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THE CAUSE OF SORE THROATS AND COUGHS
The sore throat is one of the most common health complaints. Classic symptoms include irritation, a ‘burning sensation’ at the back of the throat and pain when swallowing. Most sore throats are caused by viral infections such as the cold or flu. Breathing polluted air, being exposed to pollens, moulds or pet dander as well as unhealthy lifestyle choices are also leading causes.
How to protect your voice
DRINK MORE WATER AND EAT MORE NOURISHING FOOD
To prevent a coarse voice, it is important to drink plenty of water and eat nourishing food. For a more effective solution, dissolve Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa in warm water and drink.
AVOID THROAT CLEARING
When our throat feels dry or uncomfortable, some of us may like to clear it. However, if we clear our throats too often, the friction between the air and the mucous membrane in the airway passages may increase and lead to swelling and inflammation.
STOP SMOKING AND AVOID EXCESSIVE DRINKING
Cigarettes contain many irritating substances that can damage our respiratory tracts. Excessive drinking is also something to be avoided as alcohol itself can irritate the throat.
EAT LESS HOT AND SPICY FOOD
Food that is too spicy or too salty can harm our throats.
How to strengthen your health
ENSURE GOOD AIR VENTILATION
Open windows regularly to increase air ventilation. If air flows freely, exogenous pathogenic factors are less likely to stay indoors. In addition, ultraviolet rays from sunlight have a disinfecting effect.
EXERCISE REGULARLY
We should exercise at least twice a week. Each exercise session needs to last for 30 minutes or more. The exercises need not be strenuous but should be regular and can include jogging, swimming and fast walking. These activities can improve physique, promote metabolism, relieve stress and enhance immunity.
DEVELOP GOOD LIVING HABITS
Good living habits include washing your face with cold water and soaking the feet in hot water. The former can improve the body’s resistance to the cold and the latter can promote circulation and improve sleep quality. Also, pay attention to personal hygiene. Wash hands frequently, don’t spit in public places or share chopsticks and spoons.
HAVE A BALANCED DIET
It is important to have a balanced diet. If needed, we can take one vitamin pill containing the 100% Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).
HAVE SUFFICIENT AND GOOD QUALITY SLEEP
We should have at least seven hours of sleep every day and try to get into bed before 11pm. It is best to be in a deep sleep state between 11pm and 3am. During sleep, the body’s major organs and regulatory systems work actively to repair themselves for the next day.
AVOID USING VERY HOT WATER FOR BATHS AND SHOWERS
In cold weather, most of us take hot baths. This reduces the body’s resistance and makes us more susceptible to the common cold and flu. To avoid this, take a shower using hot water and cold water alternately, or after taking a hot bath, take a short cold shower before drying off. These two methods can strengthen the body’s resistance.
DEAL WITH STRESS APPROPRIATELY
Too much stress can reduce our immunity. With our immunity affected, it’s easier to catch a cold or suffer from influenza and other viral infections.
USE CHINESE MEDICINE TO IMPROVE OUR BODY CONDITIONS
According to ‘The Medical Classic of the Yellow Emperor’, a classic in Chinese medicine, “If the right qi exists inside the body; evil cannot make disturbances”. In other words, if our body is fit, we will not be easily disturbed by exogenous pathogenic factors. This is why Chinese medicine emphasize ‘treating the health problem at the root’ to eliminate inflammation and detoxify or remove foreign toxic substances – to strengthen body conditions and immunity.
What to do when you have cold or flu
DRINK MORE WATER
Drinking more water promotes body metabolism. The influenza virus will also leave the body much faster. Sore throats and coughs will also improve and we will recover from cold or influenza much sooner.
REST MORE
People who have influenza may get tired and develop body pains more easily. Therefore, they should not work too hard or engage in strenuous physical exercises as this may lead to over-exhaustion and a weaker immunity.
TAKE VITAMIN C PILLS
Vitamin C can boost our immunity and increase the body’s ability for anti-oxidation. Taking Vitamin C pills can safeguard us against colds and influenza, as well as strengthen the antibodies inside our body to drive away the virus.
AVOID OILY AND GREASY FOOD
When suffering from a cold or influenza, we should avoid oily and greasy food because exogenous pathogenic factors may enter our internal organs and make our illness more serious.
BE EXTRA CAREFUL WHEN TAKING A BATH OR SHOWER
Hot baths lead to blood vessels dilating and the body temperature dropping, which can make us susceptible to the common cold or flu. Also, if hair is wet, avoid cold wind or air-conditioned rooms as wet hair can also lead to catching a cold.