Is there actually a way you can avert a cold? There is no cure for the common cold but we know things that can help to avoid a cold from happening. If we had a magic cure for the common cold, it would be a wonderful tool to eliminate this disease. There are many theories that promise if you take this product or eat this food they can guarantee you will not develop a cold. Basically all that is hog wash, because there is no known product or food that can prevent colds. Common sense and taking the very best care of yourself is actually the key to help decrease the incidence of colds. Increasing your awareness around you and protecting yourself from obvious sources that can spread bacteria or viruses is the best way to prevent a common cold.
As an RN I cannot stress this enough, "WASH YOUR HANDS"! Everything you touch has probably been touched by someone else and who knows where those hands have been? How many times have you walked into a restroom at work, or used a public bathroom and you have seen individuals walk out without washing their hands? That should make you want to cringe and think about where their hands will be next.The best defense that anyone can do to protect themselves is practicing good hygiene and washing your hands frequently.
There is no magic to preventing a cold, there are only things to reduce your risks. It is also important to keep yourself healthy so if you do catch a cold your immune system will kick in and help to get you well. The number one thing again is washing your hands and trying to stay away from individuals that are sick.
Did you know that sunshine is important to your health? Sunshine is responsible for your skin producing a form of vitamin D. Vitamin D has a direct tie in with your immune system. Your T cells are activated and fight the T cells that are affected. A strong immune system is vital to fighting off colds.
Your diet is important and what you are putting in your mouth makes a difference. You should eat foods that are rich in vitamin C and E. In order to do this, incorporate foods like citrus fruits, corn oil and nuts into your diet. These vitamins are known to increase the strength of your immune system.
Exercise also plays a stake in maintaining a healthy immune system. Regular exercise stimulates your immune system and also helps with promoting a good nights sleep. Getting the recommended 8 hours of sleep a night can help to keep your immune system in top notch condition.
There is also a claim to drink green tea because of its powerful antioxidant activity. Some people take what is called probiotics. These are supplements of acidophilus and bifidus bacteria. This is controversial, but many people will claim they work. There is no evidence that they cause harm by taking them.
There is no guarantee that even if you do everything to wart off a cold that you will not get one. But the best defense is a healthy and strong immune system. Even if you get a cold, you will be in much better shape if you have a well functioning immune system.
If you have a cold your Grandmother's habit of giving you honey when you have a cold has some validity. Several teaspoons of dark honey has antimicrobial action will are effective in treating symptoms of a cold. Taking 500mg of vitamin C can also help manage a cold. When you purchase Vitamin C make sure it is in the form of Ester-C.
Drink lots of fluids. The reason for taking increased fluids is because your body loses water from the runny nose, the coughing and the sneezing. This can actually lead to dehydration. Do not take antibiotics because antibiotics work against bacteria and not viruses. A cold is caused by a virus and not a bacteria. The overuse of antibiotics can cause resistant bacteria to grow.
Having basic knowledge about the cold and prevention techniques are useful tools especially in the cold and flu season. Take responsibility for keeping a strong immune system and keeping yourself healthy. And not to sound like a broken record remember to wash your hands because this your number one defense against getting sick.