Winter often means coping with colds. Chances are you, a family member or friend may be feeling under the weather as you’re reading this. Since there is no magic fix for the common cold, habits during this time are more important than ever! Healthy behaviors can be tough to sustain during sickness, but your body with thank you in the end and may even recoup faster.
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Here are some tips to help you get through those sniffles:
1. Hydrate: Drinking plenty of fluids is key. Aim for 8 glasses of fluids. The best test to see if you are hydrated sufficiently is colorless or slightly yellow urine. Depending on the water content of your foods (lettuce is mostly water for example), a greater percentage of your fluids may need to come from water. It’s important to remember that being thirsty is a sign of early dehydration.
2. Go Natural: Pass on the pills as your first defense and select fresh veggies in a variety of colors. Beets, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes and winter squash are all in season and great sources of vitamins and minerals!
3. Tea: It’s common to wake up with a sore, scratchy throat. Try making some green tea with a tablespoon of honey for a soothing drink packed with antioxidants.
4. Rest: Your body works overtime when sick, so make an extra effort and get 8 hours of sleep. After a few days of adequate rest, you’ll wake up feeling less groggy and ready to start the day.
5. Exercise: With a cold, light to moderate physical activity such as walking can boost immune function. Take the dog for a walk or call a friend and enjoy the fresh air.
So the next time you’re sick, try these little changes. They can assist in the recovery from a cold and get you off the couch and back to your normal routine!
Research assistance provided by Jessica Bennett [2]
Source for picture: http://www.howtoprevent.com/misc/how-to-prevent-sneezing/ [3]
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