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I believe daily (non medicated) saline nasal sprays and gargling salt water a couple times a week has kept me healthy so far this winter. No sinus infections (my twice a year tradition), no respiratory infections or cough.
I don’t know if there’s science behind this or if it’s a placebo or just luck.
Jan 30, 2024
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big ups to iota carrageenan nasal spray (Flo Travel or Betadine cold defense brands)
i’m a spoonie so it’s nothing short of miraculous that i’ve not gotten sick —no COVID, RSV, or flu— since i’ve made this a habit. i keep the spray near my door to remind me to use it before heading out and when i return home. NIH study showed a really strong efficacy at preventing* COVID, so in tandem with the vaccine and masking (on the train, at movies, shows, concerts when i’m not drinking or eating), i’m so grateful to have this in my health arsenal.
1d ago
🌊
nice hot shower for the steam,
doing 3 nasal rinses a day,
twice a day use a mouthwash with CPC in it (kills virus in mouth/throat), the little listerine strips help too,
LOTS of fluids (track your intake), ideally just water and maybe an orange juice/vit c drink,
+ tea a few times a day, especially with echinacea, ginger or eucalyptus
Sep 11, 2024
🤒
Immune systems rarely need a boost, they just need the tools to function a peak performance. The number one way to kneecap your immune system is to not get sufficient sleep. Flu vaccines have been shown to be dramatically less effective when sleep deprived individuals took them. Your body needs 7-8 hours, full stop.
Supplements are a racket. Most are concentrated doses of micro-nutrients that your system immediately flushes because they're not in a form your body can absorb effectively. You get these nutrients best through whole foods. Want vitamin c? Eat an orange. Increase the amount and variety of fruits and veggies in your diet.
Two side comments: Rain/getting wet does not cause colds. Neither does eating/drinking cold foods, another misconception I have heard. However, cold, dry air (like from an AC) does dry out our sinuses which makes us more vulnerable to cold viruses. Getting outside and drinking warm drinks (like the teas deardoveswings suggests with helpful herbs) will keep our mucus membranes hydrated and effective barriers against contagions.
Finally, COVID is still around and we are in the latest wave. Avoid crowed indoor venues when you can. Wear a mask when you can't. Especially if traveling on planes.
Aug 19, 2024
Top Recs from @amlitwicki
Jan 9, 2025
🏡
it's a small sketchbook with a survey of questions I ask everyone who comes over. Each person gets their own page to answer the questions and are required to draw a self portrait with it. People love doing it because everyone gets a spotlight moment, it generates conversation, and I get a fun memento
Feb 2, 2024
🏃
I don’t care anymore how many people pass me on the road or about other people’s strava screenshots - I just enjoy being outside and listening to some tunes and moving around in the world
Jan 30, 2024