Do you understand what natural precautions to take that help prevent a cold or the flu? This guide will outline 10 easy and natural measures to take to stay healthier this cold and flu season. Also, all these tips work year round for maintaining a healthy body. Both the cold and flu viruses are primarily passed to people through moisture droplets generated through conversation, coughing or sneezing.
Did you know?
They may also be passed from touching something that’s been contaminated. The following advice will cover both building up the immune system to be more resilient to the virus and preventative measures in case you might have come in contact with the flu or cold virus. The human body is a complex organism and therefore, to approach healing and health in a holistic fashion, multiple systems have to be taken into consideration.
For instance, stress plays a significant element in the health of the immune system, as does acquiring necessary sleep, good nutrition, and exercise. A holistic approach doesn’t only alleviate the symptoms but attempts to restore balance within the entire system. When the body’s defenses are weakened, infections (bacteria, viruses, or fungi) have the ability to manifest in the body.
Fighting infection
It is best handled by building up the strength of the entire body. Our bodies need rest and of a sufficient quality and quantity. It’s during sleep, when our body is at rest, it is able to optimally heal and rejuvenate. A large portion of our body is comprised of water (55 – 70 percent by some sources). Water flushes harmful toxins out and is very important for the correct functioning of all body systems.
The typical requirements say 8 glasses of filtered water every day but this will change due to many factors; level of exercise, body weight, climate, etc.. I’ve found that by making sure I drink loads of water, headaches have been non-existent. You may see differing views on this but water is the best way to hydrate. Caffeine (such as sodas) and alcohol actually dehydrate the body. Juices may add unnecessary extra sugar to your diet.
Remember
Herbal teas are also a fantastic addition. Our skin is our defense to the outside world. Keeping it healthy promotes a healthy body. Dry skin brushing is a superb way to cleanse and encourage a healthy lymphatic system, vital for our immune system and standard well-being. Brushing skin before a shower or tub has numerous benefits like helping with detoxification, eliminating dead skin (exfoliation) to open the pores, stimulating circulation, cleaning the lymph system and increasing cell renewal.
With a dry, natural bristle brush, start in the feet and work to the heart stroking with gentle to moderate pressure. Make certain to cover all regions of the body around the heart. Then start at the hands and brush the arms. Start again at the neck and work again towards the center until all regions of the body have been brushed. The first few times your skin may fill a little sensitive but will become accustomed to the brushing. Nasal irrigation was used used for centuries. Using a neti pot is a safe and effective means to flush excess mucus and other airborne allergens like dust or pollen from the nasal cavity. During the drier months, a neti pot is useful for keeping the nasal passages moist and healthy.
Nutritional factor
Eating healthy during the cold and flu season is one important thing to take. We are what we eat and eating healthier will result in a healthier body and stronger immune system. Skip the junk foods and decrease sugar consumption. No more than 1 teaspoon of sugar (from any source) can suppress the immune system for up to 4 hours.
Reduce your meat intake, your body must work harder to digest meats. Add in more fruits and vegetables that will boost your consumption of balanced vitamins and nutrients. Limit your consumption of processed foods and dairy. Spend 20 minutes out in sunlight daily to improve your levels of vitamin D.
Supplement with vitamin C and add zinc in your daily diet. Both garlic and onion have antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties that will help fight disease and fortify the immune system. Probiotics are healthful bacteria that live in the digestive tract. Increasing the nutritious bacteria will reduce the unhealthy bacteria and decrease the load on the immune system. Yogurt and fermented foods include the wholesome bacteria or nutritional supplements are available. Moderate exercise is important to maintain the body and immune system healthy.
Exercise
It helps eliminate toxins from the body and cleanse the lymphatic system. Exercise is also a wonderful way to decrease stress. Stress is our reaction to any life event that interrupts the body’s equilibrium. Stress has become a significant element in all our lives. If not handled correctly, anxiety throws our bodies out of balance and into a state of dis-ease – not just physically but emotionally and spiritually.
Stress lowers the immune system’s effectiveness. There are a number of ways to decrease anxiety in our lives. A joyful, positive attitude is one of the simplest ways. Most of us have the choice to live life from a positive or negative outlook. Turn off the press and decrease negative influences from your life. Stay away from the play! Take some time for yourself, listen to relaxing music, meditate, and immerse yourself in a hobby, enjoy nature, have body work like massage or Reiki done. Life is what you make of it.
Final note
Change your thoughts, be joyful! This is common sense but a reminder never hurts. Germs can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. Keep your hands washed frequently to lower the chance of infecting your body with the flu or cold virus. Hands function as a bridge for germs. Don’t touch your eyes or face after being out and about. This can greatly improve your odds of this flu or cold virus entering your body.
