Contributed by Rudy S.

There are many different fads for increasing your immunity and preventing colds; but the basics still work.  Here are five easy ways to help prevent you from catching a winter cold:

Wash your hands.  Simple yes but not everyone does it.  Sure you have to wash your hands every time you use the bathroom, but the big one that we all forget is to wash our hands before we eat.  Whether you are eating out or cooking at home, take the time to step aside and wash your hands.  Your hands come in contact with your mouth and nose throughout your meal.  Soap and water work better then sanitizing sprays.

Get some rest.  Lack of sleep puts stress on your body.  Shut off the TV and the computer and go to bed at a reasonable time to get enough sleep.  If you wake up in the middle of the night, rather than going to the computer, lay in bed with your eyes closed and relax.  Even laying in bed helps to rest your body and replenish your mind.

Drink fluids.  We tend to drink less water in the winter.  Drinking fluids helps to flush toxins from the body.  Fruit also contains water and vitamins.  If water is too bland for you, drink juices or add lemon or cucumber slices to flavor your water.

Exercise.  Exercise keeps your body strong and in shape to fight off viruses.  Go for walks, hit the gym or do a workout in your living room.

Eat fruits and vegetables.  Vitamins are plentiful in fruits and vegetables.  Vary your fruit intake. Pack an apple, pear, orange or banana as a snack during the day.  Include a vegetable or fruit in each meal. Berries on your oatmeal, string beans with lunch and a sweet potato for dinner are just a few suggestions.

Cut back on sugar.  The more sugar you eat the weaker your immune system.  Glucose interferes with the body’s ability to absorb vitamin C.  Increased sugar intake also contributes to other health problems.

 

What other ways do you know to boost the immune system?