How to Avoid a Summer Cold
By Sara Butler
There's nothing worse than being stuffed up and miserable in the summertime. Yet many people struggle with cold symptoms in the summer. Luckily, colds at any time of the year don't have to be a regular occurrence. There are some easy things you can do to turn the common cold into an uncommon occurrence for your family. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy all year long.
Eat Better
Your immune system starts in your gut. If you can keep the good bacteria in your gut healthy and thriving, then you're also helping to improve your immune system along the way.
Try to avoid highly processed foods and added sugars. Instead, focus on including healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins in your diet. Food high in probiotics, which your gut bacteria loves, are also a good bet. Fermented foods such as pickles (though watch out for sodium!), kimchi, and sauerkraut are a great choice. Yogurt also is loaded with healthy probiotics as long as you watch the added sugars.
Rest Well
Sleep is also essential to a healthy body that can work at its very best to fight off illness. If you're not getting seven or more hours per night, then it's time to reassess how you're sleeping and what you can do to improve it.
Do you have a good mattress that supports your body comfortably? Do you have a nighttime routine that allows you to fall asleep easily? If you need help with how to improve your sleep, then talk to the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic for some tips today.
Wash Your Hands
Perhaps one of the most important things you can do to prevent illness is to wash your hands regularly. Most of the time, people get sick because they touch a contaminated surface with their hands, then touch their nose, eyes, or mouth, introducing the germs into their bodies. Prevent this by washing your hands!
When washing hands, makes sure to use soap and lukewarm water to lather up for at least 20 seconds, then rinse and dry with a clean towel. If soap and water aren't available, then an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used as a substitute.
Drink Water
Keeping your body properly hydrated is also important. When you've hydrated adequately, your body can function at its best. Try having water always on hand so you can take a sip periodically throughout the day.
You can avoid a summer cold quite simply -- just make sure to care for yourself and wash your hands!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Marietta, Ga.