Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
You may think that wearing warm clothes, using blankets, and not stepping out of the home can protect you from the cold that the winter season brings along. But are these measures enough to protect you?
Winter also propels pathogens that can give rise to a host of winter-related ailments, such as flu, fever, sore throat, and nasal congestion, even if you have taken the basic precautions against the winter chills.
Medicines are not the only options that can help prevent the onset of these symptoms and promote your well-being, as you can opt for some measures that you can take at your home and avoid getting under the weather.
Today, we discuss the things you can add to your daily routine to beat the cold and protect yourself from falling sick. Here are the top five easy-to-do home tips that safeguard you from the onset of winter ailments and strengthen the immune system at the same time.
Saltwater gargle
Saltwater gargle is an effective home remedy for sore throat and throat irritation which is caused by seasonal allergies, cold, and sinus infections, especially during winters.
Doing saltwater gargle can also help in decreasing harmful bacteria in the mouth and fight and prevent gingivitis (gum infection). It also helps in clearing the mucus build-up which contains bacteria and allergens from the respiratory tracts and nasal cavities.
Gargling is a simple process that you need to perform at least two or three times a day. Mix a teaspoon of salt in one glass of warm water, take a sip and gargle for about 30 seconds.
Swish the water around in the mouth and throat before spitting it out. Repeat this process until the glass is empty.
Switch between warm & cold baths
Bathing with hot water can be relaxing during the winter as it warms up the body and may also reduce the symptoms of cold and flu. Mixing Epsom salt (sendha namak) and baking soda with warm water can help reduce body aches.
Occasional cold showers can also benefit the body during winters, as they help calm down itchy skin, increase blood circulation, and reduce muscle soreness.
Switch between warm and cold baths to tackle the effects of winter and stay healthy throughout the season.
Steam in, congestion out
The prevalence of flu during the winter season often leads to nasal congestion due to mucus build-up in the nasal passages. Facial steam can aid in mucus removal and make breathing easier.
Facial steaming is an easily accessible process, in terms of the ingredients required, i.e. a pot of hot water and a decongestion rub (e.g. vicks vaprorub). This cold-relieving process also has several skincare benefits, which include:
- Removing blackheads and cleaning the skin
- Increasing blood circulation
- Removing impurities such as dead skin cells and bacteria
Warm water & Ayurvedic teas
Substituting normal drinking water with lukewarm one can safeguard against winter complications such as nasal and throat congestion. It can also benefit in several other ways, such as:
- Aiding weight loss
- Improving blood circulation
- Promoting healthy digestion
- Making immunity stronger
Start the day with a glass of lukewarm water as it helps in removing toxins from the body via urination and bowel movements. Add lemon juice and honey for better taste.
Apart from this, give a healthy twist to the normal tea by adding Ayurvedic herbs and spices to it, as It will not only make the tea taste better, but also strengthen the immune system.
Also, these all-natural ingredients can also be used to make a variety of healthy concoctions, e.g. kadha.
Below-mentioned is a list of easily available Ayurvedic herbs and spices to minimize the chances of winter ailments:
- Ginger
- Black pepper
- Turmeric
- Cinnamon
- Carom seeds
- Cumin
- Cardamom
- Cloves
Healthy diet & a sound sleep
Winter brings a host of healthy fruits and vegetables that are loaded with several vital nutrients. Adding them to your diet not only makes the immune system resilient to winter ailments but also promote overall well-being.
Here are some seasonal fruits and vegetables available during the winters that shield the body against winter harm:
- Spinach (palak)
- Fenugreek (methi)
- Mustard greens (sarson ka saag)
- Chenopodium album (bathua)
- Amaranthus (chulai)
- Radish
- Sweet potato
- Turnip
- Spring onion
- Beetroot
- Carrot
- Grapes
- Guava
- Pomegranate
- Pineapple
- Lemon
- Orange
- Apple
After a healthy meal, aim for sleeping for at least seven to eight hours every night. This will help in strengthening the immune system and prevent winter complications from occurring.
Final thoughts
The symptoms of winter ailments are so common that either they go unnoticed or most people tend to neglect them, which can lead to added health complications during this season.
However, you can protect yourself from the onset of winter ailments by implementing the above-mentioned home tips in your lifestyle.
Another pro-tip to fight the health threats posed by the winter cold is by getting preventive health checkups. These health checks offer a comprehensive insight into your overall health and identify any signs of something going wrong so that you can take preventive measures for a healthier you.
