Please don't get sick! Everywhere I turn, people have colds. Bad, bad colds that give them headaches, sinus infections, coughs and sore throats. It is the season for flu and colds, but please don't get sick! Your family needs you to stay well and happy to keep the family going. Let's do something to fortify right now, before the bug strikes!
Here's how I teach my family to take care of themselves:
*Eat well
Greens, whole grains and brown rice, sprouts, fruits, veggies and some good clean protein, like the eggs from our chickens. Stay away from junk, especially sugar and food additives.
*Don't stay up late
8 is great...(hours, that is). And the hours before midnight count more than the same number of hours sleeping in.
*Drink lots of water
And some more. I tell my kids to "drown the bugs", as they reproduce less quickly in a well-hydrated environment.
*Stay warm
Yep. Wear your coat. And socks. Keep warm so your body doesn't have to divert needed energy into maintaining your body temperature.
*Take immune-boosting herbs
and natural remedies to help your body stay strong and fighting during the cold and flu season.
*Full force attack
it the very minute you feel yourself going down.
The instant that I think to myself, "I feel weird" is the time I get up and take herbs to give my immune system a boost. Germs that cause viral colds or strep throat linger in the mouth and nose for a day or two before taking over and becoming a systemic problem that makes you feel sick. If you use preventative herbs, you can often ward it off before it "gets" you.
*More advice:
Gargling with salt water is excellent for washing the throat, as salt has antiseptic properties. Eat light, or not at all. Fasting (while drinking plenty of water) can free your body from the taxing job of digestion and let it focus on battling the bad guys. Keep sugar (even fruit and fruit juice) out of the diet while ill, so the bugs have nothing to feed them. Even the natural sugar in fruit juice suppresses your immune system for a few hours. Hate to disappoint, but orange juice is not good for a cold. Drink some good, natural apple cider vinegar to adust the pH of your body, making it harder for germs to survive. I know it sounds gross, but a couple of tablespoons into some water is do-able. Or eat a fresh green salad and load on the natural olive oil and vinegar as a dressing.
Here are my favorite natural remedies for colds:
*Echinacea
The first and best immune-boosting herb!
*Vitamin C
Essential help for your body during illness
*Olive Leaf
Wonderful infection fighting capacity
*Cod Liver Oil
Support of Vitamin A and D for the immune system
*Elderberry
Unsurpassed in fighting viruses
*Smart Medicine for Healthier Living
Not sure what you are doing? I love this book! Covers medical and alternative treatments.