Warnings of influenza and the desperate rush to administer vaccinations seem to be everywhere these days. The constant barrage of ‘flu talk’ may only cause us anxiety and stress, thus making us more susceptible to the illness.
Think instead of a few positive ways you can naturally bolster your resistance to any infectious disease, and make it your resolve to follow these suggestions daily. Just knowing you’re giving your body a leg up in the fight can calm your nerves and increase your immunity.
1. Sufficient Sleep – Dream your troubles away, literally. Well, at least ease worries of getting sick by making sure your body is well rested each night. With a good eight hours of sleep, your immune system can recharge itself and be prepared to ward off germs the following day. If you feel like you’re starting to get sick, even a short 15-30 minute nap can help increase your body’s defense.
2. Proper Hydration – Drink plenty of water, and it doesn’t have to be bottled. Keeping well-hydrated helps your body operate properly and it flushes out and purifies your system. Drinking tea can help you keep hydrated, but at the same time provides extra benefits – research has found that black tea contains the infection-fighting chemical interferon.
3. Eat Lots of Garlic – If you eat enough garlic, you may avoid getting sick because people with the flu (or otherwise) will avoid you. Well, this is only one theory. Actually, garlic is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, preventing infections from taking hold and spreading. Eating two raw cloves per day will provide these beneficial results; you may want to try swallowing chopped garlic with water to avoid ‘garlic breath’.
4. Eat a Variety – We naturally think of vitamin C in fighting illness, and rightly so. Vitamin C has excellent virus-fighting properties. Its powerful antioxidants can lessen symptoms and complications if you do get sick. But don’t forget, there are many other vitamins and minerals, all of which are essential to having a healthy immune system, such as vitamins A, B6, E, and selenium, zinc, iron and copper. By eating a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, you’ll ensure that you take in each of these important elements. You can even supplement your balanced diet with a daily multivitamin.
5. Regular Exercise – Chase away your problems… well, at least make sure you get enough exercise to ward off the flu. Moderate exercise for 30-60 minutes daily, can help boost your immune system and also lowers stress levels. As well, ‘working up a sweat’ can help flush out your system.
The payoff from following these simple steps goes much further than avoiding the flu this season. You’ll also benefit from increased energy, greater mental awareness and powers of concentration and overall improved health and wellness… naturally.
Don’t forget to aid your already strengthened immune system by preventing germs from coming in contact with your eyes, nose and mouth – in short, don’t touch your face. And of course, last but not least, wash your hands with soap and warm water frequently!
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In the context of today’s world, ‘consuming’ and ‘balance’ in the same sentence seems to be an oxymoron.
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When one of my kids is ill, it often spreads to the rest of the family. Now I wipe down surfaces regularly when they are ill. Especially door knobs, light switches, toilet handles, etc. that they touch often. I don’t buy special wipes or cleaners. I just use my regular eco-friendly cleaners. Since doing this, I find that when one member of the family is ill, it doesn’t spread to the rest of us.
Those are great ideas Melody… my wife does that to and it works very well. We hardly ever get sick at the same time anymore. And of course the best advice of all – wash your hands regularly.
All great tips, especially #2 with non bottled water – a trend that needs to end ASAP.
Here’s a similar list for germs but has a great DIY hand sanitizer that works pretty well.
http://enviralment.wordpress.com/2009/10/06/diy-hand-sanitizer-8-tips-to-help-stay-germ-free/