Yep, it’s that time of year. The season’s changing and many of us have already found ourselves victim to those nasty germs that are beginning to thrive and spread in this cold, dry weather.

So with the stirrings of winter on the horizon, we want to make sure you’re fully stocked up on all the essentials so those vicious viruses don’t catch you.

Let’s say NO to getting ill this winter!

Feeling sniffly? Sore throat? Generally feeling a little weaker than usual? Do these 5 things and stop your cold it’s tracks!

1. Load up on Vitamin C

We know, you hear us talk endlessly about the importance of vitamin C, but we really cannot stress enough how important this vitamin is for your overall health. Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits and lemons are high in vitamin C and much easier for your body to synthesize and utilize than simply just taking a supplement. That said, we recommend that in addition to eating a healthy portion of vitamin C rich fruit and veg, when you’re feeling run down, also taking a supplement will give you and your body the neccessry boost you need, helping your immune cells more effectively fight off infection.

See what other ways you can boost your immune system; read our article ‘10 easy ways to boost your immune system’.

2. Get a good night’s sleep.

Sleep is one of the best medicines when it comes to fighting a cold. While you sleep, your body does all the work to fight off the infection so it’s important you get as much sleep as possible and if you can, try and nap during the day.

Ever feel like your cold feels worse at night? This is because there is less cortisol in your blood, which prompts white blood cells to more readily detect and fight off infections in your body. As a result, the symptoms of the infection become more apparent, such as fever, a blocked nose, congestion, chills, or sweating. So the earlier you can get to bed the better. We recommend running a hot steamy bath with lavender oil before you go to sleep, which will alleviate congestion and help you to feel relaxed before bed.

The more rest you get, the better you’ll feel!

For more infomation on the amazing benefits sleep has on your body, check out our article ‘Why your body loves sleep.’

3. Drink up!

Dehydration can worsen a cold so when you begin to feel those first sore, sniffly signs,  we recommend you literally double your water intake and flush away those germs! Throughout the day it is good to contiuously drink herbal teas, which can help relieve symptoms and keep your body warm. Hot water with lemon, ginger and honey is our personal fave and an absolute classic for soothing sore throats and clearing a stuffy nose.

For more information on the incredible benefits of hot lemon water, check out our article ‘102 year old man’s secret to staying healthy’

4.Gargle warm salty water

We know it’s kind of gross, but gargling salt water is one of the cheapest and most effective home remedies for curing sore throats and coughs, as it literally flushes out the virus. Salt acts as a magnet to water so draws out any moisture from the bacteria present in your mouth. Salt also increases the pH balance of your mouth causing the environment to become more alkaline. Bacteria cannot survive in this alkaline environment so is washed away as you spit out.

We recommend dissolving half a teaspoon of salt into warm water and give it a good gargle for as long as is comfortable.

5.Brush your teeth with Good-Gums!

We know, it sounds crazy. How can a tooth powder cure a cold? OK, we aren’t suggesting that brushing your teeth with Good-Gums all-natural tooth and powder is magically going to make your cold disappear. What we are saying, is that by brushing your teeth with a tooth powder that puts all the essential vitamins and minerals back into your body through your gums, you allow your body to heal itself at a much faster rate than it would with regular toothpaste, which leaves a film around your gums (glycerin) and doesn’t let nature do the work.

And, we’re not wanting to brag (OK, maybe slightly), but did you know that every time you brush your teeth with Good-Gums, you’re getting the same amount of vitamin C equivalent to a whole orange?! And if you’re brushing your teeth twice a day (which we hope you are) that’s like eating two whole oranges a day!

What one of our customers says about Good-Gums;

“Another amazing factor about this product is that my sinuses are clearing up and I sleep better at night because I am not waking up coughing with the sinus drainage. Maybe a coincidence but I have not had any colds or any type of flu this past winter. I try to live practicing natural methods first and I believe this has been the best product I could have found.” – Madeline M.

Thanks Madeline! The team at Good-Gums also find we rarely get colds. Don’t believe us? Try it for yourself.