Fall is here, and along with the swift influx of sweaters, boots, wreaths and pumpkin spice lattes comes something much more insidious: the Fall Cold.
Fighting the Fall Cold
As far as we can tell, everyone has had a fall cold at some point in their life. Many write their symptoms off as allergies, but the typical adult actually suffers from 2-3 colds each year (on average). These colds typically occur when the weather cools, which is why we’re doing everything we can now to keep our immune systems strong and keep cold symptoms away.
Common symptoms of colds include:
- A runny nose
- A sore throat
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Body aches
Most people recover within 7-10 days, but that’s 7-10 days of misery you don’t have to suffer through! To help make sure you don’t end up as part of that statistic this year, we’re offering some of our sure-fire ways to say healthy and support the immune system this fall. Note: we’re not doctors (we’re just kefir fanatics): this isn’t medical advice, simply things that work for us. Always reach out to a doctor if you have any questions about your health.
Get Adequate Sleep – sleep is part of the cure for many health ailments and is linked to a strong immune system. Studies show that people who don’t get enough quality sleep (quality being the key word here) every night, which is between seven and nine hours, depending on the individual, have weaker immune systems and are more prone to illness. If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, speak to your doctor for tips and suggestions.
Eat a Healthy Diet – a poor diet can hurt your immune system as much as a healthy diet can improve it! Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are loaded with immune-enhancing vitamins and minerals. Choose lean cuts of protein if you eat meat, and avoid refined sugar whenever possible.
Get Moving – exercise has been shown to boost your immune system, and even small amounts are effective. Get your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes most days of the week to see benefits. This can include fast walking, aerobics, cycling– almost any activity that makes you break a sweat!
Wash and Repeat – keep bad germs and bacteria at bay by washing your hands frequently and properly – especially before eating, handling food or touching your face. Aim for at least 20 seconds of scrubbing (not just a quick rub) and rinse away.
Chug Some Kefir – kefir contains protein and vitamin A – two nutrients that help strengthen your immune system – as well as our beloved probiotics. Probiotics may help improve your immune system, as well as regulate digestion.
Don’t let the fear of a fall cold keep you from enjoying the season! Bundle up and get outside while you can; winter will be here before you know it.