Avoiding winter illnesses

05/01/2009 by admin.

The average adult experiences 1-6 bouts of the common cold each year and influenza affects approximately 10-15 % of the population in any one year.  Anyone that has suffered flu will know how awful it makes you feel.

Cold and flu viruses are most often transmitted through the eyes, mouth, nose and respiratory passages.  This means that they are easily transferred by touch or by airborne particles through coughing or sneezing.

It’s not easy avoiding winter illnesses but you can reduce the likelihood of contracting something.  Here are some tips:

- Where possible, steer clear of people with colds and coughs.

- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

- Avoid contact between your hands and nose, mouth and eyes.- Eat starchy complex carbohydrates (eg pasta, chickpeas, root vegetables, rice, cous cous, beans and potatoes) rather than simple (sugary) carbohydates such as cake, chocolate and sugary drinks to keep your energy levels steady throughout the day.

- Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables to keep your vitamin and mineral intake up to keep your immunity strong.

- Keep yourself well hydrated.  Bear in mind that alcohol dehydrates you.  If you are out for a night of drinking make sure that you drink some soft drinks too.  Your urine should be straw colour.  If it is deep yellow or orange, you are dehydrated and need to get some fluids in you.

- Get plenty of sleep.

In addition, some research suggests that some supplementation of vitamin C, glutamine and zinc can be beneficial.

Here’s to a healthy 2009. 

Posted in Latest from Ann | No Comments »