How to avoid a cold before it even starts –

With the arrival of winter, the cold cases increase and the discomfort caused by the disease can interfere with leisure and work days. How about avoiding the virus of this disease and the symptoms, before they even start? “Developing a strong immune system while you are healthy can support your body as it becomes familiar with the new virus in case you get sick,” points out the endocrinologist and sports physician. doctor William Renke.

The cold is a type of viral infection that mainly affects the nose and throat and can be caused by 200 different types of viruses, but the most common and well-known is the rhinovirus, according to Rede São Luiz. Transmitted easily and quickly, such as through contact with particles of saliva and secretions. The manifestation of the disease starts with a slight pain in the body, runny nose, congestion… until headaches, sore throat and sneezing appear.

TIPS TO AVOID COLD

Keep a balanced diet

Each body needs a certain amount of vitamins and minerals differently, so the ideal amount should be indicated by a professional. But overall, stick to “real” foods (not ultra-processed foods like fast food) and eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, healthy fats and lean proteins, which will provide your body with the best range of nutrients.

Check here the ideal resting time for good immunity.

Have you noticed that with lower temperatures, breathing difficulties increase? This happens due to the low humidity of the air, making the weather drier. Therefore, keep a air humidifier overnight can help. This will make the mucous membranes wetter and consequently make breathing easier.

Present in citrus fruits, vitamin C is a great ally of the immune system and “although scientists are still not sure how it helps, vitamin C may reduce the duration of symptoms of the common cold and improve the function of the human immune system. Orange, lemon and tangerine are examples of fruits rich in vitamin C”, says orthomolecular and functional nutritionist, Dr. Luciana Harfenist.

Since the cold virus can also spread through skin-to-skin contact, it’s important to keep this habit up to date. For this, wash your hands well with soap and don’t forget gel alcohol when you need to leave the house! Also avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.

Practice regular physical activity and avoid smoking

Moving around causes the hormones in the body to be regulated, helping the body to respond faster to viruses and other harmful organisms. On the contrary, habits such as a sedentary lifestyle or smoking have the opposite effect, delaying our body’s immune response.

“These are some of the most important ways to help keep your immune system healthy and reduce your chances of infection and illness,” explains Guilherme.

+ Learn to differentiate symptoms of coronavirus, flu, cold and allergy

SHOTS TO INCREASE IMMUNITY

Do you want to include a morning immunity shot in your routine in order to further strengthen the immune system? Check out the options indicated by Luciana Harfenist.

Activated charcoal shot

1 squeezed lemon +
1/2 teaspoon ground coffee with activated charcoal +
a cup of hot water

Mix the ingredients.

Lemon Shot with Vinegar Tea

1 lemon squeezed +
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar +
1 coffee spoon of grated ginger +
1/2 teaspoon turmeric (or turmeric) +
1 pinch of cayenne pepper +
50 ml of water

Mix the ingredients.

turmeric shot

1/2 teaspoon turmeric (or turmeric) +
1/2 unit of grated carrot +
1 unit of squeezed pear orange +
1 pinch of cayenne pepper +
50 ml of water

In the mixer, beat all the ingredients until you get a thick juice. Strain through a fine sieve. If necessary add more water.