How to Prevent a Common Cold

Anytime we are unlucky enough to come down with a sniffle or cough, someone always approaches us and shares their words of wisdom on how to prevent a cold. Our mothers were the first ones with scare tactics like, “don’t go outside with wet hair”, or “don’t forget your jacket, you’ll catch a cold”. It didn’t stop us, we did it anyway, and we survived. Now the emphasis is on natural alternatives to prevent a cold, supplements like zinc, Echinacea, vitamin C, and other preparations. Studies have also shown that by eating a nutritional diet, getting plenty of rest, avoiding stress, and exercising regularly can do a lot more for you than getting your body in shape. Living a healthy lifestyle also boosts the immune system and keeps us feeling great. Sure there are times when you are just going to get whatever it is going around, but it won’t happen very often.

If you don’t want to stay healthy and prevent a cold or flu, there other things you can try, because you don’t have to get sick every cold and flu season. For some very practical cold prevention and lifestyle tips, visit www.coldflu.about.com. We’ve all been told that we should eat chicken noodle soup when we have a cold, and when we do, it makes us feel better, doesn’t it? According to this internet source, studies have shown that chicken noodle soup broth contains anti-inflammatory properties that help unblock sinus and chest congestion. No wonder it makes us feel better! Another food that has been shown to prevent a cold is chocolate, which contains a certain ingredient that is more effective in stopping a persistent cough than cough syrups containing codeine.

A very important way to help prevent a cold is with diet. There are many studies that confirm that diets rich in fatty and processed foods contribute to decreased immune functions. Another study shows that sugary foods cause a decrease in white blood cell activity. White blood cells are used to fight disease. By eating sugary foods when you are sick, or on the brink of getting sick, you increase your chances of getting sicker by crippling your immune system with sugar.

For more good advice on how to prevent a cold or the flu, check out any number of websites, such as www.webmd.com, www.medicinenet.com, and www.lungusa.org plus many others, that offer practical information like taking a daily multivitamin. For some people, especially older adults and infants, colds can be deadly because they lead to more severe illnesses like pneumonia and RSV. It is also important to wash your hands often, avoid crowds if possible, increase activity levels, exercise more, and get plenty of rest. If you do get a cold, take a hot bath and some extra vitamin C, zinc, and Echinacea, which all will lessen the severity of your discomfort and the decrease the amount of time you are sick. Here’s to your health!