It seems as if a lot of people are ringing in the New Year by coughing, sneezing and aching. In my office alone I have had dozens diagnosed with the dreaded “influenza A”…(cue scary music here). The prescriptions for Tamiflu are increasing and drug companies are profiting. Tamiflu is quite expensive and only shortens the duration of flu symptoms by a few hours! I’ve discovered that many of these currently with influenza A have actually been vaccinated…yet still got the dreaded flu! So are there options to try and stay healthy when everyone around you is dropping like flies? Or what can you do to help get over the flu faster if you are feeling sick right now? I am going to share with you 7 easy, simple and effective strategies to help you stay healthy during this start of the new year!
(1) Get Some Sleep!
Many people were trying to burn the midnight oil in order to cram in all the holiday last minute things they had to get done. This lack of sleep and disturbed sleep cycle causes inflammation and suppression of your immune system. Melatonin…the hormone of sleep…is produced when you sleep, it helps you sleep and it also boosts your immune system. To help reduce your chance of getting sick, or to get back on your feet faster, make sure you get plenty of sleep. This means go to bed at a decent time each night to ensure 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. If you feel you need a small nap in the afternoon…take one!
(2) Avoid Sugar
Sugar is the enemy of the immune system. Sugar makes your white blood cells and natural killer cells (the little guys that protect you from viruses) slow, lethargic and incompetent. They stop working as they should, your immune guard goes down, and the bad bugs all around you start taking a foothold in your body. Avoid the excess sugars and refined carbohydrates in order for your immune cells to work at their optimal capacity.
(3) Use Essential Oils
Essential oils have a wide variety of benefit and application. You can apply on the skin, some can be orally administered and others can be diffused for breathing treatments. One of the essential oils that I use daily is Thieves oil. I have the oil applied to my back and the bottom of my feet and I use it as a hand sanitizer as well. You can diffuse blends of essential oils through oil diffusers which will allow the oils to be inhaled. In the office we diffuse Immune Support, Thieves, and other essential oil blends.
(4) Increase Your Vitamin C
Vitamin C has strong and powerful antiviral properties. I like to boost my immune system by using additional vitamin C, selenium and zinc. The easiest way to get all of the important trace minerals required for proper immune support is to take a good multiple vitamin. What works well for me and my family is the PhytoMulti and Immucore. In addition to Immucore I will also add additional Ultra Potent C. The powder provides 4 grams of vitamin C per teaspoon or the tablet form is 1000 mg per tablet. I will take 20-40 grams of vitamin C as immune boosting support and to help get over sickness faster. To find what your body requires for vitamin C you can do a vitamin C flush.
(5) Take Your Healthy Fats
Omega-3 fatty acids, or fish oils, and anti-inflammatory and help support a healthy nervous system and immune system. I would recommend taking at least 1-2 grams of EPA and DHA each day, but just make sure you purchase a high quality fish oil and not one that is contaminated with toxins and heavy metals.
(6) Wash Your Hands
Hand washing is still a great way to cut down on transmission of communicable disease. Again, I like to use a hand soap that contains Thieves oil and I wash my hands frequently. Teach your children in your home to wash their hands frequently, after blowing their nose and after coughing.
(7) Stay Hydrated
Make sure you drink plenty of clean, pure, filtered water each day. Remember you should be drinking 1/2 your weight in ounces of water each day. Make sure your children are properly hydrated as well. If you have any vomiting or diarrhea I would recommend adding Endura each day to help re-establish healthy electrolyte levels. Small children and elderly can dehydrate pretty quickly so make sure you know how much fluids they are getting. Avoid the sugar-laden fruit juices and soda waters which will also suppress the immune system.
With these 7 simple steps we hope you can beat getting the flu all together, or at the very least, shorten the duration of feeling sick! We trust you’ll have a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
