Experts Advise on Staying Healthy During Cold Season

As respiratory infections become more prevalent during the fall and winter months, experts from Business Insider have shared advice on maintaining health. The article highlights the importance of fundamental habits like adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and certain vitamins and minerals to support the body's defenses.

Executive editor Mia de Graaf emphasizes the critical role of sleep, likening it to a reliable vehicle for a healthy lifestyle. She explains that during sleep, the immune system actively works to combat viruses, and insufficient rest weakens the body's defenses, leaving it vulnerable to illnesses like the flu.

Correspondent Hillary Brueck recommends zinc supplementation during cold season, citing research that consistently shows it can shorten the duration of a common cold by one to two days. She advises against excessive intake, suggesting a base amount of 8-10 mg, as too much zinc can hinder the absorption of other nutrients. Brueck also mentions using products like Emergen-C and Airborne.

Senior editor Cashmere Gander prefers obtaining nutrients from food but makes an exception for Vitamin D in the fall, especially living in cloudy London where sunlight is limited. She notes that Vitamin D aids in calcium and phosphorus absorption and supports immune function, recalling her mother giving her cod liver oil in childhood.

Correspondent Gabby Landsverk shares her personal remedy for staying healthy during busy periods, such as roller derby competitions. Her homemade drink combines lemon juice and honey with turmeric, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, ingredients she believes have scientifically supported immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. She mixes these with hot water for a soothing beverage.

The article stresses that these are personal recommendations from Business Insider staff and not medical advice. Readers are urged to consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns. The piece also notes that Israelis, like others, experience a rise in respiratory infections as winter approaches.