Well its that time of year again where I dread going into the stores and grocery shopping is more like playing dodge ball except the ball happens to be the nasty flu virus coming at me from the coughing, sneezing, flu infected individuals who are also shopping. If I hear someone cough or sneeze in the same isle as me, I fast dart my kids and self as far as possible from that area. If I could dress my children and myself in a biological chem suit and not look like a nut case I would!
Avoiding the stores and crowded areas are the best way to not come in contact with the nasty virus but becoming a hermit all season just isn’t practical or sensible. I still have to buy the groceries, attend school concerts, and maintain the household activities so becoming sick or letting the flu bed rid me is not an option.
There are some steps I can take to help avoid getting the flu, strengthen our immune systems to help our body’s fight the virus or recover faster from illness.
Fighting the flu
1. Get plenty of Vitamin A. Bacteria and Flu can be fought with Vitamin A and it has shown in several experiments conducted by the National Institutes of Health to enhance the immunological response of the body. It actually works by stimulating the body’ s own immunity system. Eating foods such as Spinach, Collards, Kale, Mixed vegetables, Turnip greens, Instant cooked and fortified ready to eat cereals are all great sources of the protective vitamin A.
2. Wash your hands frequently with hot soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Washing your hands helps prevent spreading the virus. Using paper towels to dry your hands can alleviate passing the virus on to others and also prevent those who are getting over it from becoming re-infected.
3. Exercise regularly. Exercising regularly, at least 30 minutes a day helps increase the body’s natural virus-killing cells.
4. Get plenty of sleep. Poor sleep lowers your immunity making you more vulnerable to infections. Most adults need between seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Older children and teens need more rest and should get between nine and 10 hours every night.
5. Avoid sugar. Sugar depresses the immune system. Try to maintain and control proper blood sugar by avoiding added sugar and highly refined starches such as pasta, rice, potatoes and breads.
6. Use saline nasal spray to keep your passages moist. Keeping your nostrils moist can help in warding off a cold and flu.
7. Eat Garlic. Garlic contains hundreds of minerals and nutrients that are beneficial to your body. It has powerful antibiotic, antiviral and anti fungal characteristics. Garlic has been found to be as effective as many antibiotics, without the dangerous side effects.
Hopefully taking these simple steps will combat the nasty viruses! If my children, husband or I do get attacked there is several homeopathic remedies for cold the flu and some great websites that offer information on to relieve the symptoms safely!
