According to the statistics of the Federal Office, the professionally active persons get sick on average three times a year. A visit to the doctor, however, is not always essential: good prevention and grandma's suggestions usually help to avoid an incoming cold.
• Wash your hands: wash your hands regularly to reduce the risk of infection from viruses and bacteria.
• Sleep: sleep between seven and eight hours a night. Deep sleep is important for regeneration because with a deep sleep the immune system is strengthened.
• Stress: avoid stress. Permanent stress situations weaken the immune system and the body becomes more vulnerable.
• Movement: Do the movement on a daily basis, such as climbing the stairs instead of taking the elevator. Furthermore, regular outdoor movement strengthens the immune system and supplies the body with vitamin D, which is vital for the maintenance of vital functions.
• Drink a lot: in the cold season, the unsweetened teas are very suitable because they not only heat the body from the inside but at the same time compensate for the loss of liquids. Herbal teas with ginger, elderberry or linden flowers promote sweating and thus help to expel pathogens more quickly. Sage tea or warm milk with honey free from mucus and mitigate a cough.
• Balanced nutrition: provide your body with sufficient vitamins and minerals even when you have cooled. Vitamin C is found in kiwis, oranges and grapefruits, beta-carotene in carrots and vitamin E in walnuts. The trace elements such as selenium and zinc are present in eggs, cheese, meat, and fish. A chicken broth has an antibacterial effect and provides the body with sufficient liquid and salt.
Nasal irrigation: a nasal shower is a good alternative to nasal sprays. Warm salt water disinfects the nose, dissolves the mucus and helps to breathe.
Baths: a warm bath with ethereal oils (eg eucalyptus, menthol) relaxes the body and opens up the airways. In case of a fever, however, you should give up the baths, because the body is further put under pressure and healing is delayed.
Which rule applies: if the cooling illness lasts more than a week, then you should definitely consult your doctor.
