Winter brings frequent outbreaks of the flu, and the health crisis caused by the abuse of antibiotics makes people wary of all kinds of cold and flu medicines. How to break the drug dependency and effectively prevent colds by enhancing one's own immunity has become a topic of concern. The following methods will help you safely get through the peak flu season and provide more health protection for you and your family.
I. Lifestyle Prevention: Regulate Emotions to Enhance Immunity
Regular daily routines can thoroughly relax the body, eliminate fatigue, and make a person feel energetic and full of vitality. Long-term staying up late can cause sleep disorders, leading to dizziness, weakness, listlessness, and fatigue, which in turn weakens the body's resistance and makes one more susceptible to the flu virus. If you didn't rest well the night before, you can take a longer nap during the day to replenish your energy. However, trying to make up for lost sleep on weekends can disrupt your biological clock and worsen fatigue.
For those with chronic poor sleep, you can eat more foods with calming properties, such as millet, daylilies, and sour jujube seed soup. Additionally, take a warm foot bath before bed, massage the Sanyinjiao acupoint, and comb your hair 30 times with a wooden or ox-horn comb.
Regulating your own emotions is important. Negative emotions like self-blame and low self-esteem can increase the risk of catching a cold. Taking a moment to sit quietly can help relieve stress.
II. Moderate Exercise: Stay Hydrated and Keep Warm in Winter
Appropriate exercise can promote blood circulation, aid metabolism, and boost immunity. Aerobic exercises like outdoor jogging or indoor yoga and aerobics can strengthen the body and regulate mood. When exercising in winter, note the following: choose gentler exercises like jogging or Tai Chi; wear long clothes and pants to keep warm; drink water frequently in small amounts during exercise; exercise in moderation and stop immediately if you experience nausea, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or palpitations; do not take a shower immediately after exercising.
III. Dietary Conditioning: Drink Chicken Soup to Fight Colds
Choose easily digestible foods, keep your diet light and low in oil, and make sure to stay hydrated. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and consume more foods rich in vitamins C and E, as well as red-colored foods. Intake high-quality protein from fish, eggs, and dairy products. Eat smaller, more frequent meals and drink a cup of yogurt daily. Research has found that drinking chicken soup can effectively prevent colds. Consume antibacterial foods like garlic and onions in moderation. Gargle with tea and drink plenty of warm water.
IV. Get a Flu Shot: Avoid Fasting Before Vaccination
Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that two groups of people should get vaccinated promptly. The first group consists of individuals at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu. The second group includes people who have a greater chance of transmitting the flu virus to high-risk individuals. When getting vaccinated, avoid doing so on an empty stomach. After vaccination, do not bathe for 24 hours, avoid crowded places, and make sure to rest.