Sniffly noses, coughs, sore throats, etc.: colds are very common in winter. This is precisely when our body needs special attention in order to get through the cold season as fit and healthy as possible.
Tips for the cold season
1. boost metabolism & digestion at
Drink a large glass of warm water every morning after getting up. Our body performs at its best while we sleep. Our cells urgently need a supply of water in the morning. This allows your body to remove used substances more quickly, boosts your metabolism and supports your digestion at the same time.
You should also drink warm drinks during the day. Depending on your taste, cut a piece of organic ginger into thin slices, for example, pour hot water over it and add lemon, orange or mint, sweeten with a little honey if necessary. Delicious!
2. get some fresh air
The worst thing for our mucous membranes is heating air. It dries them out, making it much easier for viruses and bacteria to penetrate. Make sure you drink enough and open the window more often at home or in the office. Airing the room for 3-5 minutes ensures sufficient air exchange and more humidity. Go outside sometimes despite the cold.
3. frequent hand washing protects
Most pathogens first land on our hands before they enter our bodies via the mucous membranes. Sufficient hygiene is particularly important during the cold season. Wherever there are a lot of people (e.g. on public transport, in shopping centers, companies, schools), door handles and handrails are a particularly common source of viruses and bacteria. Get into the habit of washing your hands not only after going to the toilet or before eating. Also wash them thoroughly as soon as you have visited such places or when you get home.
4. supply your body with vital substances
Make sure you eat a healthy diet every day, especially in winter. Seasonal fruit and vegetables or high-quality organic produce provide your body with an optimal supply of important nutrients. You can strengthen your immune system with vitamin C, zinc, selenium and protein. For example, start the day with a delicious, warm porridge, refined with fresh fruit and nuts.
By the way: in winter, you can also use untreated frozen produce such as raspberries without feeling guilty. Dietary supplements can also help if necessary. Fitness for the immune system is of course also available from ARKTIS, e.g. with the perfectly coordinated winter bundle, consisting of vitamin D, vitamin C and our popular colostrum STRONG with vitamins, minerals, growth factors, amino acids and immunoglobulins.
5. get out into nature with you
In the cold season, we spend much less time outside. And it's not just good for our mucous membranes. Our bodies can only produce important vitamin D when our skin is exposed to daylight. Take care of your well-being: Fill up on fresh air and light in nature, which is good for body and soul. Why not start your Sunday morning with a relaxing walk through the snow-covered countryside? Even little things can work wonders.
6. bring movement into your everyday life
A tip that applies to every season and is important: move as much as possible in your everyday life. Stand up when you're on the phone in the office, take the stairs instead of the elevator, leave the car at home and walk. This is also good for the environment. If you want to be active but don't necessarily feel like going to the gym, there are plenty of ways to exercise at home. More sociable people can arrange to meet up with like-minded people for a walk around the nearby lake or park. This will also help you to outwit your inner couch potato who likes to look for excuses.
Positive side effect: sport has a proven positive effect on our gut and also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
7. take care of your gut
You read that right! Because the gut is our largest immune organ. Around 80% of active immune cells are located there and regulate the most important functions of our body. Healthy intestinal flora is a prerequisite for health, well-being and performance - at any age. Your main focus should therefore be on maintaining a healthy gut and stable intestinal flora.
Due to increased office work and a lack of exercise, our bodies are often no longer able to optimally reduce stress. However, too many stress hormones put our body on alert. Our immune system can react to this with susceptibility to infections, allergies such as hay fever and inflammation.
Generally speaking, a healthy, balanced diet, an active lifestyle, a relaxed attitude and sufficient hygiene measures are the best way to support your body in its important functions in winter and actively ensure a strong immune system.
