Cold and Flu season is fast approaching and I wanted to share some tips that I use for myself and my family to protect us from getting sick, and if we do catch something we are able to get over it quickly with natural cures!
You Are What You Eat!- One of the most important things you can do for your body to protect it and help heal it is to eat healthy. Staying away from processed foods and drinks is vital as they are loaded with sugar, especially artificial, which drastically suppresses the immune system. Eat fresh, local, organic produce as much and as often as possible. Especially when you are sick. Free range meats and unsalted nuts should also be a normal part of your diet. By avoiding processed, unnatural foods we avoid chemicals that cause our immune system to shut down. Our bodies are not meant to process things that aren’t natural. By giving our bodies the best possible food we allow it to derive nutrients that are essential for health and well-being. Since we are also on the topic of unnatural ingredients, I also think it is best to avoid chemical medications when sick. Those products only mask the effects of your illness and prevent the body from healing naturally. Pumping your body full of chemical medications will cause it to malfunction and eventually shut down.
Move It!!- Exercise is another way to naturally boost your immune system and prevent fatigue. Just a little bit each day helps. Whether its a quick walk with the kids or the dog or a yoga class just try to do what you can as often as possible. Exercise helps blood circulation and gets oxygen throughout the body. However, when you are sick you do not want to work out. You need to use that energy to heal your body. Light exercise while you are sick can be beneficial. Maybe just a few stretches or sun salutations to get the blood flowing or even just a slow walk outside for a few minutes to also get some natural vitamin D.
Lastly, herbs and vitamins provide great assistance in helping the body resist and fight infections. Stress is another immune system suppressant and most herbs combat stress which in turn boosts our systems naturally. Herbs such as echinacea, chamomile, rosemary, peppermint, ginseng and golden seal strengthen the immune system dramatically. Onions, horseradish and garlic offer the same benefits so it is good to cook with, and eat these items regularly. Adding fresh mint to a hot bath can help stimulate anti-oxidents and kill any bacteria that is in the mucus membranes. Vitamins that are good to add to your regimen include Vitamin C, Vitamin D3 COQ10 and Zinc.
Following these tips will help ensure that you are able to avoid getting sick, or when you do, which can happen a couple times a year, you can get over it quick and be back on your feet in no time. These tips are also good for children and can even benefit babies (via breast milk). Hopefully these tips will be helpful and make cold and flu season more bearable!
Sources:
http://www.healthyyounaturally.com
http://www.associatedcontent.com
http://www.naturalnews.com
