How to prevent getting sick this season?
Do you want to avoid getting sick this year?
By starting some of these recommendations now you will help your body ward off those cold and flu viruses going around. These natural remedies can be incorporated into your diet at the first sign first sign of a cold coming on or if you are exposed to someone that is sick as well.
Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry is high in antioxidants and a powerful immune booster. This is something you can make at home or buy at your local health food store.
Probiotics
Probiotics are good bacteria that help you digest nutrients that boost the detoxification of your colon and support your immune system. It’s important to eat probiotic rich food and take probiotics.
Ginger
Ginger is believed that ginger helps to break down the accumulation of toxins in our organs due to its warming effects. It’s also known to cleanse the lymphatic system, our network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. I personally make my own ginger tea, you can buy ginger tea, and add ginger to dishes.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D works to maintain tolerance and promote protective immunity. In the winter months we aren’t exposed to the sun as much as we are during the spring and summer months. If you know you aren’t getting your daily dose of sun add vitamin D3.
If you need to supplement you want to look for vitamin D3. I use Nordic Naturals cod liver fish oil (lemon flavor). If you prefer a pill form, Bio DK Caps. It’s an emulsified form enhances absorption.
Bone Broth
It’s full of key amino acids, collagen, and gelatin: all essential nutrients that your gut needs to function properly. That’s important because eighty percent of your immune system cells reside in your gut.
Bone broth is one of the best healers of digestion and support of the immune system.
Bone broth can be made at home. It also can be bought in your local health food store or in a powder form called collagen peptides.
I personally use collagen powder through the year. During the winter months I make my own adding immune boosting herbs such as oregano and garlic.
Echinacea
Echinacea is great to prevent the common cold and for respiratory infections. For instance, I take it when I’m going to be traveling in airports/planes, around a lot of people, an event or a party.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is needed for many functions in the body. To name a few, the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, the immune system, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth. Since vitamin C is not stored in the body we need to eat it daily. Most of use are not getting the daily minimum 75-90 mg. We ideally should be getting up wards of 500 mg. When I feel like I’m fighting off something I I go up to 1,000 mg- 1,500 mg a day one in the morning, afternoon and evening. It’s best to spread it out because your body will use what it need and get rid of the rest it doesn’t store it. To get this amount I recommend taking a supplement. I use Garden of life
Essential oils
Essential oils the cold and flu season inhalation is the most beneficial way to use essential oils for a flu. You can inhale essential oils by sniffing the bottle directly or adding a few drops of oil to a cotton ball or handkerchief. This method helps clear your nasal passages so you can breathe better. The oils may also help you sleep better and de-stress.
You can also add a few drops essential oils to:
A diffuser, to clean the air
Clean surfaces, and door knobs
Clean your tooth brush add a few drops to a cup of water and place your tooth brush in it.
Dilute in a carrier oil and add to steamy bathwater
A carrier oil, for massaging the head, neck, or feet
A large bowl of hot water, for steam inhalation
My favorite essential oil for this time of year is Onguard from Doterra. Other oils you can use
Peppermint is great to inhale or rub on the chest to decrease congestion.
Eucalyptus to reduces fever and fights viruses.
Lemon clears the nasal passageway and helps you breath easier.
Cinnamon, lemon, and rosemary also cleans surfaces.
Oregano oil is known antibiotic, diffuse it to diminish cold and flu symptoms and clean the air.
Garlic, Raw Local Honey and Cayenne Pepper
These 3 ingredients combined give your immune system a powerful kick to fight a cold. There antibacterial and antiviral properties will stop a sore throat, cold or the flu in it’s tracks.
1 finely chopped garlic clove
1 tbsp of Raw local honey
1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper
Combine and take a spoonful every few hours until your symptoms are gone.
I hope you find these tips helpful and are able to stay in good health this season!
