In Australia, the average adult suffers from colds two to three times a year. Sometimes the symptoms of coughing and sneezing can last as long as two weeks. The common cold is caused by viral infections that are typically airborne. So how can you stay healthy and avoid the common cold this winter in Melbourne?
One way to be prepared is by getting a flu shot. If you live in the south of Melbourne there are many GP doctors you can visit for regular checkups. To find a good practitioner simply use your internet browser and search for “doctor south Melbourne”. You’ll find many GPs who administer flu shots.
But if you’re not fond of needles perhaps the following four tips will help you stay healthy this cold season in Melbourne.
1. Drink Lots of Water and Eat Healthily
Drinking fizzy cold drinks as well as alcohol can weaken your immune system. You’ll be more susceptible to catching colds and other diseases if your immune system is down. So avoid the sugary drinks and keep alcoholic beverages to a minimum & start drinking lots of water.
Water is used to flush away germs and viruses out of your immune system. It also oxygenates your blood and flushes out harmful toxins while keeping you hydrated. Drinking water every day will help strengthen your immune system and it will speed up digestion.
The reason water keeps the common cold at bay is that it hydrates your eyes and mouth. Keeping your eyes and mouth hydrated will repel contaminants that cause infections.
It’s important that you eat healthy foods with your water. Junk food namely chips and deep-fried meats & snacks can make you feel lethargic. Fatty foods can increase your cholesterol which causes heart diseases.
Ensure you have a balanced diet filled with protein and vegetables. Leafy veggies are filled with fibre and healthy nutrients that will make you feel energised & healthy.
2. Make Use of Probiotics
If you suffer from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) you may be prone to infections that cause vomiting and diarrhea. To strengthen your organs you need to consume good bacteria such as pro-biotics. A probiotic is a microorganism that can improve your health.
There are microorganisms called microflora in your stomach that plays an important role in regulating your intestinal function and digestion. There is over 3.5lb of the microflora microorganisms present in the human digestive system.
The probiotics are used to balance the microflora in your digestive system. It’s known to combat many ailments such as chronic IBS and irregular blood pressure.
There are a number of ways you can consume probiotics as they’re present in fermented foods namely yogurt. You can also get probiotics in pill form as well as liquids and powders.
Other benefits of probiotics include the following:
- Improves brain function
- Reduces the effects of cholesterol
- Repels infections
- Helps combat chronic fatigue syndrome
A major advantage is that you can easily take a healthy dose of probiotics daily. The microorganism is found in healthy foods and drinks such as fermented cheese, kimchi & kefir. Simply add this to your meal plans in future.
3. Keep Everything Clean
It’s important to keep your home and your body clean. Make use of germ-fighting detergents to clean areas of your home where germs and bacteria thrive. Use high acidic liquids such as bleach to kill germs around toilets, sinks and counter-tops.
You’ll find that when you leave the house you’ll end up touching many objects such as door handles & railings. These are objects that pass along germs and bacteria to others as they’re touched by many hands. That’s why it’s important to wash your hands regularly before you eat or prepare food.
Place bottles of hand cleaners by your bathroom and kitchen sink so you can keep your hands clean regularly. Keeping your hands and your home clean will reduce your chances of getting a cold or another infectious disease.
4. Exercise at Least Twice a Week
Exercising is a way to keep you fit and increase your focus & motivation. Taking a jog or going for a cycle can boost your immune system. Your immune system is your body’s defense against infections so an added boost will help repel diseases.
Some studies show that moderate-intensity exercise can decrease the number of colds you get. You’ll find that you will get less sick and you’ll be more energized & strong both physically and mentally.
Final Thoughts
Stay hydrated, eat healthy foods and wash your hands regularly. These are the fundamental ways you can keep yourself healthy during the winter months in Melbourne.
Always be prepared by stocking up on medications that will combat ailments and boost your overall health. Visit your doctor regularly to find out what kinds of strains of colds are prevalent.
Know exactly how to keep yourself from getting sick and stay healthy this winter.