Ever notice that some people never get sick?
And this, even in winter when it's cold and viruses are everywhere?
What are their secrets to avoiding colds and flu?
What are the actions that strengthen the immune defenses...
...and never have a runny nose or sore throat again?
Here are the 10 secrets of people who NEVER get sick . Watch:
Cabbage, cauliflower, kale, watercress, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and other green leafy vegetables are high in vitamins.
These are essential to maintain a balanced diet and reinforce immune defences .
In a study in mice, researchers found that eating green vegetables sends a chemical signal to the body (source 1).
Green vegetables stimulate cell membrane proteins, which are essential for the proper functioning of immune defenses.
Thus, the researchers found that healthy mice that do not eat green vegetables lose 70-80% of these membrane proteins.
To discover: The 29 Best Health Foods in the World.
According to a recent report, the French lack vitamin D.
In fact, only 1 in 4 adults and 3 in 10 children reach an adequate threshold (source 2).
Vitamin D deficiencies can lead to many health conditions, including poor bone growth, cardiovascular disorders, and a weakened immune system.
According to a study published in the scientific journal "Pediatrics" , vitamin D levels in children should be checked regularly.
This is particularly important in children with dark skin, as they absorb vitamin D less easily when exposed to the sun (source 3).
Foods rich in vitamin D include egg yolks, mushrooms, salmon, canned tuna and beef liver.
You can also get vitamin D supplements, available in drops or vials, at pharmacies or even here on the internet.
There are two types of vitamin D:vitamin D3 of animal origin (also called cholecalciferol), and vitamin D2 of vegetable origin.
Choose vitamin D3 supplements instead, as it is more effective in increasing vitamin D levels in the blood.
To discover: Guide to Vitamins:What Are Their Benefits and Which Foods Have The Most?
We're not talking about going to the gym every day here!
Indeed, know that to enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity, you just need to go out for a 15-minute walk a day.
Staying active helps keep the body physically fit. But that's not all.
According to a study published in the scientific journal "Neurologic Clinicians " (source 4), regular physical activity also helps to:
- avoid inflammation and chronic diseases,
- reduce stress levels and the secretion of stress-related hormones and
- accelerate the diffusion of white blood cells, which help the body to protect against cold symptoms .
To discover: Walking 30 Mins A Day:The 7 Incredible Benefits Everyone Should Know.
Have you recently been exposed to one of the many viruses that can cause the common cold?
So, if you don't want to get sick, it's essential to get enough sleep, according to a study published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine " (source 5).
Researchers have found that healthy adults who sleep at least 8 hours a night have higher resistance to viruses that cause colds.
On the other hand, the risk of contracting a virus after exposure is increased in those who sleep less than 7 hours per night.
According to the researchers, the explanation is that the body releases cytokines during prolonged periods of sleep.
In fact, cytokines are a type of protein that help the body regulate the immune system and fight infections.
To discover: How To Fall Asleep In Under 1 Minute With A Simple Breathing Exercise.
New research shows that consuming alcohol damages the body's dendritic cells.
Dendritic cells play an essential role in the body's immune response.
Thus, increasing alcohol consumption over time also increases the risk of bacterial and viral infection.
A study published in the journal "Clinical and Vaccine Immunology " compared the effects of alcohol on dendritic cells in mice (source 6).
Researchers found that in mice that consumed alcohol, the immune response was diminished , and this, on several levels.
According to the doctors, the results of the study help explain why vaccines have reduced effectiveness in people suffering from alcohol dependence.
To discover: Here's What I Learned By Quitting Drinking Alcohol For 2 Years.
Doctors have long suspected that there is a link between chronic stress and physical illnesses.
According to a study published by the National Academy of Sciences , knowing how to manage stress helps to considerably improve the general state of health (source 7).
For example, some people practice yoga to better regulate their stress levels.
Others prefer meditation, which has scientifically proven benefits for the brain.
Cortisol is a hormone that helps the body fight inflammation and disease.
However, in people suffering from chronic stress, this hormone is secreted too frequently, which reduces its effectiveness.
It is for this reason that chronic stress leads to an increased risk of inflammation and other diseases, as well as a reduced efficiency of the immune system .
To discover: 11 Simple Remedies To Eliminate Stress In Just A Few Minutes.
Green tea has been renowned for its health benefits for centuries.
Its health benefits are certainly due to its high content of flavonoids, plant pigments with antioxidant properties .
According to a study published in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition ", drinking a few cups of freshly brewed green tea every day has many health benefits (source 8).
Green tea helps in particular to reduce blood pressure and reduce the risk of onset of cardiovascular disease.
To discover: 11 Green Tea Benefits You Didn't Know About.
The secret to remembering to eat fruits and vegetables at every meal?
It is to cook with fruits, vegetables or legumes that are naturally colored.
Adding colorful fruits &vegetables is a simple way to ensure a good vitamin intake at each of your meals, such as vitamin C.
According to a study published in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition ", vitamin C helps to reinforce the immune system against colds and flu.
And this, especially in people prone to stress (source 9).
To discover: Practical and Free:the Calendar of Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables.
Many doctors have already seen the link between chronic illnesses and lack of social skills – especially in people who are recovering from heart surgery.
Some health authorities even consider social isolation as a risk factor for certain chronic diseases.
According to a study published by the American Psychological Association , social isolation increases stress levels (source 10).
As a result, the body's immune response is significantly weakened, as well as its ability to heal quickly .
In the study, the researchers also found that the negative effects of social isolation are slightly greater in male rats than in females.
To discover: Studies show that the more time you spend with your grandmother, the longer she will live.
To stay healthy and avoid getting sick, it is essential to limit your exposure to bacteria and disease.
Here are some things to do to have irreproachable personal hygiene :
- take a shower every day,
- wash your hands before meals or meal preparation,
- wash your hands before putting in your contact lenses, or any other contact with the eyes or mouth,
- wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, between your fingers and under your fingernails,
- when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue,
- always keep hydroalcoholic gel on you when you are on the move and
- disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as keyboards, telephones, door handles, switches, etc.
To discover: Coronavirus:10 Easy Recipes To Make Your Homemade Hydroalcoholic Gel.
Typically, influenza viruses can survive on a surface for 24 hours (Source 13).
This gives them plenty of time to spread among all family members...
Thus, when the conditions are favorable, just 1 sick child can transmit the flu to the whole house.
The solution ? Avoid sharing personal items , including:
- toothbrushes,
- towels,
- cutlery and cooking utensils,
- glasses.
Also remember to wash all contaminated objects thoroughly in hot soapy water, especially toys shared by children.
And when in doubt, use disposable cups, plates, cutlery and napkins.
To discover: The Tip To Easily Wash And Disinfect Your Children's Toys.
Vaccination against influenza every year is recommended by the Ministry of Health for the elderly, those with certain chronic diseases, pregnant women and obese people (source 11).
However, there are some contraindications.
In particular, the vaccine should not be used in case of allergy to eggs or chicken proteins.
Although very rare, a serious allergic reaction can also occur after vaccination, resulting in a rash and swelling of the eyes and face.
The vaccine should not be used in people who have had a serious allergic reaction to influenza vaccination in the past.
In very rare cases, the vaccine can lead to the occurrence of Guillain-Barré syndrome, an inflammatory disease affecting certain nerves and which results in muscle weakness (source 12).
