Winter is here. So is the flu and the sneezing, coughing and fever that accompany it. Winter is flu season and it indiscriminately affects children, adults, men and women. However, there are many ways to brace ourselves and help our bodies fight against illness this season.
Preparation
Prevention is better than cure. Plan a cold and flu prevention regimen involving vaccinations, supplements, herbs, fruits and vegetables that will not only boost your immune system keeping all the viruses away but will also make you feel energetic and great despite the falling temperature outside.
Vitamin D is an anti-inflammatory and anti-viral supplement that protects us against colds and flu. Our Vitamin D levels in winter drop due to the lack of sunshine, the main source of Vitamin D. Adults can benefit from taking additional 2000 IU of Vitamin D3 throughout the winter to compensate for the lack of sunshine and physical activity outdoors. For adults with low levels of Vitamin D, 5000IU is recommended. Children can also benefit from Vitamin D supplements. Contact your doctor for more information regarding dosage.
Another great supplement is the Original Glutathione Formula™ that boosts the immune system, enhances energy and endurance and eliminates toxins from the body. Astragalus, a Chinese herb, also boosts immunity and offers anti-viral protection.
Protection
The first rule to protecting yourself against colds and flu is the tried and true technique of washing your hands regularly. Teach your children to wash their hands after playing and before meals and remember to wash after shaking hands with people.
Wipe shared workspaces, desks and tables with disinfectant. Studies reveal that germs live on desktops, doorknobs and counters for as long as three days. Regularly wiping your work and living spaces can help prevent germ accumulation.
Keeping your neck covered and preventing ‘wind invasion’ can protect the immune system and body against temperature changes. Juicing vegetables about thrice a week can help give your immune system a boost.
Pack Healthy
Always remember to carry hand sanitizer wherever you go this holiday season. Your bag must be packed with sanitizer, supplements and low-sugar snacks when traveling. Sugar damages immunity and lowers the body’s resistance to viruses and germs. Hand sanitizer can be used to also disinfect airplane seats, shopping carts, trays, chairs and desks. Remember for best results, use hand sanitizer first on your dry hands, and then wash with soap and warm water to remove the most bacteria from your hands.
Rest
Robust exercise is good for the body when you are not sick. If you are suffering from a cold or any sickness, exercise very lightly, and preferably consult a doctor before you do. Strenuous exercise during sickness can do more damage than good. Allow your body to rest and gain strength. Rest and sleep are the most underrated natural healers. Don’t fight it! If you are under the weather get lot’s of sleep and you’ll recover faster.
The Holidays are meant to be enjoyed. Healthy immune systems can prevent or fight off colds and other viruses. By preparing yourself in advance and keeping yourself healthy all year round, you can avoid sickness this holiday season. Can Vitamins keep you out of bed this flu season?
