Are you sick too?
“Anyone else not feeling well?”
That was a Monday morning text from one of my closest friends after we had spent a weekend with our crew to close out the summer.
And you know what? Yup, we were all feeling a little tickle in our throats. It didn’t stop there; I saw more masks during my workday commute and even noticed a few extra sneezes in our newsroom.
After doing my own unscientific research, I was calling it: We’re all feeling a bit sick. Whether it was the sudden drop in temperatures here in the Tri-State area, seasonal allergies kicking up, or back-to-school sniffles, it seems like a lot of people need their immune systems to kick into high gear.
So I asked Business Insider’s health team for advice on how to stay healthy during this time of year, notorious for extra germs.
Mia de Graaf, executive editor: “Sleep is the Honda Civic of staying healthy: reliable, effective, just not sexy. While everyone is cold-plunge-obsessed, I’m catching Zs (or trying to, when my infant daughter isn’t keeping me up). Sleep is when your immune system trains and deploys cells to fight off viruses. Skimp on it, and you’re essentially showing up to flu season with a short-handed defense.”
Hilary Brueck, correspondent: “When it’s cold season, I endorse one essential mineral: zinc. It’s the only supplement studies have reliably and consistently shown can shorten the duration of a common cold by about a day or two. I usually drink mine with powders like EmergenC and Airborne in my cupboard. Just don’t overdo it, as getting too much of this antiviral compound blocks the absorption of other nutrients. 8-10 mg is a good baseline.”
Kashmira Gander, senior editor: “I try to get my nutrients from food instead of supplements. That changes in the fall when it’s difficult to absorb vitamin D from the sun in gloomy London, where I live. As a kid, my mom would give me a spoonful of cod liver oil each morning, but now I prefer it in pill form (because, obviously, gross). Whatever your preferred source, vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from food, and supports the immune system.”
Gabby Landsverk, correspondent: “My go-to when I can’t afford to get sick, especially when I’m competing during roller derby seasons, is a homemade potion. It’s a combo of lemon juice and honey with turmeric, black pepper, and cayenne — all of which have some solid science on supporting the immune system and reducing inflammation — mixed with hot water for a soothing boost.”
This is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Consult a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
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