This Simple Trick Could Be Your Key to Preventing Sickness This Fall

This Simple Trick Could Be Your Key to Preventing Sickness This Fall

Simple But Powerful Flu Prevention — Psst … It’s Already in Your Home

(AscendHealthy.com) – Ahhh-choo! Cough, cough, shiver, shiver. Ugh. Every year, we may wish for an easy way to prevent sneezing, coughing, and other symptoms that accompany fall illnesses like the common cold, influenza, and pneumonia.

Wish fulfilled: There’s a simple trick to minimize our risk of getting sick this fall. It involves products you probably already have at home and takes just a few minutes. Find the answer below.

Researchers Discover Flu Prevention Clue

Flu, cold, and pneumonia have something in common: We may reduce our risk with just one simple step. Get ready, get set, and pick up your toothbrush.

Yale University School of Medicine researchers linked pneumonia to a lack of good oral health habits, such as toothbrushing. The lead researcher listed inadequate oral hygiene as a common risk factor for that potentially deadly disease.

Pneumonia patients typically have more oral bacteria, according to the study. Those results build on previous research showing links between good oral health and our overall well-being.

Just as crucial as home oral care is visiting a dentist regularly. One study found that elderly adults who received professional dental care were less likely to contract influenza than those who practiced self-care.

When we neglect basic dental hygiene such as brushing and flossing, we allow bacteria that may cause the flu and other illnesses to flourish. To prevent that, experts recommend brushing at least twice a day, flossing, visiting a dentist regularly, and minimizing our intake of sugary foods.

Oral Health’s Connection to the Immune System

A popular song to help kids learn anatomy includes lyrics like “the neck bone is connected to the head bone.” But it’s not just our body’s bones that are connected.

Our oral health is connected to our immune system. That link means caring for our teeth and gums may help prevent the flu.

In addition to following good oral hygiene practices, taking vitamin D may strengthen our immune system, bone health, and teeth. Check with your doctor to determine the right amount of vitamin D for you.

So this year, as we stock up on cold and flu necessities, such as tissues, chicken soup, and cough drops, we might want to buy extra toothpaste and dental floss. By brushing, flossing, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough vitamin D, we may help to prevent the flu.

~Here’s to Your Healthy Ascension

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