Did you know cold season is almost here? This year more than others, you need to make sure you’re doing everything you can to avoid the latest bug. Make sure you’re at least following the five tips below:
- Take Vitamin D – As the days get shorter, your vitamin D levels get lower. Canadian researchers have found that taking 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 a week may cut your risk of upper respiratory infection in half.
- Keep Your Hands Away from Your Face – According to a study in the Journal of Occupational Health, people who occasionally touch their eyes and nose are 41 percent more likely to develop frequent upper respiratory infections than those who keep their hands away from their face.
- Use a Humidifier – When your nasal passages get dried out, their natural antimicrobial properties will suffer. Plus, a recent study suggests that maintaining an indoor humidity level between 40-60% can actually reduce the survival of flu viruses on surfaces and in the air. Not at home during the day? Try using saline nasal spray to keep things moist. It acts like a humidifier to keep sinus mucus moving and can help wash away allergens and germs before they cause inflammation.
- Eat Fish – A study in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity found that increasing your omega-3 intake can spur production of infection-fighting cells, which can help protect against certain infections. Not a fish fan? Try a krill oil supplement. They offer all the omega-3 benefits, without the fishy taste.
- Wash AND Dry Your Hands – It takes a good scrub with soap and water to actually rub a virus off your skin. Don’t skimp. Try singing the lyrics to your favorite song to ensure proper length of hand washing. And don’t forget to dry them well. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), wet hands are more likely to spread germs than dry ones.
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