Natural Cold and Flu PreventionThere is no known cure for colds and flu, so prevention should always be your priority. The best approach is to keep your body healthy to avoid being susceptible to infections caused by cold and flu viruses. Getting the flu shot is effective although it does not guarantee that you will never get sick. Vaccination can help keep symptoms milder and shorten the length of the illness if you get sick. Here are several natural remedies that can help you survive cold and flu season. Practice good hygiene Cold and flu viruses are usually spread by direct contact, so washing your hands is extremely important. Germs survive on objects for hours and can easily be spread to another person simply by touching that object. Also avoid touching your face as cold and flu viruses enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. Get into the habit of washing your hands with warm water and soap. If you don't have immediate access to water, you can use an alcohol-based sanitizer. When coughing and sneezing, always use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose. Avoid using your hands as this can only spread germs on objects you will touch. Exercise Regular exercise speeds up the heart to pump larger amounts of blood leading to increased activity of a type of white blood cell that attacks viruses. Overall, exercise can help keep your body healthy and reduce your risk of illnesses including colds and flu. You don't need to do strenuous exercises, even walking around the neighborhood or taking the stairs instead of the elevator will benefit you. Eat foods containing phytonutrients Foods high in phytonutrients include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and tea. T...... middle of paper ...... can reduce the severity and duration of colds. Side effects are minimal and include diarrhea, wheezing, and skin rashes. Avoid smokingAccording to statistics, smokers are more susceptible to severe colds and other respiratory infections. Smoking keeps your white blood cell count high, a sign that you are fighting the damage and inflammation caused by tobacco. It temporarily paralyzes the tiny brush-like hairs in the airways known as cilla, which are responsible for cleaning the lungs of mucus and dirt. Drink plenty of water Water is essential for our overall health. Sufficient intake of water in the body prevents dehydration and this also helps reduce congestion due to colds. Avoid coffee, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol as they can make dehydration worse. Alcohol also suppresses your immune system making you more prone to cold and flu viruses.