17 Nov How To Stay Healthy During The Winter Season
The holiday season blesses us with many things, but the cold and flu are certainly things we would prefer to do without. Take a proactive approach to protect your body and when you do experience the symptoms of cold and flu, use these natural remedies to heal up quickly.
Proactive tips: by following these guidelines you’ll be sure to boost the immune system and power your body up for health.
- Avoid “white foods”: bagels, bread, pasta, white rice, cookies, muffins, etc.
- Avoid sugary sweets: candy, cookies, cakes, ice cream, cinnamon roles
- Drink two cups of green tea daily
- Get ample rest: a minimum of 7-8 hours a night is ideal for adults, children need 10-11
- Boost your vitamin C: eat leafy greens, broccoli, peppers, berries, and oranges
- Take Epsom salt baths: soak for 20 min in a hot Epsom salt bath to detoxify the body
- Eat plenty of onions and garlic: chop each and let set for 5-10 min before cooking to enhance the antibacterial/antiviral properties of each
- Eat lots of plant-based foods: leafy greens, vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds
When the cold or flu does strike, follow all the proactive tips and add these into your arsenal:
- Garlic:
- For a sore throat, peel the garlic clove and keep it whole. Place the whole garlic clove in your cheek and suck on it for 10 minutes. If you experience any burning please remove the clove as burning is not healthy or necessary. Garlic has antibacterial and antifungal properties and can aid to fight off many illnesses. It’ll stop your sore throat in its tracks.
- Ingesting garlic is very beneficial. Peel the garlic clove, and mince. Let it set out in the room air for 5 minutes to enhance its antibacterial properties. Place chopped garlic in a small glass of water and drink it quickly, without chewing. For children, it is best to mince the garlic and put it in a bite of applesauce. Have your child take a bite of applesauce and immediately swallow it without chewing.
- Cinnamon is another natural antibacterial and antiviral. Mix one tablespoon of cinnamon with a teaspoon of honey, add boiling water to make a hot tea. It’ll help alleviate a sore throat and congestion and may aid in reducing fever.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Add one tablespoon of Braggs brand Apple Cider Vinegar to water (I prefer boiling water) and add one tsp of agave nectar and enjoy. This drink will help alkalize the gut which will help kill off bacteria and viruses.
- Zinc: Can help respiratory symptoms and minimize the reproduction of cold and flu viruses. You may take zinc in a lozenge or supplement form. Please follow dosing recommendations on the packaging.
- Peppermint: Peppermint oil can be used to aid in digestion and to lower fever. It is antimicrobial and antiviral. Use it as a tea or rub the oil on the feet of the ill person to help reduce fever.
- Oregano Oil: This is a personal favorite of mine J Oregano oil is a potent antibiotic and antiviral. For a sore throat, dilute 4-5 drops of oregano oil in water and use as a gargle. While the taste is less than desirable, the effects are robust. Your sore throat will feel relief! You may also use oregano oil on the feet of the ill person to aid in killing off bacteria and viruses.
- Hydrate: The body is in need of extra fluids anytime you’re feeling ill. Hot fluids like herbal tea, green tea or the honey/cinnamon or apple cider vinegar drinks I mentioned are great but be sure to give the body plenty of fresh water as well.
The body is going to experience illness at times, but do your best to stay well by nourishing the body with good nutrients, getting ample rest, exercising and making choices that serve you well. When illness does strike, follow the tips I’ve provided you and give your body extra TLC.