Keep colds at bay
With lighter evenings, milder temperatures and even a hint of sun, winter is starting to feel like a distant memory.
But spring is actually the second yearly peak for the common cold – and with Covid still at large, keeping our immunity in tip-top condition should be a priority.
Stephanie Drax, immunity expert at Leapfrog Remedies, shares tips and little-known hacks to help you swerve illness, and fight it off if it does catch you out...
Hugging
We are between 74% - 90% more likely to catch a cold when stressed. Research suggests that a 20-second hug can significantly reduce the stress hormone norepinephrine, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and improve mood.
Cold showers
As little as a 30 to 90 second burst of cold water during a daily shower can result in fewer sick days from work.
Cold water – anything below 21 degrees – helps to boost your bug-busting white blood cell count, because the body is forced to react to the changing conditions.
Flossing
Fact: Brushing your teeth only cleans 60 percent of each tooth. That means the six million hungry bacteria that live in your mouth have a veritable feast between your teeth to thrive on.
Consistent flossing and brushing (in that order) create a food and housing shortage for bacteria in your mouth, so your immune system is primed and ready to fight other battles.
Dry body brushing
Upward strokes from a natural bristle brush will remove dead skin, unclog pores and improve circulation and lymph flow. The lymphatic system removes the toxins and waste in the body by filtering it through lymph nodes, where white blood cells work to attack and break down bacteria, viruses, and damaged cells.
Lymph fluid then carries the debris into the bloodstream before the liver and kidneys show it the exit.
According to Ayuverdic medicine, brushing toward the heart – the direction that lymph fluid naturally flows – may aid that detoxification process.
Nose breathing
Breathing through your nose instantly reduces the risk of catching a cold, as the hairs and mucus filter the air and destroy pathogens trying to enter.
Steam inhalation
Pharmaceutical scientist at the University of Huddersfield, Dr Hamid Merchant, suggests steam inhalation at the very first sign of a cold, flu or Covid symptoms: ‘The higher temperature combined with the moisture minimises the viral load and weakens the virus.’
Cover your head with a towel and breathe in the steam of hot water, infused with anitmicrobial essential oils. Vicks or Olbas Oil are good options.
Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is a key component of mother’s milk that gives a baby immunity. It’s an anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory protein that our bodies make daily to provide protection against germs. But when we’re stressed, tired or run-down, our lactoferrin can be depleted faster than it’s restored, leaving us vulnerable. Lactoferrin supplements allow you to top up your levels when you need it most.