Getting affected by cold and flu is very common. And one of the common ways of getting an infection is by shaking hands which we generally can’t avoid. But, you can still protect yourself from the germs by washing your hands with a good hand-wash. Besides this, you can also try out the other natural ways to prevent cold and flu that we are going to discuss in this article.
1. Take a walk
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Various studies have shown that women who exercised regularly post-menopausal had a lower risk of getting affected by flu and cold. It is said that brisk walk of 45 minutes, five days a week can help in reducing the chances of getting affected by the cold. And a moderate exercise for an hour can help in boosting the production of the white blood cells and immunity.
2. Use probiotics
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To boost your immune system, it is very important to have a healthy gut bacteria as it helps in combating the common illness and infections. Consuming probiotic-rich food like dark chocolate, tempeh, yogurt, and pickles provide your body healthy bacteria that can help in the proper functioning of your immune system.
3. Stay hydrated
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Drinking plenty of water can help in eliminating all the toxins from your body and makes sure that your body functions at an optimal level. Besides this, hydration enhances your body’s ability to ward off flu and cold. So, it is advised that you should drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
4. Avoid biting your nails
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Various studies have shown that biting nails is one of the common causes of flu and cold as they transfer the germs to your mouth. And avoiding this habit can help you a lot to prevent various infections. So, it is advised that you should avoid biting your nails and reduce the chances of getting affected by infections.
5. Have a proper sleep
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According to a research, sleeping less than seven or nine hours can make your body more prone to illness. It is said that proper sleep can help in maintaining your overall health and reduces the chances of getting an infection. Many studies have shown that insufficient sleep decreases the production of immune cells and proteins in your body.
6. Eat more fruits and vegetables
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Consuming fresh and bright colored fruits and vegetables can help in boosting your immunity and the high amount of vitamin C and antioxidants present in them help in combating cold and flu. They also speed up the recovery process.
7. Drink green tea
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Drinking green tea with honey and lemon can help in treating cold and flu effectively. When you drink green tea, it stimulates cilia (hair follicles present in the nose) which moves out the germs easily. And when you add lemon and honey to the green tea, it helps in providing a protective barrier to ward off infections.
8. Keep the surfaces clean
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Try to keep the things clean that are touched frequently at home and workplace. This simple tip will help to prevent spreading of germs which can cause flu. You can also use disinfectants to remove all the germs, especially from the keyboard, doorknobs, and toilets.
So, these were the few ways to prevent cold and flu naturally. Try them out and stay healthy and fit.