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Addicted to Nasal Spray? Tips and Natural Alternatives
Nasal spray seems so convenient, but let’s be honest, it’s like a short-lived love affair. It might give you some relief for a while, but in the long run it damages our precious mucous membranes and creates an addiction. Let’s ask the real question: why do we need that nasal spray anyway? Shouldn’t we be treating the root cause of that stuffy nose instead? This blog is full of tips and natural alternatives to help you say goodbye to that addictive nasal spray.
Nasal spray and resistance
When you have a cold, the mucous membranes in your nose, sinuses and throat rebel.
Countless viruses are lurking, of which rhinoviruses are the most common culprits. Your resistance plays a crucial role in the extent to which these viruses strike. Instead of just fighting the symptoms, we want to teach you how to strengthen your resistance and defy colds in a natural way.
Let's take a closer look at the facts surrounding nasal spray and the potential downsides of this often-hailed miracle drug.
Nasal spray: the dark side
Nasal spray, a faithful companion for nasal congestion. I think almost everyone has this in their home.
It may provide immediate relief, but long-term dependency can certainly have consequences.
Long-term use of nasal spray can damage the mucous membranes in the nose, resulting in a vicious circle of more use and more damage.
Alternatives to nasal spray:
1. Higher pillow
A higher pillow can work wonders by positioning your head more vertically, which reduces pressure on your nasal tissues. Experiment with different heights and pillow firmness to find the ideal setting that works for you.
2. Steaming
In the case of colds, steaming is a proven method that not only provides relief for your nose, but also has a positive effect on your skin. 1: Fill a bowl with boiling water. 2: Add essential oils such as lavender, rose petal, chamomile and calendula. 3: Cover your head with a towel. This simple ritual opens your airways and is very nice for your skin.
3. Natural Nasal Sprays
1. Baby nasal spray (saline solution)
- Daily dosage: Several times a day, depending on need.
- How it works: Baby nasal spray with saline solution is a gentle, natural way to combat nasal congestion. It draws moisture from the mucous membrane, reducing its volume and relieving congestion.
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Advantages:
- Suitable for daily use.
- Useful for nasal congestion due to a cold or hay fever.
- Contains no antihistamine, making it safe for long-term use.
2. Zinc - silver (duo) spray from Nano Minerals
- Daily dosage: It is recommended to spray 1 to 2 times a day.
- How it works: This spray combines the power of zinc and silver, minerals known for their antimicrobial properties. It can help reduce nasal congestion and promote healthy nasal mucosa.
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Advantages:
- Antimicrobial action may help fight infections.
- Suitable for daily use.
- Can be used as a preventive measure against colds.
3. Astaxanthin from Goldea Health
- Daily dosage: 2 softgels per day with a meal
- How it works: Astaxanthin , a powerful antioxidant that is 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C, not only supports the immune system, but also has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help shorten the duration of a cold and strengthen resistance.
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Advantages:
- Powerful antioxidant.
- Click here for more information.*
*Goldea Health is not legally allowed to provide complete information regarding the effects of this supplement. For more information, we recommend consulting an orthomolecular knowledge source.
In addition to these natural alternatives to nasal spray, we would also like to give you some tips to boost your resistance!
Resistance tips:
1. Stop smoking
Smoking costs your body a lot of antioxidants, because did you know that smoking 1 cigarette costs 5 oranges of vitamin C. Let this be essential for your resistance.
2. Frozen fruit
Keep your freezer stocked with frozen fruit. A simple addition to smoothies or oatmeal that is not only delicious but also boosts your immune system.
3. Boost your gut health with fruit
Keep a colorful fruit bowl in sight and enjoy at least 2 pieces of fruit daily. These fiber-rich treats are not only good for your intestines, but also for your overall resistance.
4. Drink enough tea
Enjoy quality tea like Clipper, Zonnatura, or Jacob Hooy and keep your fluid balance up. Remember: dehydration is stress for your body, and stress is something we want to avoid.
5. Relaxation after exercise
Plan moments of relaxation after exertion. Pamper yourself with your favorite music, a green skin care mask from for example ( Dr. Hauschka ) , and a hot water bottle on your liver. This way stress hormones disappear like snow in the sun.
6. Outside air and daylight
Pamper yourself by going outside every day. Whether it's a quick walk, cycling to work (or picking up the kids from school) or an extensive walk on the beach/forest, fresh air does wonders for your mood and resistance. Tip: don't wear sunglasses! This prevents your eyes from absorbing the sunlight properly.
7. Vitamin D3 supplementation
In the Netherlands, sunlight is sometimes lacking, especially in certain seasons. That is why we all take vitamin D3 supplements for extra support of your resistance and happiness hormones. Click here for the blog with many practical tips on what you can do against an autumn or winter dip.
8. Selenium & Zinc
Add selenium and zinc to your daily routine. These minerals are essential for a well-functioning immune system. How do you get enough of this? Think about:
- #17 vegan multi
- pumpkin seeds
- 2 Brazil nuts per day
9. Protein intake
Proteins are the building blocks for a strong immune system. Consider adding protein-rich foods to your daily diet, such as:
- Poultry
- Fish (salmon, tuna, trout)
- Eggs
- Quinoa
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
- Nuts seeds
- Vegan protein powder or collagen in your coffee or smoothie
10. Warming food
Think soups, curries, and stews. Warming foods are not only delicious, but also support your body in colder weather.
11. Keep body warm
Invest in soft camisoles, warm socks, and wear your jacket under your bottom to avoid cold seats. A warm body is a happy body.
Summary:
From avoiding nasal spray to embracing natural alternatives and boosting your immune system, the key is in your hands. Treat yourself to healthy habits, enjoy the benefits of natural remedies, and give your body the strength to fight off colds. Strong immunity starts with
Do you have any questions?
Do you have any questions after reading this blog? Don’t hesitate to ask for free and customized advice from us or contact us directly. Our dedicated team is ready! Are you looking for more inspiration? Feel free to visit our Instagram page or check out our other recipes, blogs for an abundance of healthy and tasty ideas. We are happy to share knowledge and tips to take your well-being to the next level!