Last year’s flu season seemingly struck with a vengeance. The number of reported flu cases was at a startling high. Unfortunately, the bug bit me and my family as well. What’s worse, is that it got us, smack dab in the thick of the holiday cheer. It was a rough encounter, to say the least! Thankfully, after two LONG weeks filled with fevers, meds, stuffy noses, coughs, headaches and everything in between, we triumphantly recovered-two weeks felt like an eternity. I vowed that I would take the necessary steps to be more preventative before the next flu season attacked. This year I started early, researching the most highly recommended flu fighting methods and options and utilizing them(so far so good). Of course, there were tons of options, but based on the reviews from experts and individuals; the following were documented as the most preferred and effective methods by both experts and those who’d tried them. These tested tips for cold and flu prevention can increase your likelihood of staying well all season and better yet, year round.
Pink grapefruit is full of vitamin C, which helps keep the immune system strong and aggressively fights illnesses.Consuming at least a half of a pink grapefruit a day can reduce risk of flu by 25 percent. As an added bonus, grapefruit is packed with lycopene(phytochemical) which fights “bad” cholesterol and naringin(flavonoid), which helps the body break down fats versus storing them, consequently, boosting metabolism.
Cabbage contains antioxidants and glutathione, both help the immune system function. Not sure which to get? Traditional, white, red, and even Chinese are all good sources of antioxidants.
Mushrooms are a scrumptious way to boost your immune system. Mushrooms are a perfect ingredient in stir-fries, soups and casseroles. According to researchers, mushrooms are packed with nutrients,including selenium, lentinan and copper. All of which, boost immune cells, enabling them to respond to invading germs with force. Button mushrooms are the most frequently eaten-well known for improving immunity, reducing heart disease and even fighting cancer.
British researchers report that garlic is packed with a variety of sulfur compounds, these materials build germ-fighting antibodies.
Homemade chicken broth soup is full of nutrients and minerals. The natural broth from chicken serves as a great detox source. Many cultures throughout history have used the broth from chicken bones to boost the immune system. The rich array of potent nutrients from chicken bones are released into water when it is boiled. Click here for the recipe.
A true flu blaster! Send that flu heading for the hills with this healthy tonic. Click here for recipe.Green Tea is another helpful beverage option. It contains a high level of catechins, which are a great source of antioxidants. Adding raw honey to green, rooibos and lemon tea has also proven highly effective in promoting body and digestive health. It is a powerful antioxidant and strengthens the immune system.
Elderberry: Used to treat a Panamanian flu epidemic in 1995, its antioxidants are a powerful force. Available as a juice or supplement, it can also help with cholesterol, vision, and heart health. Elderberry syrup is a proven remedy for preventing and recovering from the flu, colds, excessive mucus, sore throats, & contains large amounts of antioxidants, potassium, beta carotene, calcium, phosphorus, & vitamin C. You can make your own for just a few dollars. Take a tablespoon daily to counteract illness or a teaspoon every 2-3 hours while sick.
This is the ideal flu buster. A refreshing dessert, great for cooling a feverish and achy body. Ingredients include: honey, orange, ginger, cayenne and an optional bourbon. Click here for the recipe.
Additional Flu Prevention Measures
1.) Wash your hands
Germs are spread most frequently by hands. Keeping hands clean is a great preventative measure again catching various bugs
Germs are spread most frequently by hands. Keeping hands clean is a great preventative measure again catching various bugs
2.) Exercise
Moderate exercise has immune-boosting effects. Incorporating exercise into your regimen is a ideal way to reduce stress and eliminate toxins through perspiration. Make sure not to overdo. Rest is a must if you feel yourself coming down with something.
Moderate exercise has immune-boosting effects. Incorporating exercise into your regimen is a ideal way to reduce stress and eliminate toxins through perspiration. Make sure not to overdo. Rest is a must if you feel yourself coming down with something.
3.) Stay hydrated
Drinking water is important all year round. It’s especially helpful in the winter. Drinking water can boost your immune system and strengthen the body-warding off illnesses.
Drinking water is important all year round. It’s especially helpful in the winter. Drinking water can boost your immune system and strengthen the body-warding off illnesses.
4.) Take probiotics
Probiotics come in pill form or you can also consume them through coconut kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut tempeh and miso. They are considered “good bacteria” in your abdomen, proven to fend off colds and the flu by balancing the bacteria we need in our body that can be eliminated by antibiotics.
Probiotics come in pill form or you can also consume them through coconut kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut tempeh and miso. They are considered “good bacteria” in your abdomen, proven to fend off colds and the flu by balancing the bacteria we need in our body that can be eliminated by antibiotics.
FIGHT GERMS AT THE GYM (click here for tips)
Disclaimer: You should not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment. Any remedy can affect your body depending on your overall health, what other supplements or medications you are taking, & your diet, so just be sure to check with your doc tor before you try anything new.
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