8 good ways to avoid catching a cold this winter

As we approach the beginning of winter, the cold weather makes it difficult for many people to escape the cold. Recently, the Popular Health Network published an article that gave 8 good ways to prevent colds.

Drink more yogurt

The intestine is the most important digestive and absorptive organ in the human body, as well as the largest immune organ. Frank Lipman, founder of the "Double Eleven Health Center" in New York, said, "A strong immune system depends largely on a healthy and vibrant intestine, because 70% of the body's immune cells are concentrated in the human intestine, and more than 70% of immunoglobulin A is produced by the intestine." Therefore, during the peak influenza season, probiotics should be supplemented. They can be obtained through foods such as yogurt and cheese, which are beneficial to the regulation of intestinal flora, help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.

Cleaning the nose

Dr. Rona, an American natural health medicine expert, pointed out that personal hygiene is the gateway to defending against colds, and the nose is the first "filter" in the human respiratory system. It is recommended to use light salt water to clean the nasal cavity and sinuses every day. In addition, cleaning the hair, eyebrows, beard and other parts that are easily contaminated with dust and other pollutants can prevent pollutants from entering the body through the eyes, nose or mouth and causing a cold.

Take the elevator less often

Dr. Jennifer Collins, assistant professor of allergy and immunology in New York City, found that elevator buttons are a gathering center for various germs in hospitals and office buildings, and can easily spread various diseases. You might as well climb stairs instead, which can also be a good way to exercise. If you are in a hurry, you can use your elbows to press the elevator buttons, and wash your hands thoroughly after taking the elevator.

No long nails

Recently, a study by the University of Michigan pointed out that if the nail length exceeds 3 mm from the fingertips, the possibility of excessive bacteria in the nail crevices is about 5 times that of short nails, including some sources of infectious diseases, such as influenza virus. Therefore, it is necessary to trim your nails frequently so that they are flush with your fingertips, and it is best to use a brush to carefully clean the gaps between your nails when washing your hands.

Zinc supplementation

The "White Paper on Colds" released by the University of Wisconsin points out that zinc supplementation can improve immunity, help prevent colds, alleviate symptoms, and shorten the duration of colds. Foods rich in zinc include shellfish, shrimp, red meat, offal and nuts, among which oysters are recognized as an expert in zinc supplementation.

Keep walking fast

Research from Appalachian State University in the United States found that brisk walking for 30 minutes five times a week can effectively fight colds. But be careful not to exercise too intensely. Researchers at Loughborough University found that sustained high-intensity endurance exercise, such as marathons, can increase the risk of upper respiratory tract infections (colds, flu, sinusitis and tonsillitis) by 2 to 6 times.

sleep tight

Research results from Carnegie Mellon University in the United States show that people who sleep less than 7 hours a night are three times more likely to catch a cold, and people with good sleep quality are only 1/5 of the probability of catching a cold compared to those with poor sleep. In addition, for people who do not have good sleep quality between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m., the activity of immune cells will be reduced by 23%. They should ensure 7 to 8 hours of high-quality sleep every day.

Say no to junk food

Fast food, high-fat and high-sugar foods, etc. will reduce the body's immune function. Foods rich in antioxidants that can enhance the body's resistance, such as vegetables and fruits, can protect people from influenza and other viruses. Therefore, the diet should be supplemented with fruits rich in vitamin C, such as grapefruit, orange, jujube, etc.; it is best to eat 6 taels to 1 catty of vegetables every day, of which dark vegetables account for more than half, such as spinach, chrysanthemum, etc.