“I know it might sound strange, but it makes medical sense and is backed by science,” says Jessica Kiss, aka Dr Mom on Tik Tok. As fall is here, and winter arrives, colds and other illnesses will increase. So how to avoid them?
On the social network, Jessica Kiss offered her “five really weird ways to prevent illness this fall and winter.” We detail them for you.
1. Clean your tongue
At the top of Jessica Kiss’s list of health recommendations: thorough tongue cleaning. She explains that every time you brush your teeth, “you should clean your tongue, and I mean really clean it, like scrape it.”
She says that cleaning and especially scraping the tongue reduces bacteria, what she calls “germ load”, thereby decreasing the chances of getting sick. Copper tongue scrapers, in particular, have antimicrobial properties. In addition to reducing the risk of disease, their use can eliminate bad breath and even improve the sense of taste.
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2. Drink green tea
She recommends that those looking to avoid illness drink two to three cups of green tea daily. “Green tea has been proven to strengthen your immune system,” she explains.
She argues that in addition to tasting better, green tea is more beneficial for overall health than coffee. Although it’s debated, green tea contains polyphenols and flavonoids that help fight inflammation and disease.
Green tea also contains high amounts of L-theanine, an amino acid that boosts immunity. The drink is also rich in antioxidants like catechins, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Previous research has shown the many benefits of green tea, including reducing the risk of fatal heart disease and stroke, reducing stress, and improving overall mood.
3. Wash your hands when you get home
Jessica Kiss also recommends washing your hands as soon as you get home, saying that washing your hands is even more effective than changing your clothes in preventing illness. “Research shows that washing your hands thoroughly is more effective than changing clothes when you get home, because that’s how bacteria and viruses enter your body.”
She points out that touching your face or cooking before washing your hands is a sure way to spread disease.
Studies have shown that washing your hands is more effective than hand sanitizers at removing stubborn dirt — which microbes can cling to and feed on — and at killing certain pathogens. Hand washing will help protect against infectious diseases like the flu, COVID-19 and diarrheal illnesses.
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4. Close the toilet lid
The doctor encourages everyone to close the toilet lid before flushing.
“This reduces the phenomenon known as toilet plume…the return of particles that end up in the air when you flush the toilet,” she warns. If you’re using a public restroom, she recommends turning your back to the bowl when you flush: “This will reduce your exposure to bacteria and viruses.”
5. Laugh to improve your immunity
Looking for another reason to replace a crime documentary with a sitcom tonight? Laughter might be the best medicine: “We know that laughter reduces stress hormones, which strengthens your immune system and improves your overall stress response.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Negative thoughts turn into chemical reactions that affect your body by bringing more stress and lowering your immunity. In contrast, positive thoughts can release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more illnesses.” serious.”
