5 Cold and Flu Prevention Tips Mom Never Told You
Updated: Jul. 16, 2019
Strengthen your immune-system with these uncommon home remedies.
New Ways To Prevent Colds and Flus
Before suffering the onslaught of snotty noses and hacking coughs, there are ways to support the immune system that go beyond the traditional vitamin C, echinacea and chicken soup. Here are five out-of-the-box strategies.
1. Juicing Fresh Tumeric and Ginger
The juice of fresh turmeric and ginger has the potential to enhance the body’s immune response. By acting as an antimicrobial, turmeric and ginger help fight against invading viruses and bacteria. Enjoy a glass of homemade carrot, apple and fresh ginger juice or zucchini, apple and fresh turmeric juice.
2. Cold Plunging
When it comes to colds and flu, polar bear swimmers have the advantage. There is evidence that taking cold plunges daily, either in a bath or shower, significantly increases the concentration and activity of immune system cells. Intersperse a hot shower with blasts of cold water to take advantage of this strategy.
3. Reducing Sugar
The World Health Organization recommends no more than six teaspoons of added sugar each day, but Canadians, on average, are consuming a belly-busting 26 teaspoons a day. Sugar from any source reduces immune system function. It’s tough at holiday time to cut back on sweets, but try alcohol-free vanilla liquid stevia to help curb added sugar consumption.
4. Taking Probiotics
The gut acts as a barrier, protecting the body from harmful bacteria and viruses that are unwittingly ingested. The gut houses 50 percent of your immune system cells, and studies show that consuming probiotics from foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt and supplements can enhance the function of your immune system and help prevent illness.
5. Meditating
Practicing mindfulness meditation daily can enhance antibody production. Antibodies are designed to recognize foreign bacteria and viruses, and signal immune system cells to attack foreign pathogens.
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