How to prevent catching cold this winter?

As is the case every year, in the coming months, the people around you will fall like flies. Sore throat, fever, nasal congestion, sneezing and coughing: the cold will once again wreak havoc!

Do not despair!

How to do to prevent catching a cold this winter?

• Wash your hands

The easiest and most effective way! In order to guard against the germs, you should wash your hands for about 20 seconds under hot water, taking care not to forget your fingers, nails and the top of your hands and rinse for 10 seconds. The operation must be repeated several times during the day: after a meal, leaving a public transport, etc. As an alternative, alcohol-based sanitizers are also an option, provided of course not to abuse!

• Have enough sleep

A good night’s sleep is essential to the proper functioning of the body. There is a direct correlation between sleep deprivation and the risk of contracting a virus. When the body is tired, it produces fewer antibodies. A study published in 2009 showed that, people who sleep less than 7 hours a night are three times more likely to catch a cold than those who rest for at least 8 hours.

• Avoid touching your face

When a person touches the lips, eyes or nose, the mucous membranes are exposed to germs on their hands. Recall that the cold virus survives for 48 hours on inanimate objects, so it is essential to avoid any contact with the face.

• Exercising regularly

Physical activity accelerates the blood circulation and promotes the production of white blood cells that eliminate foreign bodies. It helps the body to eliminate stress, improves cellular oxygenation and provides energy to the cells. Doing sports on a regular basis and in moderation also allows weight loss.

• Stay away from sick people

To avoid catching the cold, avoid contact with sick people as much as possible (except if you are with your children, of course). Moreover, if you are sick yourself, keep your distance (and enjoy to take a day off)!

• Eat vitamins and minerals

Vitamins A and C contribute to the proper functioning of the immune system. Scientists do not agree, however, whether vitamin C is truly effective in preventing colds. Colored fruits and vegetables (red peppers, kiwis, oranges, broccoli, etc.) are a good source of vitamin C. For vitamins A, you should turn to carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach. Calcium, magnesium, and zinc would also stimulate the immune system.

• Moderate Sugar Intake

Sugar has a direct impact on white blood cells, which are responsible for eliminating germs. Placed in a laboratory in a sweet solution, the white blood cells were less active and their metabolism slowed down. Sugar also increases the amount of mucus in the respiratory tract, which increases the risk of growth of viruses and bacteria.

• Eat healthily

To get through the winter without too much sniffing, it is essential to eat healthily and have a diet diversified and rich in antioxidants. It would also be desirable to adopt a diet rich in proteins since these contribute to the formation of antibodies and the proper functioning of the immune system.