13 bizarre steps to remain healthy

Eating a balanced diet might be passe. Instead, throw a party or have a moderately civilised fight with your partner to stay fit this winter Scientists are yet to find the cure for coughs, colds and sneezes.

However, there are bizarre ways of boosting your immune system to ensure you're fighting fit throughout the festive season and the rest of winter. Of course, the usual advice such as eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep can help us battle bugs, but there are other suggestions too.

DON'T SHARE YOUR PENS

"Pens can collect and pass on bugs so keep a personal set of stationery," suggests Deepa Songara, flu pharmacist. The same goes for that teaspoon that's passed around at work and the phone -wipe the mouthpiece if someone with sniffles has used it.

COAT YOUR THROAT

Clinical studies have shown that spraying your throat with mouth spray can reduce the risk of getting a cold and shorten its duration. The spray creates a thin protective film with an enzyme to break down disease-related proteins.

VITAMIN D COMES BEFORE C

We've always been told to dose up on vitamin C if the chills come on, but D3 may be better for cold and flu protection says Dr David Mantle, a medical adviser. "Studies in Finland and Japan showed people with adequate vitamin D were less likely to get respiratory illnesses," he says. "This could be because vitamin D supports our production of anti-viral and antibacterial proteins."

HAVE A PARTY

Keeping to yourself might seem wise, but researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, US, found that people who met regularly with family, friends, workmates and neighbours had better immunity against a cold.So send an invite (unless your friends have flu!).

SWAP ORANGE FOR A CUPPA

"While they provide a tiny amount of vitamin C and some hydration, orange and other fruit juices contain harmful sugars that stifle our immune defences," says Dr Mantle."Stick to water and herbal teas to stay h ydrated." Chamomile tea is a good choice. Researchers from Imperial College London found people who drank it had high levels of hippurate (a compound associated with antibacterial activity) and this could explain why it seems to help fight infections.

HAVE A (CIVILISED) ROW WITH YOUR OTHER HALF

Bottling things up can be bad for your immunity. Researchers from the University of California found cou ples who had a constructive argument about a problem in their marriage boosted their production of infection-fighting blood cells. But play fair -the same researchers found people who argue nastily (regularly using insults and sarcasm) had fewer virus-fighting cells.

FEED YOUR GUT'S GOOD BACTERIA

"As much as 70% of your immune system is in the gut," says GP Dr Ellie Cannon. The good bacteria in there -such as bifidobacteria -helps keep your immune system primed to fight infection. She adds: "Clinical studies from Reading University found that taking the Bimuno prebi otic showed an increase in beneficial bifidobacteria and had a direct positive effect on the immune system in the elderly."

EAT WHIFFY VEG

The sulphuric compounds that give garlic, onions, leeks and chives their pungent taste and smell are packed with antibodies to fight infection.

GET A PET

A study from Wilkes University in the US found stroking a dog for 18 minutes led to participants producing a surge in antibodies that fight infection. Other research has found that babies brought up with pets have fewer colds and ear infections.

HERBAL HELP

Researchers pitted the herbal remedy echinacea against antiviral medication Tamiflu (oseltamivir) in a new clinical trial with surprising results.

"We found Echinaforce Hot Drink to be as effective as oseltamivir in terms of shortening the duration of flu and reducing complications," says Dr Peter Fisher of the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine. "Despite different modes of action, both blo ck virus dissemination and development."

MUSHROOMS ARE MAGIC

"Studies show that mushrooms, most notably the shiitake which has been used in eastern cultures for centuries as a healing remedy, have the ability to increase the immune system's defences," says Rob Hobson, head of nutrition at Healthspan.co.uk. "What's more, these clever little things can make vitamin D (a nutrient associated with a strong immune system) from the sun." Simply place your mushrooms in direct sunlight (preferably upside down so the gills face upwards) for an hour or two before eating for a supercharged source of vitamin D.

SLIP BETWEEN THE SHEETS

Research shows that regular sex increases levels of immunoglobulin A -an immune system protein that defends against colds and flu, says Ella Allred, a nutritionist. The feelgood factor, stress reduction and better sleep you enjoy after nookie may all play a part.

HUG A TREE

"Research has found people who spend time in parks and f orests exhibit an increased function of the immune system," says Ella. "Plants emit phytoncide chemicals designed to protect them from insects and disease. When we breathe these in, our bodies increase the number and activity of white blood cells that fight viruses."

By Daily Mirror

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

Source: 13 bizarre steps to remain healthy