With the winter months fast approaching, colds and flus abound and there are a myriad of options for maintaining a healthy immune system, including some we have heard our grandmothers talk about. But, what’s fact and what’s fiction? Stephen Eddey, Nutritionist, Naturopath and Principal of Health Schools Australia, demystifies some common old wives tales and gets you ready for the winter season.
1. Going to bed with your hair wet will give you a cold FICTION
Many people think that it’s the cold weather that makes us more susceptible to colds, flu and respiratory infections, but that’s not actually the case. Why we get sick in winter is not caused by the cooler temperatures but by the lack of humidity that dries out the mucus that lines our nasal. Meaning, we are more susceptible in allowing viruses in. Going to bed with wet hair is less likely to cause a cold as it will dry before triggering the onset of cold and flu symptoms.
2. Steam Baths Will Help Clear Me Out FACT
If you feel the niggling of cold and flu symptoms, it’s wise to clear out your sinus and throat to help prevent feeling blocked up. Boil a pot of water and add either fresh mint leaves, eucalyptus oil, lavender, sage or chamomile extract. Hover your head over the bowl and place a towel over your head to trap the steam. Breathe in the herbal steam to receive their natural remedial benefits and to cleanse out your respiratory system.
3. Taking Olive Leaf Extract Will Prevent Colds and Flus FACT
Olive leaves have been used for over 4000 years by Egyptian and Mediterranean cultures for their immune-boosting benefits. Fresh-picked olive leaf has shown to be five times more potent than the equivalent amount of vitamin C in study conducted by Southern Cross University. Boasting a high antioxidant profile, olive leaves and extract, such as that created in Olive Leaf Australia olive groves, may assist in preventing the onset of colds and flus by boosting the immune system.
4. Exercise will make my cold worse FICTION
Regular exercise has the capacity to strengthen your body to help fight against cold and flus as well as boost your immune system. Physical exercise gets your heart pumping which helps to circulate blood around the body keeping it active. Exercise also promotes the growth of white blood cells which attacks bad bacteria from taking over. However, it’s important to moderate the amount of exercise you do and to listen to your body when it is ill. If you don’t give your body adequate rest and instead over exert yourself, you could stress your body and make your cold worse.
5. Gargling Salt Will Reduce Throat Pain FACT
Salt fights bacteria, much like it is used to cure meats as well as extract moisture out of foods, for example when you salt eggplant. Gargling salt extracts bad bacteria as well as the mucus lining your throat as well as reduces inflammation. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt into warm water, gargle and don’t forget to spit out!
6. Daily Cod Liver Oil May Improve Immunity FACT
DHA-rich fish oils promote B cell activity, which are white blood cells that act as attackers on invading pathogens. Cod liver oil is also a rich source of omegas, which are essential fatty acids that can help to maintain good health and prevent the onset of colds and flus.
7. If I’m healthy I won’t get sick FICTION
If you lead an active and healthy life you are less likely to be hit by cold and flus but unfortunately, it’s not always up to us when we get sick and is often a cause of others. During the winter months continue to exercise outdoors to receive fresh air but be sure to wrap up. In addition, ramp up your intake of dark leafy greens, fermented foods, omegas, vegetables and herbal teas to improve your immune system.
