How to take care of the throat
During the months of autumn and winter, the cases of both the common cold and the flu usually increase. Its symptoms are actually well known to everyone: sore throat, malaise, headache, mucus and cough. In case of flu, one of the most common symptoms is throat infection, which always attends inflammation and redness, in addition to pain Y pus production.
It is an infection that can be viral or bacterial. The most common appear as a result of a viral infection (as in the case of influenza, cold or mononucleosis), however the ones that tend to be more serious are those caused by a bacterial infection (such as streptococcus, hemophilus or mycoplasma) . We can also mention other common problems, such as tonsillitis, which is the infection of the tonsils.
And we only tend to remember the throat when we get sick, not worrying about taking care of it effectively and naturally, precisely to avoid problems and health problems, such as the ones mentioned and those indicated in the previous lines.
What is the throat?
The throat is the part of the neck anterior to the spine, known as pharynx, which is the portion of the neck where the air we breathe passes and the food bolus (when we eat). From an anatomical point of view, it contains the muscles of the pharynx, the trachea, the esophagus and several blood vessels.
Explained in a somewhat simpler way, we can compare the throat as a tube that directs the food into the esophagus and the air into the trachea and larynx, so that its original medical name is actually pharynx.
Tips for throat care
1. Opt for healthy and healthy food
It is quite likely that you will be surprised to discover that the food you eat each day also has a more or less decisive influence on the care and health of your throat. And the explanation is easily found: if you follow an unbalanced and unhealthy diet your health will not be adequate, so you will get sick much more easily.
The best thing when it comes to increasing the defenses is to opt for natural and fresh foods, such as fruits, vegetables and seasonal vegetables. In the care of the throat, the following foods stand out especially: citrus fruits (such as oranges and lemons), berries, cranberries, pineapple, garlic, onion and broccoli.
2. Avoid certain foods and beverages
At the same time that following a natural and healthy diet we help to care for our throat, it is also advisable to avoid some medications that tend to reduce our defenses, since by producing phlegm and toxins predispose our body to suffer more infections.
In this group they emphasize above all refined products like flours (especially white bakery), sugar-rich foods Y Cow milk, which tends to create a lot of phlegm in our body and is also very difficult to digest. In this case, it is best to replace it with soy milk or other vegetable milks.
3. Dress properly
If we are in the middle of autumn or winter, it is essential to never forget shelter our throat against the cold and the inclemencies of time at this time of year. It is essential to use a scarf, with the aim of covering the throat.
Even if we are not in the coldest months of the year, whether it is spring or summer, as long as there is not much heat it is appropriate to use a handkerchief that covers the throat.
4. Opt for the natural products of bees
Bees produce two excellent and wonderful natural products for natural throat care:
- HoneyIn addition to being very rich in vitamins and trace elements, it exerts an antiviral, antimicrobial and antibacterial antioxidant action. It is useful to take care of the throat, and to alleviate various conditions such as annoying throat irritation.
- Propolis: it is a natural product that acts as a broad spectrum antibiotic, but without the side effects that antibiotic medications tend to produce. In turn, it exerts an anti-flu, anti-inflammatory and anesthetic action, being very useful to protect both the throat and the vocal cords.
5. Opt for natural infusions
There are certain infusions made with plants and medicinal herbs that are especially suitable for caring for and protecting the throat, and treat certain conditions and diseases. Here we indicate the most recommended:
- Sage infusion: it helps to strengthen in a completely natural way the membranes of the mucous membranes of both the mouth and the throats, helping to avoid or reduce inflammation. To make it boil in a saucepan the equivalent of a cup of water and a teaspoon of sage leaves. When the water boils turn off the heat, cover and let stand for 10 minutes. Finally sneak and gargle with her.
- Thyme infusion: Thyme is one of the most popular medicinal plants for throat care, especially when it comes to relieving rash and coughing. To make this infusion, put in a saucepan the equivalent of a cup of water and bring to a boil. When the water starts to boil add 1 teaspoon of thyme and let boil 2 minutes. After this time turn off the heat, cover and let stand 3 minutes. Finally sneak and drink.
6. Do not force your throat
As we indicated in a previous article in which we talked about How to clear the throat naturally, when caring for and maintaining the health of the throat is very important to avoid forcing it, not to force the vocal cords and get to lose the voice.
In case you work using the voice, and in the end you have to talk a lot daily, try to keep your throat always wet to prevent it from drying. A useful and simple solution is always to have a bottle of natural water at hand.
7. Avoid cold or very hot foods and drinks
Both the excessive heat and the cold of food and drinks become the biggest enemies for the health of our throat. Thus It is always advisable to choose to eat food and drink drinks when they are warm.
In case of cold drinks, especially in summer, it is advisable to take them slowly and never quickly, trying to keep it a little in the mouth to try to lower its temperature a bit before swallowing it.
8. Avoid smoking
The habit of smoking, and particularly cigarette smoke, is a danger not only for your health in general, but above all for the health of your throat, trachea, larynx and esophagus. It increases the risk of suffering from respiratory and throat diseases, especially the most serious ones, such as, for example, cancer.
9. Express yourself without fears!
Did you know that the throat is often closely related to our feelings and emotions? Many people who tend not to express what they really want, either because of shame or fear, tend to accumulate nerves and tensions in the throat. Therefore, always advisable is to express yourself whenever you need it, releasing your energy, your feelings and your emotions.
Images | emily mucha / José Luis Sánchez Mesa / John O'Nolan / alisdair This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor.
