Cold & Flu Season - Prevention
Most of us are exposed to cold and flu viruses on a regular basis, but we only get sick when our bodies are in a weakened state. A weak immune system means that cold viruses are able to get a foothold in our bodies and proliferate. Having said that if you decrease the number of times you are exposed to a cold/flu virus you will decrease the chances of getting sick so WASH YOUR HANDS often - when you get home, when you get to work, before you eat, etc.
6 Things You Can Do To Stay Healthy
1. Eat well
Food is your fuel. Crappy food equals crappy performance. Strive to eat only real food – nothing processed. Keep your diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables all year round. Many people recommend increasing your garlic intake during cold season and for good reason.
2. Drink well
I wish I meant wine, but alas I mean water and herbal tea. Cold weather means drier air – inside and out. Dry air results in dry mucus membranes and dry membranes are easy for viruses to attach to. You can’t change the weather or the need for forced air heat but you can stay moist. Drink lots of caffeine & alcohol free liquids throughout the day.
3. Consider Supplements
I carefully suggest supplements – healthy bodies are able to get what they need from healthful foods. However, if you live in a northern latitude you will need a vitamin D supplement in the winter months, unless you are eating fatty fish regularly (sustainably harvested only please) or traveling to sunnier places regularly. Individual needs vary, but I generally recommend between 1000IU and 2000IU daily during the low light months of natural D3 (cholecalciferol). Avoid synthetic vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol).
4. Sleep
Sleep is essential of your immune system to function. Adults require 7-9 hours of quality sleep, teens need 8.5-10 and children need 10+. Getting enough sleep must be a priority during cold season. Making the time to get an extra 30 minutes of sleep a night may be inconvenient, but not as inconvenient as a cold or flu that lasts 7-10 days! If getting quality sleep is an issue then contact me, I can help.
5. Rest
Rest is different than sleep. Kudos if you are getting lots of sleep every night, but if you are falling into bed every night exhausted having run yourself ragged then chances are you are setting yourself up to get sick. We all need to balance our productivity with resting– do something daily that recharges you. Chances are the chores can wait for another day…and if they can’t ask for help.
6. Consider Homeopathic Flu Prevention - Influenzinum
If you are in a high risk group for influenza related complications (elderly, pregnant women, new mothers, infants, obese) or you have existing medical conditions that increase your risk (immune disorders, asthma, kidney or liver disorders, diabetes, etc.). For more information take a look at Homeopathic Flu Prevention or contact me.
6 Things You Can Do To Stay Healthy
1. Eat well
Food is your fuel. Crappy food equals crappy performance. Strive to eat only real food – nothing processed. Keep your diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables all year round. Many people recommend increasing your garlic intake during cold season and for good reason.
2. Drink well
I wish I meant wine, but alas I mean water and herbal tea. Cold weather means drier air – inside and out. Dry air results in dry mucus membranes and dry membranes are easy for viruses to attach to. You can’t change the weather or the need for forced air heat but you can stay moist. Drink lots of caffeine & alcohol free liquids throughout the day.
3. Consider Supplements
I carefully suggest supplements – healthy bodies are able to get what they need from healthful foods. However, if you live in a northern latitude you will need a vitamin D supplement in the winter months, unless you are eating fatty fish regularly (sustainably harvested only please) or traveling to sunnier places regularly. Individual needs vary, but I generally recommend between 1000IU and 2000IU daily during the low light months of natural D3 (cholecalciferol). Avoid synthetic vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol).
4. Sleep
Sleep is essential of your immune system to function. Adults require 7-9 hours of quality sleep, teens need 8.5-10 and children need 10+. Getting enough sleep must be a priority during cold season. Making the time to get an extra 30 minutes of sleep a night may be inconvenient, but not as inconvenient as a cold or flu that lasts 7-10 days! If getting quality sleep is an issue then contact me, I can help.
5. Rest
Rest is different than sleep. Kudos if you are getting lots of sleep every night, but if you are falling into bed every night exhausted having run yourself ragged then chances are you are setting yourself up to get sick. We all need to balance our productivity with resting– do something daily that recharges you. Chances are the chores can wait for another day…and if they can’t ask for help.
6. Consider Homeopathic Flu Prevention - Influenzinum
If you are in a high risk group for influenza related complications (elderly, pregnant women, new mothers, infants, obese) or you have existing medical conditions that increase your risk (immune disorders, asthma, kidney or liver disorders, diabetes, etc.). For more information take a look at Homeopathic Flu Prevention or contact me.
