When temperatures rise and drop sporadically throughout the season, it can lead to blocked sinuses, unwelcome colds, and sometimes even the dreaded flu. (Not to mention all the sick people hacking up a lung and insisting they’re “totally fine…it’s just allergies!”) But while illnesses may seem like an inevitable thing during this time, that doesn’t have to be the case.
While you know that it’s important to wash your hands, get plenty of sleep, and drink fluids, you could avoid getting sick altogether?
If you’re ready for year-round health, follow these safe, easy, all-natural ways to safeguard yourself from the common funk.
1 of 6
Shutterstock
Say Argggh
Experts claim that gargling water for just 30 seconds can actually prevent upper-respiratory infections. The act of gargling water stimulates your immune system and tricks your body into thinking it’s getting ready to fight invaders. Swish water for 30 seconds and spit. Repeat at the onset of symptoms or first thing in the morning as a daily preventative.
2 of 6
Shutterstock
Try Oil Pulling
You’ve probably heard about the craze of swishing oil in your mouth to whiten teeth, detox, fend off germs, cure headaches, asthma, and even diabetes. Choose a spoonful of oil, such as coconut, sesame, or sunflower, and swish for up to 30 minutes per day, gargling before you spit. If swishing warm, gooey oil for half an hour just isn’t your thing, studies have shown that eating one tablespoon of coconut oil every day, which carries numerous medicinal properties, can keep the flu at bay. (You can also mix it into smoothies, sauces, or cook with it, too.)
3 of 6
Shutterstock
Take a Swig
Apple cider vinegar’s medicinal benefits are nothing new. Its antibacterial properties have been used to cure yeast infections, slash sore throats, boost immunity, clear up skin, boost weight loss, and keep the doctor at bay. Aim to take one tablespoon a day in water. Can’t stomach the sour taste? Swap out apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar when making your own salad dressing.
4 of 6
Shutterstock
Bug Out with Probiotics
While probiotics aren’t new, they are definitely helpful since 70% of your immune system is in your gut. Aim to take them first thing in the morning or right before you go to sleep, and look for other helpful probiotic foods to add to your daily diet, such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, or water kefir. And nix the dairy, as it can lead to congestion.
5 of 6
colors via Shutterstock
Just the Essentials
If you’re not on the essential oils train, get there fast. Essential oils have been around for ages, and with a quick swipe to the bottoms of your feet, you can keep your immunity revved. Look for all-in-one roll-on blends from reputable brands, or aim for singular oils, like Thieves (which is a blend of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary), oregano, Frankincense, thyme, or lavender.
6 of 6
file404 via Shutterstock
Wipe away as many germs as possible
While you might shy away from public toilets and germy surfaces and pump hand sanitizer like it’s your job, chances are the germiest thing you own is your phone. In a recent study, bacteria was found on 90% of people’s phones. Among that bacteria? Feces! Need we say more? Keep antibacterial wipes handy and swab down your phone for ongoing preventative care.
