Cold and flu season is coming, and even the most careful among us can find it hard to dodge the sniffles.
But one doctor in California claims that staying healthy might not require more medicine — just a few unexpected daily habits that strengthen the body’s natural defenses.
A science-based approach to cold prevention
Dr. Jessica Kiss, a California-based physician known online as @askdrmom, has shared five unconventional yet science-backed strategies to help reduce your risk of getting sick this winter.
Though some may sound strange, they’re grounded in research on immunity, hygiene, and body function.
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Here are the five methods she recommends:
- Clean your tongue: Bacteria that accumulate on the tongue can weaken oral immunity. Regular tongue scraping helps remove microbes before they enter the body, lowering infection risk.
- Breathe through your nose: Nasal breathing filters out airborne viruses and warms the air before it reaches your lungs, improving respiratory protection.
- Get morning sunlight: Exposure to natural light early in the day boosts vitamin D levels and helps regulate sleep cycles — both vital for immune health.
- Use a humidifier: Dry indoor air weakens the mucous membranes that trap pathogens. Keeping humidity above 40% helps your body defend itself.
- Cold exposure therapy: Brief cold showers or stepping outside in the chill can activate circulation and stimulate the immune system — though it’s not for everyone.
Why these tips matter
Cold viruses spread easily through contact and indoor air during the colder months. While handwashing and vaccines remain essential, lifestyle-based strategies like these can provide an extra layer of defense.
According to studies published in the Journal of Immunology Research, maintaining moisture in nasal passages and avoiding over-dry environments can reduce the chance of viral infection by up to 30%.
Meanwhile, low vitamin D levels have consistently been linked to increased susceptibility to respiratory illnesses.
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Simple steps for stronger immunity
Dr. Kiss emphasizes that prevention is about consistency — not perfection. Building habits that support natural immune function, from good oral hygiene to balanced sleep and hydration, can make the difference between a mild sniffle and a full-blown cold.
As winter approaches, the best defense might just be a few small changes that keep your body ready for whatever’s in the air.
Artiklen er baseret på informationer fra LA.LV
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