When winter is upon us
Every winter when you get sick, you tell yourself to be more prepared next year. As soon as someone sneezes at work, school, or home, you find yourself with yet another cold or flu. It does not have to be that way this chilly winter season. Arm yourself and your family with the tools to build strong immune defences to reduce your risk of getting sick. If you do get sick, a strong immune system will also reduce the severity of your cold and flu symptoms, and help to speed your recovery.
Natural Medicines to Prevent and Treat Symptoms
There are many Natural Medicines that are beneficial in preventing, treating and shortening the duration of colds and flus. These agents can boost your immune system as well as provide the necessary tools to help you fight against infection. Look out for these immune boosters
- Zinc: Optimal levels of zinc in the body have been found to inhibit the common cold and influenza viruses.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C supports healthy immune function by enhancing the activity of your immune defence army of white blood cells; also reducing severity and duration of symptoms.
- Probiotics: These friendly bacteria live in your digestive system and enhance health, and even immunity. Probiotic strains, Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCFM), Bifidobacterium lactis (HN019) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (HN001), have been scientifically proven to enhance immune responses. By providing healthy gut immunity, you are providing the best defence against inhaled and ingested pathogens.
- Rest! Give your body a chance to gather strength and make sure you get a good night’s sleep.
- Eat warm, nourishing foods. Homemade chicken and vegetable soup can help break down mucus that often comes with colds and flus. If you don’t have an appetite, the broth alone will provide minerals and vitamins to give you strength.
Hot water with fresh lemon juice and honey drink
- Eat foods such as garlic, ginger, onion, pineapple, ginger, horseradish and chilli to help fight off illness, warm you up and reduce inflammation.
- Drink plenty of water to keep yourself well hydrated.
- Consume cold pressed oils; coconut, olive oil, quality cod liver oil, fresh nuts and seeds
- Fresh eggs, particularly raw egg yolk
- Freshly made vegetable and fruit juices which are rich in enzymes and vitamin C
- Include greens: parsley, dill, coriander, spring onion
- Hot immune herbal teas: lemon grass, lemon myrtle, Echinacea, yarrow, green tea, elderflower like Revitalising Tea of Echinacea Winter Rescue tea
- Hot lemon/honey drink
- Contact with animals, pets can stimulate immune system (just wash your hand after to avoid parasites)
- Physical activity in the fresh air
Immune herbal teas need to be drunk as hot as possible
Be Prepared
Make sure you are prepared this cold and flu season – and remember, prevention is better than cure! Have all the essential immune nutrients on hand this winter. You may want to include zinc, vitamin C, strain specific Probiotic, immune herbal teas in your immune first aid kit, to keep you and your family well this winter. Everyone will want to know your secret of how you keep well. See a natural health practitioner if you need more professional advice or if you are vulnerable to cold and flu. Our Clinic has a 6 weeks intense Immune Boost Program for those with compromised immune system.
About the Author
Danuta Hulajko is a holistic practitioner, international speaker, founder of the DH Natural Medicine Clinic and www.healingremedies.com.au , Sydney. She specialises in anti-aging, autoimmunity, digestive disorders and heavy metals chelation. For more information please go to our website. You can follow Danuta Hulajko work, events, seminars, expos, latest health research, her health tips and advice on Facebook and LinkedIn
