There are several things you can do to prevent getting sick. These include: exercising, eating fruit, and avoiding taking over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs.
Chicken soup
Chicken soup may help you stay healthy when you feel a cold coming on. It can be a good source of nutrients, such as zinc, B-vitamins, and amino acids, which are essential for the immune system. In fact, it may even speed up your recovery from a cold.
If you don’t like to cook, try reheating a can of soup from the store. This is particularly helpful when you have a sore throat or congestion.
A good soup will contain a combination of herbs and spices, which are known to boost your immunity and give your body a boost. They also provide antioxidants, which are good for your overall health.
One study looked at the impact of different types of chicken soup on neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. Neutrophils are key components of your immune system. The soup was found to have an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing the movement of these cells.
Chicken soup contains another compound, carnosine, which has been shown to reduce the symptoms of a cold. There are a few potential applications for this compound, including preventing the migration of white blood cells into the upper respiratory tract.
However, most of the research has been done in the lab, so we have no real idea how chicken soup could work in humans.
There are other benefits, such as the ability to prevent dehydration and stimulate the production of serotonin, a chemical in your brain that enhances your mood.
A small study showed that hot chicken soup helped relieve congestion better than cold water. Hot liquids are also soothing to the sore throat.
There are no guarantees that soup will keep you from getting a cold, but the research shows it can be an effective remedy.
Gargling salt water
If you’ve been feeling sick, you might want to try gargling salt water. This is a very effective home remedy that is easy to do and won’t cost much. It’s also very safe, especially for children. Gargling salt water can reduce the inflammation and infection of your throat.
A sore throat is caused by the cold or flu virus. Other causes include allergies or bacterial infections. The osmosis effect of gargling with saltwater draws out fluids from your throat tissues, easing the pain and discomfort of your infection.
Saltwater can help prevent sore throats and mouth sores. Studies have shown that gargling with saltwater can decrease the risk of gum disease, periodontitis, and tooth decay.
Saltwater gargling also improves the blood flow to your throat. It’s also an effective home remedy for respiratory infections. Research has shown that people who gargle saltwater three times a day are less likely to get the flu.
Saltwater gargling can be used for sore throats of all ages. Adults who dislike saltwater solutions can mix warm water with a little lemon and honey for a more palatable option.
Sore throats are generally short-lived. Most symptoms go away within a week. However, if you’re dealing with a severe sore throat, you may need to take antibiotics. For more information on sore throats, see the Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies.
To make a saltwater solution, pour a little bit of salt into a cup of warm water. If you want a stronger remedy, you can add a little honey or garlic.
Getting a sore throat is an unfortunate part of the cold and flu season. Saltwater is a simple and cheap way to relieve your sore throat.
Eating fruit
The best time to consume fruits and veggies is when you’re at your healthiest. This is because the body is more receptive to vitamins and minerals, two things that a healthy body has a hard time getting rid of. Similarly, the best times to eat are during the daytime. A well rounded diet should contain a mix of fruits, vegetables and grains in equal proportions, all of which should be fresh and raw.
To be fair, this type of diet should be consumed in moderation. For instance, if you’re on a fruit centric diet, you should eat your breakfast, lunch and dinner. Having a solid meal on a regular basis is one of the best ways to boost your immune system and combat illness. You should also eat a well balanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Among other benefits, this will improve your blood glucose levels and thus lower your risk of developing diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases. Likewise, this diet should be paired with a good night’s sleep. After all, a tired body is more susceptible to infections.
NSAIDs
If you are feeling sick, you may want to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications can help with fever and pain. However, they are also known to have side effects, including stomach ulcers. Some side effects, like gastrointestinal bleeding, can be serious.
NSAIDs work by blocking the body’s production of certain chemicals that cause inflammation. They may be prescribed for a variety of conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. For these reasons, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medicine.
Some people worry about the potential negative effects of NSAIDs, especially if they have a history of heart problems or stroke. This is because NSAIDs have been linked to an increase in the risk of a stroke, heart attack, and other serious complications. Those risks can be increased when a person takes a high dose or uses them regularly for a long time.
In addition to the side effects of NSAIDs, they may also interfere with certain health conditions. People with chronic illnesses should avoid taking them, while those who smoke or have kidney issues should consider alternative medicines.
NSAIDS can be used to fight infections, including colds and flu. It can also be used to treat menstrual cramps and back pain. However, the drugs are often more effective when used in combination with other therapies.
Before starting NSAIDs, you should also check with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure that the medication you plan on using is safe and effective for you. You should never take a high dose if you are dehydrated. Also, it is advisable to see your doctor more often if you are taking NSAIDs for longer periods of time.
Light exercise
It’s not a secret that light exercise can help you get well faster. If you’re in the unfortunate position of getting sick, you’ll want to do everything you can to boost your immune system and stay as healthy as possible. This means you may want to dial back your workouts and keep a close eye on your fluid intake.
As you might expect, your body is going to be busy repairing itself. So the most important thing to do is to give it a little TLC. One of the best ways to do this is to take it easy on yourself. Rather than powering through a vigorous workout, consider scaling back your workouts by about 50% for the next 3-4 days.
While you’re at it, consider working out in the great outdoors. It’s a win-win: You can avoid the indoors ickiness, and a bit of fresh air can go a long way in boosting your immune system.
Of course, if you’re sick, you’re not likely to get a chance to do your cardio. In that case, consider a brisk walk or a light bike ride. Or if you really need to burn some steam, try a few rounds of racquetball.
Aside from exercise, the best thing you can do to boost your immunity is to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Getting a lot of these nutrients into your system will not only boost your immune system, but it will also help you feel better in no time. Having a healthy and balanced diet will also help you keep your energy levels high, allowing you to fight off a cold.
The biggest challenge is deciding whether or not to give in to your cold. Luckily, you’re not alone. According to the CDC, Americans catch a cold about two to three times a year.
