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| Quick Tips
for Giving Summer Colds the Slip |
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Boost Immunity
with Probiotics.
Daily probiotic supplements can help crowd out pathogens
that may cause cold symptoms.
Add More Vitamin C.
Studies show that taking vitamin C at the onset of
a cold helps reduce the length of illness.
Wash Your Hands.
Crowded public areas can easily become contaminated
with germs. Frequently washing your hands helps
prevent the spread of illness.
Clean Your Air Vents.
Regularly clean your air conditioning filters to
avoid trapped dusts, mold, and allergens.
Get
Plenty of Rest.
A good night’s sleep (8 full hours)
goes a long way toward keeping summer colds at bay.
Drink
Plenty of Water.
Keep your body well-hydrated by drinking at least
half your body weight in ounces of water a day.
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Summer
Colds are No Match
for
the
Power of Probiotics
Ah, summer. Time to get outdoors and melt away
the winter chill. Time to break out the flip-flops and hit the
beach. To pack up the picnic basket and head to the park. Time
to… to… ah… ah-CHOO! Uh-oh, not again. The
dreaded summer cold. And just when you thought you had left behind
the sniffling, sneezing, days of tissue-filled frustration. But
not this year, no sir. This year you’re ready for those
pesky germs and their penchant for runny noses.
Your secret:
the power of probiotics.
Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria in your
gut that keep harmful pathogens from moving in and making themselves
at home. In fact, studies have shown that these microscopic organisms
help maintain a healthy balance of good/neutral bacteria to harmful
bacteria in the digestive tract (about 80/20, respectively).
This is especially important when you consider that more than
70% of your immune system is located in your digestive tract,
and when that favorable balance is upset, your health can suffer
as a result.
In studies probiotics
have been shown to enhance immune function and help prevent illness—especially
during peak cold and flu seasons—but as powerful as they
may be, factors such as diet, stress, and illness can diminish
their numbers and disturb an otherwise healthy intestinal environment;
repeated antibiotic use can also be detrimental. Although their
intended purpose is to get rid of harmful bacteria, antibiotics
typically wipe out existing good bacteria as well. This allows
unhealthy bacteria to flourish in the gut and may lead to intestinal
issues such as diarrhea and constipation. For this reason, it
may be best to think twice before phoning the doctor at the first
sign of a seasonal sniffle.
Multitasking Microflora
In addition
to their role in boosting immunity, probiotics may offer a multitude
of benefits for the whole body. Because of their prevalence in
a healthy digestive tract, research indicates that they may help
prevent Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
For women, specific strains of microflora may help support vaginal
and urinary tract health, thus preventing the discomfort of a
yeast or urinary tract infection.
Infants and young children
may also benefit from taking a daily probiotic supplement to
help boost immunity and prevent recurring illness. Supplying
additional good bacteria throughout the early years may also
help prevent the onset of allergies in children and adolescents,
since they have been shown to help support the intestinal lining
by prohibiting allergens from entering the digestive tract.
Bring
on the Bifido
Many of us are familiar nowadays with acidophilus,
but in reality this strain of Lactobacilli—the most prevalent
good bacteria in a healthy small intestine—is just one
of many probiotic strains shown to boost immunity and support overall
health. Look for a daily probiotic supplement that also includes
a high Bifidobacteria count. Bifidobacteria are the most prevalent
good bacteria in a healthy large intestine, and research has
shown that a combination of both types of bacteria is most effective
at supporting overall digestive and immune health.
Smooth Sailing
Similar to their winter siblings, many summer colds are caused
by viruses and often produce unpleasant symptoms such as a sore
throat, persistent cough, nasal congestion and sinus pressure,
as well as the occasional headache or fever. The only difference
this season is that you know what to do before the sniffling
even starts: Stock up on probiotics and send your summer cold
packing.
For More Information on
Probiotics, visit ReNewlife.com.
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