you're feeling sick.
Wash your hands as frequently as possible
You might think that avoiding colds is all about keeping germs away from you- but it's actually the other way around: you're keeping those pesky germs away from everyone else if you keep washing your hands! So make sure to keep hand sanitizer with you at all times, or simply carry a bottle of good old-fashioned soap and water. Just make sure to wash your hands before eating, after using the bathroom and especially after sneezing or coughing (it only takes one sneeze to spread an illness like the plague).
Drink peppermint tea to soothe your throat
Peppermint is not only delicious, but it can also make you feel better when you've got a sore throat. Plus, the plant has antibacterial properties, which makes it an effective way of alleviating cold symptoms like body aches or congestion!
Don't forget about your diet!
Craving some carbs? Grab some rice or oatmeal! Feeling under the weather? Skip the wine and have some chicken noodle soup instead! Your diet plays a big part in how healthy you are during the winter months. If you're feeling a little
Try some Zinc supplements if you can't get enough from your diet
Taking a zinc supplement every day can significantly boost your immune system as well as prevent infection! But make sure you consult with your doctor first before taking any supplements-this is especially important for children under 18, pregnant women and those who are currently taking other medications. If there's a chance that a certain supplement might interfere with another medication you're already taking, it is best to be safe rather than sorry.
If possible, try staying away from people who are sick
This is a bit of advice that's probably easier said than done... but if you can manage to stay away from anyone who has a cold or cough, do it. But remember: germs are everywhere, and it's impossible to avoid them completely!
Wash your beddings, pillowcases, and sheets in hot water regularly
You might not think about washing your bed sheets as much as you wash the rest of your laundry... but remember: you spend around 1/3 of your life in bed! So make sure to wash them regularly with hot water to help kill off any germs or bacteria that could be lurking on your fluffy pillows or soft comforter.
Avoid touching touch your eyes, mouth, and nose--it spreads germs!
Experts suggest that we should avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose because doing so can transfer germs into these potential hotbeds of bacteria.
It is also important to make sure that our hands are clean so wash your hands before you eat (or worse yet, after handling money!) and always carry around hand sanitizer!
Eat healthy, nutritious foods that support the immune system
We've been stressing this from the very beginning: your diet really does make a difference in how healthy you are during the winter months! In fact, eating carrots can help keep your eyes healthy and boost your immune system. Plus, the nutrients in carrots can help decrease inflammation thanks to beta-carotene. Olives are also great for fighting off germs--and they're full of healthy fats, too!
Your nutrition does not only affect how healthy you are during the summer months but also during the winter seasons. So make sure that your kitchen is well-stocked with fruits and vegetables all year round!
Practice good hygiene
You might not think that the people around you are carrying germs... but you never know! That's why it's crucial to practice good hygiene whether you're in public or not. Make sure to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching areas like doorknobs and elevator buttons (which can transfer all kinds of bacteria!)
Salt Water Gargle
An easy way to kill germs is with a saltwater gargle. Just dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water. Gargle with the salt and water solution and spit it out afterwards so that you don't swallow any of the salt. For added immune-boosting benefits, squeeze some lemon into the mixture.
Avoid smoking
Smoking is never ever good for our health... and it's definitely not good to do as the temperature dips! In addition to increasing your risk of getting a cold or even pneumonia, smoking can also make it harder to recover from sickness once you've caught something.
Stop drinking too much alcohol
It may be cold outside, but that is no excuse to have a drink every night! It's best to avoid drinking at all. Why? Alcohol actually increases the production of mucus in your throat, making it harder for you to fight off germs. Furthermore, drinking makes it more likely that you'll take poor care of yourself by skipping meals or staying up late.
Make sure you clean your house properly
If colds are running rampant in your household this winter, make sure to disinfect countertops and doorknobs- these are two of the most common places where germs tend to settle down! And don't forget about frequently used shared spaces like the kitchen or bathroom- this will help kill any germs that might be lounging around no matter what season it is!
Wear a mask
If possible, make sure to wear a mask while outside. If you happen to get sick, make sure to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids (preferably water). And don't forget: there's nothing better than staying at home when the infection is spreading fast. Listen to your province's public health information, and follow safety precautions to avoid getting sick.
Stay positive
This is something that one can't always control since it is easy to succumb to depression nowadays. But it's always good to remember!
Research has proven that being happy is associated with having stronger and healthier immune systems. So go ahead and bust out those dance moves, snap some selfies with that new filter, or watch a good movie or funny videos! At the end of it all... you'll be healthier for it.
Staying positive can help you fight off any infection or sickness, so do what you need to do to stay happy and healthy during the winter months!
Get rid of the clutter cluttering up your place
Forget about being a neat freak or anything of that sort- there's nothing more important than your health! If you have had a cold for over a couple of days, make sure to clean out your house. This means getting rid of old clothes (which could collect bedbugs), unused items, plates/utensils (if they accumulate too much bacteria) and even unnecessary furniture (that might harbour dust mites). Best bet? Donate these items to charity
Ask for help when needed
There is no shame in asking for help from your family and friends! In many cases, our loved ones are the ones who can make us feel better when we're sick... so make sure to reach out when you need it most!
You can also seek professional help if you are already sick or if you are dealing with a chronic condition. There is no shame in asking for help- your family, friends, and healthcare professionals are there to give you the much-needed support whenever you feel like you need it most.
Keep learning
If you have followed all the steps in this article, you should be much more prepared than the average person at this point! But don't stop here--keep researching and learning about how you can improve your wellness routine. With good planning and preparation, you will be able to experience a wonderful winter without getting sick!
This article is all about how to avoid winter illnesses, naturally. We hope that we have given you some valuable information and tips on what you can do in order to stay healthy this season! If you want more natural remedies for common colds or other ailments, subscribe to our blog!
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