Here’s Tip #5: Move
Regular aerobic exercise has been proven to prevent colds, flues and the like. When your body is moving it pumps more blood, gets more oxygen into your blood, and increases levels of white blood cells that help fight off those nasty ailments.
So, keep moving this winter!
Here’s Tip #3: Irrigate
Whether caused by a cold, allergies, or a temperamental immune system sinus issues are not only annoying but painful. Other than a nasal decongestant, what can clear your sinuses?
Nasal rinses, like “the netti pot” have been a sinus saver for many. A saline and purified water sinus rinse cleanses the sinus cavities of mucus and bacteria, while moisturizing which is especially perfect during dry weather months.
Yep, its a little tea pot for your nose. You pour the saline solution into one nostril and tilt your head over the sink so that gravity allows the solution to come out the other. You can buy a kit at the drug store that has the netti pot and packages of the solution included. Follow the instructions on the package.
If your nose is totally clogged, like at the worst stage of a cold, it may not be the best option as it may not go through. But, the netti pot can clear runny noses, relieve sinus headaches, and prevent colds.
Believe me, I was a total skeptic when I first heard of it too. I just thought the idea of salt water going up my nose cannot be natural. The first time I tried the netti pot I have to admit that it felt a little strange. But, I now use it all the time. It gets rid of nasal congestion that is present even when you don’t have a runny nose…you know the kind that just causes sinus headaches or your eyes to feel like they want to close.
I’ve recommended the netti pot to friends who said they could never use it and now they use it all the time, so give it a try!
Here’s Tip #2: Drink
Fill up your glass at least 8 times a day with water to keep your body hydrated and flush your system, but go the European way and forget the ice. Downing cold liquids requires your body to exert energy to restore itself to its warmer temperature and also tightens the sinus cavities. So try room temperature water or warm herbal, roobios, or green teas. Drink to your health!
Winter not only brings freezing temperatures, but an abundance of sniffles, coughs, colds and flues. So other than hiding at home until spring what’s a girl to do?
This week I’ll be giving suggestions for staying healthy this winter.
Here’s Tip #1: Eat
Load up on warm, hearty, nutrient rich foods that are abundant in winter and readily available. Eat lots of seasonal veggies and fruits that are loaded with vitamins and minerals the body needs to ward off the seasonal bugs.
Try root veggies like sweet potatoes, turnips, beets, and potatoes.
Try winter greens like kale, cabbage, escarole, collard greens, swiss chard, beet greens, and brussel sprouts.
Try fruits like clementines, oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, cranberries, and pomegranates.
I’ll be sure to include plenty of recipes that use these foods in the weeks to come. So, stay tuned!