From the changing temperatures to the changing leaves, it’s clear that fall is here. There are so many great things about fall; Apple picking, sporting events, Halloween, Thanksgiving, the list goes on and on. If you’re anything like me, you don’t have time to be held back by a pesky cold or bothered by a stuffy nose. Luckily, there are a few easy things you can do to ward off the annoying common cold and truly embrace the great season that fall is!
We know you’ve heard it before but, EAT YOUR VEGGIES!
The most important thing you can do to prevent (or treat) a cold is to eat enough fruits and veggies. These nutrient packed foods are the best way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals; helping to ensure you’re not the annoying one constantly sniffling in class. Vegetables such as broccoli and spinach and fruit such as oranges are all great sources of important antioxidants that fight off viruses. Amp up your veggie intake and you’re that much less likely to get sick. Askdrsears.com gives you a great list of 8 foods that boost your immunity here!
Hydration is a MUST
Water! Water! Water! Staying hydrated no matter what time of year is important, drinking a lot of fluids like water, hot tea, or soup all help to cleanse the body, flushing out any kind of virus you may have picked up in your travels. In many studies chicken soup has been shown to act as a decongestant, which will help get rid of a stuffy nose faster. Carrying a water bottle with you where ever you go is a great way to ensure you are drinking enough water. So if you do get sick this fall, remember to drink lots of fluids and your cold will go away in no time.
Spice things up!
Now for what I think is the best, and definitely most tasty, way to decrease your chances of getting sick this fall, spicy foods! Many of the spices used in Thai, Indian and Mexican cuisine are proven to act as decongestants and increase circulation in the body. Spicy foods may not prevent catching a cold, but they will certainly help to reduce how long a cold and congested nose will last. Now you have a reason to go to College Night at Margarita’s this week with friends or veg out with some Thai Kitchen!
Make sure you are physically and mentally rested!
Getting enough sleep is another easy way to stay healthy this fall and winter. Your body needs those precious hours to recoup and soak up the nutrients you consumed throughout the day. Skimping on the shut eye reduces the time your body has to recover and weakens your immune system, thus you’ll be more likely to feel run down and sick later on. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep a night and you’ll reduce your risk of getting sick without a doubt.
Fall is a busy time for everyone. From classes to work and all things in between it’s easy to get sick, which only makes meeting the demands of daily life that much harder. Preventing a cold is easy to do and even easier now with these tips. Keep these in mind and you’ll be on your way to having a spectacular and healthy fall!
photo credit: google images