Are colds and flu sucking the quality out of your life? Tired of relying on medications that don’t offer long-lasting relief? We can relate. So we turned to Jonny Bowden, also known as The Rogue Nutritionist, for advice on staying healthy — naturally.
Are colds and flu sucking the quality out of your life? Tired of relying on medications that don’t offer long-lasting relief? We can relate. So we turned to Jonny Bowden, also known as The Rogue Nutritionist, for advice on staying healthy — naturally.
Boost your health and deter colds and flu
Jonny Bowden is a well-known natural health authority who recommends developing healthy lifestyle habits to boost your immune system and cut down the duration and frequency of colds and flu.
Blow your nose — the right way
Bowden says there is a right way and wrong way to blow your nose. “Use proper nose-blowing technique, which is gentle and slow,” he explains. “On average, adults blow their noses about 45 times a day during the first three days of a cold. Blowing one’s nose can create a lot of pressure, as much as ten times the pressure created by a cough or a sneeze. This pressure increase results in mucus not only being blown out of the nose, but back up into your sinuses as well.” Go easy on yourself.
Wrap your face
Scarves don’t just keep your neck warm, they can also protect your lungs from irritation during cold weather, says Bowden. Bring your scarf up over your nose and mouth.
Try a nasal wash
“Keep nasal passages moist and clear by using a nasal wash,” suggests the nutrition expert. “Medicated nasal rinses that contain essential oils can help clear mucus, hydrate the nasal passages and relieve congestion, whether due to colds or allergies.”
Use a humidifier
Don’t just buy a humidifier and let it go. You need to tend to it to make sure that it runs cool and stays clean. Bowden recommends keeping the humidity between 30 and 50 percent.
Drink up
Water is essential to your health on a well day, and even more important when you are ill. Drink plenty of water to keep your mucus thin and fluid.
Eat the rainbow
You’ve heard it many times: Eat a rainbow for health. Bowden says, “Eat more brightly colored fruits and vegetables – these foods are loaded with vitamin and minerals which help to support immune system function.” He adds that the best immune-boosting foods are berries, citrus, garlic, green tea, and honey.
Don’t rely on medications
Though OTC meds can give you temporary relief, they can actually make you feel worse in the long run. “Avoid use of antihistamines because they can dry out nasal membranes,” says Bowden. “And avoid decongestants because they can raise blood pressure and heart rate.”
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