It's that time of the year when nasty cold and flu bugs are making their way around. Between holiday preparations and your already-busy schedule, there's just no time to be sick. Here are some tips to help minimize your chances of getting sick:
1. Supplement with Zinc:
Including zinc in your diet can help triple your rate of recovery from the common cold. Studies have shown that 70% of people taking zinc lozenges recovered within 5 days, as opposed to the 27% who didn't. Foods like legumes, seeds, nuts, and whole grains are good natural sources rich in zinc that you can easily incorporate into your diet.
2. Include Bone Broth into your Diet
Bones and connective tissue are full of good things like calcium, vitamins A and K, and collagen. Having bone broth regularly has been known to help your digestive health and boost your immune system. You can purchase high-quality bone broth from your local health food store, but it's also very easy to make at home with bones from chicken or beef that you can purchase from your local butcher shop. Check out this delicious bone broth recipe:
https://wellnessmama.com/5888/bone-broth/
3. Include more Fermented Foods into your Diet
Like bone broth, fermented foods have been around for a long time and are known for their beneficial probiotic properties. Foods like yogurt, sourdough bread, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha have good enzymes, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and good bacteria that will help treat and prevent illnesses, especially in your digestive tract.
4. Get More Sleep!
If your sleep schedule is off, so is your immune system! It's more vital than ever to get the sleep, nutrition, and warmth your body needs to keep your body strong.
5. Keep Your Hands Clean
Maintaining good hand hygiene is vital during the cold and flu season, washing with soap and water for at least 15 seconds helps to keep the virus from spreading. If soap and water are not available, use a natural hand sanitizer. Many mainstream sanitizers contain triclosan that can crack your skin, which may already be feeling dry from the cold weather. Look for brands that are using organic blends that are gentler on the hands.
6. Get those Germ Hotspots
Clean surfaces with a mix of tea tree oil (which has some antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial), vinegar, and distilled water along with a microfiber cloth that will help remove debris such as dust and bacteria.
7. What Goes Air-Round, Comes Air-Round
Did you know that when a sick person coughs or sneezes, the virus-carrying droplets could travel up to six feet? Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil have similar anti-bacterial properties that help purify the air when diffused.
8. Oregano-8 (The upgraded version of oregano oil)
Dealing with sickness can be a lot of work on your jam-packed schedule. For this cold and flu season, make it easier by reaching for Oregano-8. A powerful blend of 8 immune boosters that supports and strengthens your immune system against colds and flu before they even start.
References:
https://time.com/4779655/zinc-lozenges-cold/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323903.php#joints
https://www.health.harvard.edu/vitamins-and-supplements/health-benefits-of-taking-probiotics
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/sleep-may-be-best-prevention-cold-flu
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/the-big-number-6-to-8-feet--thats-how-far-germs-can-fly-after-you-sneeze-or-cough/2019/11/15/dfb2e45a-06fa-11ea-8292-c46ee8cb3dce_story.html
