Board-certified family physician Jessica Kiss, known as Dr. The mom took to TikTok to share five ‘weird’ health hacks that can prevent illness this season.
Why does disease increase when temperatures drop?
A previous study found that cold air weakens the body’s immune response, especially in the nose, which is one of the first points of contact for respiratory viruses and an important part of the immune response.
The research found that lowering the temperature inside the nose by just 9 degrees Fahrenheit kills nearly 50% of the billions of cells that fight viruses and bacteria in the nostrils.
To combat and prevent illness before it starts, Kiss offered her “five really weird ways to prevent illness this fall and winter,” noting, “I know they sound weird, but they all have medical sense and all backed by science”.
Clean your tongue
Top of Kiss’ list of health recommendations? A complete cleaning of the tongue. She explained that every time you brush your teeth, “You have to clean your tongue, and I mean clean your tongue, like, scrape it.”
Kiss claims that cleaning and specifically scraping your tongue reduces bacteria, what she calls “vital load,” thereby reducing the chances of getting sick.
Copper tongue scrapers, in particular, contain antimicrobial properties. In addition to reducing your risk of disease, using one can eliminate bad breath and even enhance your sense of taste.
Drink green tea
Kiss recommends that those who want to avoid the disease drink two to three cups of green tea each day.
“Green tea has been proven to boost your immune system,” she explained.
She claims that in addition to tasting better, green tea is better for overall health than coffee. While the jury is out on this claim, green tea contains polyphenols and flavonoids that help fight inflammation and disease.
Green tea also contains high levels of L-theanine, an amino acid that boosts immunity. Beer is also rich in antioxidants such as catechins, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic disease.
Previous research has shown as much benefits of green tea, including reducing the risk of fatal heart disease and stroke, curbing stress, and increasing general mood.
Wash your hands when you get home
Kiss recommends washing your hands as soon as you get home, suggesting that lather is even better than a fresh set of clothes when it comes to preventing illness. “Research shows that washing your hands thoroughly is better than changing your clothes when you get home, because that’s how bacteria, viruses, all those things will get into your body.”
She notes that touching your face or cooking before washing your hands is a surefire way to spread the disease.
Research shows Handwashing is more effective than hand sanitizers at removing stubborn dirt—which insects can stick to and feed on—and at killing some pathogens. Lathering will help you avoid infectious diseases such as the flu, COVID-19, and diarrheal diseases.
Put a lid on it
Kiss encourages all bathroom users to close the toilet lid before flushing.
“This reduces the phenomenon known as toilet flush…the explosion of things that are aerosolized into the air when you flush the toilet,” she warned.
If you’re using a public bathroom, she recommends that when you flush your face from the toilet, “this will reduce your exposure to bacteria and viruses.”
Laugh your way to better immunity
Looking for another reason to swap true crime for a sitcom this evening?
According to Kiss, laughter really can be the best medicine of all: “We know that laughter lowers stress hormones, which boost your immune system and improve your overall stress response.”
Kiss’ claims are backed up, or backed up for laughs if you will, by serious science.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by putting more stress on your system and lowering your immunity. Conversely, positive thoughts can release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more serious illnesses.
#Doc #reveals #weird #health #hacks #avoid #colds #season
Image Source : nypost.com