With all the sniffles and sneezes making the rounds this season, arm yourself with these tips from experts and make this cold and flu season your healthiest yet.
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Seven easy ways to fight cold and flu this winter!
Eat yoghurt for breakfast:
Doctors say the same living organisms that help ease digestive distress can help fight off colds.
This has been supported by a study conducted in 2011.
Scientists found that people who consumed probiotics by means of supplements or fermented foods had 12 per cent fewer upper respiratory infections.
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Have some mushrooms:
New research published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition provide evidence that they possess immune-boosting powers.
People who ate a cooked shiitake mushroom daily for a month showed higher numbers of T cells and less inflammation. T cells play a major role in the adaptive immune system of the body.
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Load up on liquids:
Experts say that fluids help thin out the mucus that your body makes when you're sick.
And when the mucus is thinner, it's easier to clear out of your system.
Doctors suggest consuming at least 2 litres of water or other fluids a day.
(Reuters Photo)
When ill, skip heavy exercise:
It is advisable that you only do some light exercise like a brisk walk or gentle yoga class, to boost your circulation.
If you're trying to get over a bad cold or the flu, a strenuous workout will only make it worse since your body needs to save energy to fight off the virus.
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Gargle with warm salt water:
Time to take your mum’s advice. This really does work.
Salt helps kill pathogens.
And it also coats your throat with a salt solution.
Doctors say half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water will ease inflammation and loosen mucus, which helps flush out germs.
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Have a spoonful of honey:
Experts suggest that honey is believed to be antimicrobial, and its thick, syrupy consistency coats and soothes an irritated throat.
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Prop yourself up:
Medical research has discovered that when you lie on your back, mucus collects in your sinus cavities, which can lead to secondary infections or chronic sinusitis.
Instead, try resting and sleeping at a 45-degree angle.
Doctors say that sitting up slightly will also help blood flow away from the head, reducing inflammation of the sinuses and nose.
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