Here are 12 things that doctors do to stay healthy during cold and flu season and throughout the year. I do them, and you can do them, too.
1. Have a Squeeze of Lemon: Adding a squeeze of lemon to your water or tea boosts the antioxidant content and may help with digestion. One study found that your body better absorbs the antioxidants in green tea when lemon is mixed in. Of course, lemon and other citrus fruits are also loaded with natural vitamin C, one of the best cold- and flu-fighting agents out there.
2. Eat More Fiber: Fiber might sound boring, but it is an inner cleansing wonder that has powerful health benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, getting enough fiber will prevent digestion problems, help control cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and aid in weight loss. Those are a lot of benefits simply from eating more delicious fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
3. Get Enough Omega-3s: Whether you take a supplement or eat more cold-water fish during the week, boosting your omega-3 fatty acid intake provides great health benefits. It reduces heart disease and stroke risk, can ease the symptoms of depression, helps to lower your blood pressure, and even eases joint pain. Don't be put off by the relatively high retail cost of a pound of fish. The health benefits of eating fish on a regular basis are very large. If buying fish instead of hamburger adds a couple hundred dollars a year to your grocery bill, it's money well spent in my opinion. And if you're eating out, the catch of the day is likely to be priced no higher than a high-cholesterol, high-fat steak.
4. Snack on Nuts: When you hit that afternoon slump, it's tempting to reach for junk food. Keep a stash of nuts in easy reach – walnuts, almonds, and macadamia nuts are excellent. They are loaded with heart-healthy fats and fiber that are good for you and make you feel full.
5. Find a Favorite Stress Reliever: Stress hurts your body, plain and simple. It alters your hormone balance and releases chemicals that put you at higher risk for obesity and heart disease. Finding a fun way to relieve stress and making it a habit is a good step toward better health. This could be anything from a pick-up game of basketball to a round of golf to watching the stars at night as long as it helps you counter the stress in your life.
6. Get Plenty of Antioxidants: Popular doctor, Dr. Andrew Weil, refers to a study on antioxidants and heart health. Participants who took a combination of vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10 and selenium say improvements in several markers of heart health.
7. Wash Your Hands... a Lot: Good hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent acute illnesses like colds and the flu. About 80% of infectious diseases get transmitted through touch, according to the CDC. It ranks hand washing as the most effective means of avoiding bacterial and viral infections.
8. Find an Exercise That's Fun: You know that exercise plays an important role in good health and high energy. One strategy that can help you get more exercise is to find a type that's fun for you. You're more likely to stick with something you look forward to. If you dread it, eventually, you'll skip it.
9. Walk More: The Mayo Clinic recommends walking to improve health. It's low impact, costs nothing, relieves stress, and almost anyone can do it. The benefits range from better cholesterol levels to lower blood-pressure levels to a better sense of well being.
10. Skip the Pain Pills Before Bed: Doctors recognize the importance of a good night's sleep. The director of the sleep medicine center at Martha Jefferson Hospital in Virginia recommends avoiding over-the-counter pain medications in the hours before bed. Many contain compounds that can disrupt your sleep cycle, causing shallower sleep.
11. And the Electronic Devices, Too: Turn off all electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime. That means cell phones, personal computers, radios, televisions and related gizmos. Give your mind and your senses a chance to be still before you go to bed and you're likely to get a more complete and restful sleep.
12. Be Curious: Learning new things and trying new things can help you stay mentally sharp. One doctor recommends teaching others about the things you know. Getting that kind of brain exercise can keep your brain in top form.
