There are several proven ways to reduce your chances of catching a cold. First, you can avoid contacting people who are infected, and especially limit contact with things that they have touched. Second, take preventative measures such as washing your hands often and not touching your nose and eyes if you do come into contact with an infected person or item . Lastly, you can keep your body healthy and strong to enable it to kick your immune system into high gear in case you still come in contact with the cold virus. Let’s delve into this area a little deeper as it is one of the key components of cold prevention.
One of the most effective methods for maintaining a strong and healthy body is to bolster the immune system. The immune system is a complex network of interacting cells, cell products, and cell-forming tissues that protects the body from pathogens and other foreign substances, destroys infected and malignant cells, and removes cellular debris. Good eating habits play a very important role in strengthening your immune system. There are certain foods, vitamins, and supplements that can boost your immune system and keep your body healthy.
Vitamins/Antioxidants
Antioxidants like vitamin C & E offer direct protection for your immune system. Everyone should be taking a multi-vitamin daily not only to aid in immune system health but also for general health and well-being. Some immune system vitamins are packaged as a specific product and sold as a specific immune booster supplement.
Immune Boosting Foods
Sometimes taking vitamins is not as effective as actually eating the foods that contain them. Broccoli, pumpkins, oregano, yogurt, oysters, green tea, garlic, ginger, red bell peppers, and turmeric are all great food items for boosting your immune system. Each of these foods have properties that can boost your overall immune system health.
Physical Factors
Being generally physically fit is a huge factor in boosting your immune functions, but make sure not to overdo it as over-stressing your body can reduce the effectiveness if your immune system. A few other physical factors that can maximize your immune response are minimizing damage via UV and other radiation to the immune system and minimizing the aging process.
If you want to reduce the number of colds that you catch, it is definitely in your best interest to pay attention to these dietary and physical methods of bolstering your immune system .