Winter, the season of frost, fires, and, unfortunately, the flu. It seems that people tend to get sick during this most festive time of year, but have you ever wondered why that is?
As it turns out, our bodies are not super effective at fending off viruses when it’s cold.
How our bodies fend off viruses
One of the first layers of protection for our bodies when it comes to fending off airborne viruses is our nose. Inside our nose is thin hairs that act as a filter, collecting bacteria, viruses, and pollutants and preventing them from entering our bodies, mucus then surrounds these invaders, and we blow them out. The cold air can dry out your nasal cavity making it easier for viruses to bypass your body’s natural defense mechanisms, leading to it becoming easier to be infected. Additionally, people tend to spend more time in enclosed spaces when it’s cold out. Enclosed spaces, with many people, increase your risk of viral infection as well. So the question becomes, how do you protect and prevent infection during this festive yet volatile time?
What are colds?
First, to answer that question, we need to have an understanding of what happens in your body when you catch a cold. Symptoms that you often associate with being sick such as sore throat, phlegm, runny nose, sneezing, fevers, and even body aches, are all part of your immune response to fight the infection. If you want to learn more about your immune system, check out our previous blog: Do You Really Know How Your Immune System Works?
The problem with most cold medicines is that they mask the symptoms, essentially inhibiting your natural immune response. This, in turn, can actually make you sicker. Think about it like this Let’s say you have a respiratory infection; your body tries to rid itself of the virus by coughing it out. So you take a cough suppressant, making it more difficult for your body to expel the virus. In addition to that, over counter-cold medicines can linger in the body and cause organ damage when taken in excess.
While it’s true that there is no cure for viruses, there are some things you can do to help your body fight against the infection naturally.
Get some Vitamin C into your system
Many of us understand that Vitamin C supports the immune system, but what does it do for infections? Well, a lot, actually. Vitamin c stimulates the migration of white blood cells to the site of the infection. Vitamin C can also help reduce the duration of the cold for a bit, and when you’re sick, every little bit helps!
Stay hydrated
Hydration is essential, and if you’re sick, it can be quite easy to forget to drink water (especially if your appetite is reduced). If you have a fever or are sweating, have diarrhea, or are vomiting, you may be dehydrated. Replenishing those fluids and drinking plenty of liquids will help you recover faster and may ease some of your symptoms. But above all, dehydration, if left unchecked, can cause some undesirable symptoms such as lightheadedness, confusion, and a rapid heart rate, and can even land you in the hospital. Naturally, you don’t want to over-hydrate either, as that can lead to low sodium (which, if that gets bad enough, can lead to things like loss of appetite and diarrhea. The risk of overhydration is quite small, but you should not guzzle a ton of water in a fit or paranoia. Just listen to your body. If you’re urine is dark, has a foul smell, or you’re thirsty, then you probably need some water.
Get plenty of rest
When you have an infection, your body is at war, and it needs all the resources at its disposal to help you get better. That’s why resting is crucial. In today’s world, it can feel like pushing through it is necessary. Between bills, home, school, family, and work obligations, it can feel like rest is simply not freezable. But if you work yourself to the point of exhaustion, you won’t be abler to help anyone else.
Take BSO Honey
Black Seed Oil Infused Honey (or BSO Honey for short) is a natural liquid health supplement that keeps you healthy, reduces pain, and helps you recover faster without the use of organ-damaging drugs. It’s safe to take every day, even if you’re not sick. Here are a few of the amazing properties you can look forward to by taking BSO Honey:
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-viral
- Reduces viral load in the body
- Anti-inflammatory
- Boosts immune function
- Provides phytonutrients
- Neutralizes free radicles
- Contains antioxidants
- And much more!
If you’re ready to improve your health, boost your immune system, and start feeling better, then BSO Honey is for you! Visit our online shop to pick up some today.