21 Tips to Prevent Colds and The Flu

January 5, 2017

Happy Thursday friends! I hope that you are having a great week!

It seems like all of a sudden there have been tons of people struggling with getting colds or the flu and today I wanted to share 21 tips on how to prevent catching either of them! I was shocked when I read recently that many people contract up to 3 colds per year and they can last last long as three weeks! That is more time than many people spend on vacations for the whole year!

As y'all are aware my immune system is incredible low and so these are tips that I have been practicing for the last several years with great results. Thankfully, despite my extremely compromised immune system I have had very few colds or flu bouts which is a miracle. I hope that these tips that have helped me will help y'all too and you can enjoy a happy and sick-free winter!

1. Wash Your Hands
This is such  simple tip but one that so many people actually don't do! Take the time to wash your hands every time you come into your home, before you eat and several times a day. This is a simple tip but one of the most important ones! 

2. Get a Goodnight Sleep
I have written on the blog about getting better sleep and this really applies to this season too! Do you need a better mattress? Check out my post on better mattress ideas

3. Move your body
Exercise stimulates your immune system so try to do something everyday to move your body! 

4. Sanitize your purse
(or book bag or briefcase) Doctors now say that these items can be one of the worst carriers of germs! 

5. Drink plenty of water 
Water flushes toxins out of our system and helps to move germs out of the body. Want to read more about the amazing benefits of drinking water? Check out this post HERE! And for an added immune boost try adding Apple Cider Vinegar to your water! (You can read all about the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar HERE!)

6. Take your vitamins and herbs regularly
Most Naturopath Doctors believe that it can take up to three months for your body to start using the vitamins and herbs that you give it so take these on a consistent basis before you get sick.

7. Strengthen your Gut
Did you know that your gut controls so much of your immune system? Going along with #6- take supplements that help to strengthen your gut to help out your entire body! Last week I wrote a post on 10 Affordable and Helpful Supplements for Lyme Disease Patients for the Gut but that post is helpful for anyone that is looking to improve your immune system! You can find it by clicking HERE.

8. Reduce Stress and Relax 
Reducing stress helps to support the immune system. Looking to do something to help you relax? Take this opportunity to discover the benefits of massage or consider the benefits of pet ownership!

9. Take Time to Laugh 
Remember my post on the importance of laughter? Laughter is excellent for your body!

10. Dry Brush
Have you tried dry brushing? This simple and yet effective trick is easy to do and helps get rid of your toxins! Not sure how to dry brush effectively? Check out my post entitled Step-by-Step Dry Brushing guide by clicking HERE.


12. Limit your Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol suppresses the immune system and dehydrates the body. 

13. Stop Smoking
In addition to the dangers of smoking for your entire health, doctors say that smokers are more prone to more serious and long lasting colds.

14. Watch what you touch!
Are your co-workers sick but still coming to work? Watch what you touch and make sure to wash your hands at work A LOT!

15. Take Garlic (or add it to your meals)
Garlic is known to have antibiotic properties for your body. Can't stand the taste? There are many garlic supplements out there!

16. Drink Tea
Try drinking different teas to help boost your immune system.

17. Take a Probiotic
Just like I shared in #7- the gut is the storehouse for your immune system. Probiotics can help you in many different ways and studies are showing that those taking probiotics are 42% less likely to get a cold! Check out some of my recommended probiotics HERE.

18. Cut out the Sugar and Sweets
Loma Linda University did a study on people who consumed sugar and found that their infection-fighting white blood cells lost the ability to fend off bacteria and viruses.This study also shared that our immune systems can actually be suppressed for several hours after you eat or drink sugar. Are you a person who drinks several sodas a day? If this study is correct then you are actually lowering your immune system for the entire day.

19. Dry your toothbrush
Make sure your toothbrush is far away from others in your household and have the opportunity to thoroughly dry so that bacteria is not growing on them! (EWWW!!)

20. Take Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an immune booster to our bodies. Looking for a recommendation on a Vitamin C? We use THIS ONE by Soloray. We purchase it on Amazon due to the low cost and love the fact that it is non-acidic! You can find it HERE.

21. Build Healthy Relationships
Studies have shown that those with healthy relationships are generally healthier people. 

Did you know that there are certain foods that boost your immune system? Check out my blog post, 17 Foods that Boost the Immune System by clicking HERE to read! Have you gotten a cold and are looking for help to get over it quickly? Check out my blog post 14 Ways to Heal a Cold Quickly by clicking HERE to read! 

Happy Thursday friends! Wishing you a wonderful day (and winter) of health and happiness!

{Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.

1 comment

  1. Rebecca! This is Katie from FCS (English after Kelly). I stumbled on your site after seeing your guest post in mundane faithfulness. Wow I miss you! And so excited to see you are published and speaking! I will def add you to my prayer list for health! I just had my third boy unexpectedly because our second was very pre-mature. Born at 28 weeks, he is my full time job with lots of therapy, a feeding tube, and poor immune system. So thanks for this post too! But he is a miracle and makes daily strides. They hope and we pray for him to catch up and get rid of tube by elementary school. Either way, as you know, it's a blessing to depend so much on the Lord! Miss you and proud to see all God is doing through your story!

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