Boost your immune system

A stronger immune system is your best guard against transferable diseases especially against seasonal colds, coughs and fever

A runny nose, cough and sore throat are hard to escape especially during weather changes. In fact most people suffer two or three bouts a year. That’s probably why it’s called “the common cold”.

Colds, coughs, sore, throats and flu are highly contagious respiratory infections that are spread when virus – laden fluid droplets-- are released into the air by coughing and sneezing or transferred to any surfaces by touch.

British researchers have shown that the cold virus is activated slightly below 98.6 °F (37°C), the normal temperature for humans. The immune systems cells are stronger at higher body temperatures as the germs don’t reproduce well if temperature is higher.

The horrible symptoms of swelling in your throat and nose when one is attacked by the above viruses are actually signs of immune system working hard to get the virus out of your system as immune cells rush in to fight of the germs.

So it seems that the old wives’ tales about catching cold in lower temperatures have a grain of truth. If you sit in a draft, your temperature may drop just enough to activate the cold, flu and cough viruses that have been biding their time in your body you’re more vulnerable to colds, coughs and flu when your immune system is depressed.

A stronger immune system is your best guard against transferable diseases. Keep it at optimum levels with a good diet and healthy habits. If you have a fully functional immune system, then when you are exposed to a bug, you will kick it out quickly and symptoms such as a raised temperature will not last for long.

The following food helps to keep healthy in winter:

Capsicums, chili, green chili and other hot peppers which bring on a sweat keep the mucus flowing, helps break congestion and headaches. So turn up the spice in your next meal. Other herbs and spices are helpful in alleviating cold symptoms include chilies, basil (Tulsi), reputed to relieve the headaches associated with colds and cloves and ginger, which have an expectorant action.
Garlic helps stimulate the immune system and inhibits the growth of bacteria. If bad breath is a concern, then suck clove its very good for a sore throat.
Ginger combats inflammation, so drink ginger tea, add fresh ginger to your food or eat a few pieces of ginger.
Drink lots of fluids: water, tea, and soup. They will keep you hydrated, help mucus to flow and flush out your body.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as they are rich in antioxidants that are your soldiers of your bodies fighting free radicals that lower your immunity.
Getting at least eight hours of sleep a night can help your body fight off infection. So, a good night’s sleep is important.
Chicken soup really helps! It clears mucous membranes and contains loads of nutrients that boost the immune system.
Keep your body weight low as a higher weight lowers your immunity.
Stop smoking, don’t be a passive smoker as well.