Here in Australia winter is setting in. The leaves are falling off the trees, the electric blankets are coming out of the closets and the winter menu full of comfort foods such as soups and casseroles are becoming a part of our daily diets.
With the winter season upon us, the one thing that many us suffer from at one point in the winter is colds and flus.
The colds and flu can be mild, but also can be sever, especially:
- The elderly
- Children and infants
- Asthmatics
- Diabetics
- Pregnant women and
- Anyone who has a health condition that worsens with the flu.
Complications can also occur when getting the flu, some of the complications can include:
- Bronchitis and lung infections
- Ear Infections
- Pneumonia
- Sinus infections
There are things that we can all do to strengthen our immune systems and help reduce the risk of getting the flu during winter and to also help treat it if the flu does come knocking on our doors.
Some of the things that can help prevent getting the flu and help fight it include:
Taking your vitamins daily: Taking vitamins (even if its a multi) such as vitamin C, Vitamin D and Zinc can help strengthen the immune system, prevent the flu and help the immune system fight it
Have a balanced diet: A diet full of green leafy vegetables (like spinach, kale and broccoli) and bright coloured fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and protein (such as lentils, fish, tofu, chicken and meat) can help boost the immune system and also fight the flu if you do get it.
Reduce stress: Being highly stressed can suppress the immune system and can increase your risk of getting the flu. Meditation, exercise and relaxation technique can help reduce your stress
Get Plenty of Sleep: Lack of sleep can increase your risk of getting sick, getting at least 8 hours of sleep can help reduce the risk of getting sick, and can help your body fight it if you do have the flu.
Exercise: Exercise can enhance immune function and can reduce stress which can help lower your risk of getting sick
Quit smoking: Among the long list of health risks associated with smoking such as cancer, smoking can increase the risk of getting the flu and also getting lung infections due to the effects on smoking has on the lungs
Stay Away: If you are exposed to someone who has the flu virus, keep your distance and wash your hands before touching your face. Even rubbing your eyes after being exposed can cause you to get the flu.
These tips can help strengthen the immune system and reduce your risk of getting the flu as well as fighting it.
Further Reading:
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/basics/risk-factors/con-20035101
- http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/cold_flu_stopping_germs_work
- http://thyroid.about.com/od/newscontroversies/a/avoidflu.htm
- http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20250939,00.html
- http://www.cbn.com/health/pride_flu.aspx
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