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Why do some people never get sick regardless of wind, rain or shine? American health website WebMD revealed their health secrets.
1 Get physical
Just one session of rigorous exercise a day can increase blood circulation and allow the white blood cells in your body to fight infections effectively.
2 Watch your breath
Using a mouthwash every day reduces the risk of gum disease such as gingivitis. As gum disease has been linked to diabetes, it is another reason to gargle and rinse, WebMD reported.
3 An apple a day
There may actually be a grain of truth to this old adage. Red apples have a natural antioxidant - quercetin - which may help give an immunity boost to people under stress.
4 Vitamins rule
Remember to take a good mix of vitamins, especially the often forgotten vitamin D found in eggs and milk. Vitamin C may boost your immune system, though it is a common misconception that it prevents colds.
5 Wash your hands
During the cold and flu season, remember to wash your hands more often, as you are in contact with all sorts of pathogens lurking on the surfaces of things such as door knobs, stair railings and phones, said website WebMD.
6 Mind over matter
Having a positive attitude towards your health may make you more resistant to illness. Being positive and refusing to submit to illness increase nitric oxide levels that improve circulation and immunity. People with a more positive outlook are also less likely to catch colds.
7 Get your 40 winks
A good night's sleep, ideally eight hours, allows your body to produce more melatonin which improves your overall immunity.
8 Learn to relax
If you are a worry wart and do not know how to relax, you may be pushing yourself towards illness.
When under constant stress, the body produces higher levels of cortisol and epinephrine. These stress hormones suppress the immune system and weaken the body.
9 Holistic healing
Meditation and breathing exercises can help calm the mind and body and have been linked with the production of flu-fighting antibodies, says website WebMD.
10 Chat up a storm
Extroverts and people with diverse social networks are less likely to develop colds, says a study by American psychologists.
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FLU-BUSTERS
1. Exercise regularly
Exercise boosts your immune system and it does not have to be high impact. Walking daily for just half an hour is the minimum your body needs, website WebMD advised.
2. Eat your greens
Exercise is only half the picture; your diet is just as important. Eating colourful vegetables and fruits ensures that your immune system is nourished with the necessary antioxidants and vitamins.
3. Get plenty of sleep
Most adults need about seven to eight hours of sleep. Teens need more - about nine hours. Growing kids need from 10 to 12 hours of sleep.
4. Reduce stress
Stress is essential and often unavoidable, but too much stress can suppress the immune system. Learn how to and know when to relax.
This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times.
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