12 Easy Tips for Cold/Flu Season
These first six tips encourage a foundation of good health that supports optimal immune system functioning year-round:
1. Wash your hands frequently (skip the antibacterial products; soap and hot water is fine, and scrub for the length of two “Happy Birthday” songs – bonus immune system boost for singing out loud in public and getting people to smile).
2. Drink lots of water – half your body weight in ounces (example: if you weigh 150 pounds, you should drink 75 ounces daily).
3. Get plenty of sleep. With the change in seasons, you might feel like going to bed earlier – this is normal. Follow your body’s cues.
4. Take it easy on the sugar – sugar temporarily suppresses your immune system.
5. Get plenty of exercise – but don’t push it if you’re fighting a bug, or are already sick.
6. Reduce your stress – get acupuncture, meditate (the Headspace app is great), go to a yoga class, get a massage, watch funny movies, take a walk outside with friends…anything to keep you balanced.
These next six tips are specific remedies you can use to prevent and treat a virus:
7. Take echinacea daily – it’s shown to be safe for daily use to support the immune system. I love this herb.
8. Vitamin C – 1000-2000 mg daily. Take to bowel tolerance (reduce dose if loose stool occurs).
9. Probiotics – because the majority of our immune system comes from the gut. And no, sweetened yogurt products are not enough.
10. Anti-viral herbal formulas: Yin Chiao (traditional Chinese remedy, available from several companies in health food stores), and Isatis Gold are helpful (similar formula, by Health Concerns). These are best taken at first sign (scratchy throat? starting to sneeze?) and continued for 2 full days past feeling well. Olive leaf extract and elderberry are two anti-viral herbs which can also be added to your protocol.
11. In dry climates, use a moisturizing nasal spray to keep sinuses happy (and keep viruses at bay). You might even need a humidifier at home.
12. Use essential oils – diffuse them in your home/office or put a drop or two on a tissue and breath deeply throughout the day. Suggested oils include: lemon, orange, pine, and eucalyptus.
There you have it. Whether you use one or all of these tips, may you cruise comfortably through the season with nary a sniffle.
If you do need additional support, contact me – I’m happy to help.
And here’s a great resource for online shopping for the above recommendations. As a gift to you, take 10% off your entire order at Emerson by clicking the image below. They carry personal care items and pet care supplies too! (Use my access code: “cburke” and zip code: 95062). You can use this resource as often as you’d like.
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