On an AMA podcast, @hubermanlab discussed how to prevent sickness during the winter months.
He first listed the reasons for increased frequency of colds and flu during this time. The major factor is people staying inside more, leading to a higher chance of contracting viruses from others in close quarters.
In addition to the standard advice of avoiding indoor gatherings where people may be sick and maintaining distance from others, he also brought up an interesting point about humidity that I hadn't heard about before in relation to colds and getting sick.
How humidity can prevent colds
Huberman explained how humidity can help reduce the risk of contracting an infection.
Humid air can help relieve stuffy noses, break up mucus, and make coughing more productive. All of these factors can either prevent the common cold or lessen its severity if contracted.
He then suggested a few tips for increasing humidity in your environment.
Ways to increase humidity in your environment
One is to use a humidifier, especially at night while sleeping, if you are in a cold, dry climate. Alternatively, you could take frequent saunas or hot showers.
Another tip is practicing nasal breathing as much as possible.
Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth helps moisturize the nasal passages, creating humidity. The mucus in the nose and respiratory tract also trap pathogens and pollutants, preventing them from causing an infection.
Conclusion
Even if you do contract a virus, creating extra humidity in your environment and practicing nasal breathing could potentially reduce the severity of symptoms or help you recover more quickly.
Essentially, these boost your first line of defense.
Since learning about this, I've purchased a humidifier to use in the bedroom on occasion and also started making an effort to become a default nasal breather.
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