The best way to protect yourself from a cold is to strengthen your immune system. Sufficient exercise in the fresh air (even in windy weather), regular endurance sports and a healthy, varied diet with lots of vitamins, fiber and minerals mobilize the body’s defenses. Drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day. True miracles for strengthening the defenses are also ginger and ginseng roots.
In addition, you should reduce stress factors, make sure you get enough sleep and, if possible, stop consuming nicotine and alcohol. Use the cold days to pamper yourself with sauna sessions, Kneipp treatments and relaxation exercises such as yoga or Tai Chi. Supplementary preparations from the pharmacy or health food store can also strengthen the immune system.
B – Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the branched airways. Acute bronchitis often occurs in conjunction with a cold. Bronchitis is manifested by a strong cough, usually dry at first, until mucus is gradually produced. Often, the patient is also plagued by chest pain. The inflammation of the mucous membranes is almost always triggered by viruses, but bacteria can also be the cause.
In young people, bronchitis symptoms usually subside after ten days at the latest. However, bronchitis can become chronic, especially in older and weakened people. If the symptoms have not subsided after 14 days, a doctor should be consulted at the latest.
Bronchitis is usually treated with cough-relieving medication; chest compresses with oil or inhalation with saline solution are also tried and tested home remedies, although these should only be used with caution in the case of fever (it is best to ask your family doctor). Otherwise, it is important to drink plenty of fluids, take it easy as much as possible, and avoid polluted air – for example, from cigarettes or exhaust fumes. Caution: smokers are particularly at risk of bronchitis.
C – Vitamin C
Vitamin C – also known as ascorbic acid – is considered the classic protection against colds par excellence. Therefore, a diet rich in vitamin C should not be missing to ward off the common cold. In addition to citrus fruits, sea buckthorn, rose hips, black currants, kiwis and strawberries in particular are rich in vitamin C. But not only plenty of fresh fruit is important, vegetables can also be a real vitamin C donor. Kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, peppers and spinach therefore also belong on the menu. A little tip: season your salad with fresh parsley, because it also has a very high vitamin C content.
The body also needs vitamin C for many other functions, such as to form collagen or to protect the body’s cells from free radicals. Vitamin C is also important for gums, stress management, concentration, nerves and blood vessels, and also has a positive effect on mood. Vitamin C thus affects the overall well-being and makes it much harder for a virus attack right away.
D – steam bath
Even the Romans liked to relax in the steam bath. The classic Roman caldarium is a room with mostly circular benches, whose room temperature is heated by steam to 40-45 degrees. The special feature of the Roman steam bath is the high humidity.
If the steam is supplemented with mint or eucalyptus, the sinuses are cleared. A Roman steam bath can be found in many sauna facilities today. The Turkish steam bath is also popular. The heat relieves muscle tension and promotes blood circulation.
While the steam baths described here should rather be visited for cold prevention, a sick person can also do himself some good at home by a small steam bath. Simply place herbs, such as sage, in a heatproof bowl, pour a liter of boiling water over them, let them steep, and hold your head over the bowl. A large towel should be placed over the shoulders and head while doing this, otherwise the heat will be lost.
