Vitamin C ineffective? 5 tips on how to avoid the flu this fall

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The fall season is synonymous to flu season that is why many people take many vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits, dark green leafy vegetables, and broccoli. However, intake of this vitamin is actually ineffective in fighting against colds, according to Everyday Health.

While experts recommend getting a flu shot to act as the best defense against colds, here is a list of five tips on how to avoid getting the sniffles this fall the natural way.

1) Eat what is good for the season

Green Lotus Acupuncture suggests eating warmer and heartier foods best for fall can help prevent people from getting sick. Continuing to incorporate vegetables rich in antioxidants, vitamins and zinc can also improve the natural defense mechanism of the body and help avoid unwanted virus attacks.

2) Wash hands properly

The Daily Mail UK writes that according to Dr. Nicola Goddard of the Public Health Laboratory Service, germs can be easily transmitted through physical contact, similar as to how fast viruses can be transmitted in the air when someone sneezes. Practicing proper hand washing technique can avoid infection and bacteria which may cause not only the flu but also diarrhea and vomiting.

3) Eat more probiotics

The Huffington Post recommends eating foods rich in probiotics such as yogurt because a healthy tummy means a healthy immune system. These probiotics can improve and boost the immune system of the body, which can help increase the body’s resistance to cold and flu through the help of antibiotics.

4) Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

The Daily Mail UK adds that drinking plenty of water, at least eight glasses of water a day can help people to stay healthy. Dr. Susan Shirrefs, a rehydration expert, explains that water helps improve the function of the kidneys which in turn flushes away all the toxin accumulated in the body. When a person gets sick, lack of water in the body makes the mucus thicker and drier which means it has less defense in coping against bacteria and viruses.

5) Get enough sleep

The Huffington Post adds that sleeping helps the body recuperate and repair itself. Lack of sleep means encouraging an unhealthy immune system which in turn makes the person susceptible to sickness.

Furthermore, Dr. William Bird, a medical consultant from the Meteorological Office of Health Forecast, explains that besides ending up with a weakened immune system, people who don’t get enough sleep becomes cranky and stressed. Feeling stressed and irritated make it difficult for people to fight off infection as compared to people who are happy and buoyant.