As the fall and winter months unfold, getting a cold or flu may feel unavoidable to you and your family. But rest assured, there are definitely some natural and simple tips to reduce illness during cold and flu season for you and the whole family.
Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is the number one prevention and treatment for illness as it is an amazingly effective antimicrobial agent, producing 200 to 300 different antimicrobial peptides in your body that kill bacteria, viruses and fungi. The best source for vitamin D is direct sunlight exposure, but isn’t always available for many or practical during the winter. The next best thing to sunlight is the use of a safe indoor tanning device. If neither natural nor artificial sunlight is an option, then using oral supplements is your best bet.
Healthy food intake
The following foods are extremely beneficial for your overall health and strength of your immune system. Be sure to get a balanced amount of each.
-Fermented foods such as kefir, kimchee, miso, pickles, sauerkraut, etc.
-Raw, organic eggs from free-ranging chickens
-Coconuts and coconut oil
-Locally grown fruits and vegetables
-Mushrooms, especially Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake, which contain beta glucans (which have immune-enhancing properties)
-Garlic, a potent antimicrobial that kills bacteria, viruses AND fungi
-Herbs and spices with high ORAC scores: Turmeric, oregano, cinnamon, cloves
Drink Water
Keeping hydrated allows the body to both function efficiently and to flush toxins and bacteria from your system. Water is essential for the optimal function of every system in your body.
Sleep
Make sure you are getting an adequate amount sleep. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, or enough restorative sleep, you’ll be at increased risk for a hostile viral takeover.
Steam
The body loves a chance to release stored toxins in the skin and other organs. Either create a good steaming shower and add our eucalyptus oil shower spray to the mix or do the same in a quality sauna or steam room. This will also fight bronchial infections, respiratory struggles, improve circulation and alleviate pain from fibromyalgia and arthritis.
At Eurospa, we are committed to your health and the health of the world around you. Please take close care of your immune system this season and talk to us about our other products available for personal and spa use!