Winter Immunity and simple ways of taking good care of your nose and throat | #033
Dec 11, 2020
When the temperatures in the autumn and winter begin to shift, our nose and throat often become dryer and more susceptible to catching infections. Winter immunity starts with paying more attention to the dryness of our nose and throats on a daily basis and making changes to support them.
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Winter immunity and taking good care of your nose and throat!
When the temperatures in the autumn and winter begin to shift, our nose and throat often become dryer and more susceptible to catching infections. Winter immunity starts with paying more attention to the dryness of our nose and throats on a daily basis and making changes to support them.
Inside your nose and throat is a thin layer of sticky mucus that traps bacteria, dust and particles. And there’s a network of blood vessels that help heat and humidify the air your breathing in.
Like all balance in the body, this mucus needs the right proportions of fluid and stickiness to be efficient at removing bacteria, etc. Naturally, when we need to turn on our heaters to get warm, the air dry’s out even more and your body’s immune function has to work harder.
When the inside of our airways (nose and throat) are dry it struggles with moving that protective mucus. The outside cold dry air, or indoor hot dry air, takes out a lot of the moisture in your nose. This means that the mucus is less able to give a good sweeping out the germs around us.
Is mouth breathing better for immunity?
People ask if they should breathe through their mouths? And the answer is no, because your nose is designed to bring the air in and move that air through a warming process. When you “mouth breathe” it can make it easier for germs, allergens, etc. to get inside your lungs and damage the very delicate tissue inside. This is especially important for people who have asthma and other breathing difficulties. Learning to consciously breathe through the nose is key to up-leveling your health.
For better winter immunity
Taking better care of your nose and throat includes…
- Drink warm (non-caffeine) fluids all throughout the day. Great choices are warm water with lemon and honey and herbal teas. Honey really helps moisten the throat as well and has antioxidant and antibacterial qualities.
- When outside in cold air putting a scarf over your nose and mouth helps to filter and warm the air you’re breathing. Of course right now with Covid-19 using a face mask is key!
- A Netti Pot, Salt water nasal wash, or sprays (If you use a nasal spray, direct it AWAY from the center of your nose and towards the outer surface so you don’t damage the septum inside your nose. And only use nasal sprays when truly necessary because if abused they can damage the cilia (fine hairs) that clear the nose and sinuses.
- Talk to your primary physician about any medications you’re taking because they can also increase nasal congestion.
- Use a humidifier to moisten the air, especially at night when you sleep.
- Use essential oils (unless allergic, or pregnant) to incorporate bacteria clearing properties. Go to your favorite essential oil company and look up their favorite antibacterial oils. (If you’re pregnant there are certain oils you shouldn’t be using, always talk to your physician first).
- Throat lozenges keep your throat moist, especially with indoor heating. Make sure the lozenge is all natural ingredients and without sugar.
I wish you a healthy and moist nose and throat this winter! Thank you for being here and happy holidays.
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