When it comes to taking care of your well-being, a holistic approach is key. It allows you to take into account all facets of your being. Time and time again, the benefits of holistic health speak for themselves: Reduced stress, prevention of certain lifestyle diseases, a strong body, financial prosperity, happiness, and more. Wellness is all about a well-rounded approach to health.
But, what happens when you feel under the weather? Rest is imperative. As is sleep. However, it’s often difficult to slow down with the demands of day-to-day life. Especially if you’re a parent. Don’t fret—there are plenty of easy, natural remedies for the common cold or flu. It’s often less about what’s stocked in your medicine cabinet and more about what’s in your fridge and pantry.
Tips to Prevent colds and the flu
According to the CDC, the single best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated each year. However, preventative habits like avoiding people who are sick, covering your cough, and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs. We’re no strangers to social distancing, but it does work. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. When out and about, make sure to clean your hands, wear a mask if necessary, and try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Natural Remedies For the Flu
Social distancing aside, let’s talk about natural remedies for the flu season. While there’s no cure for the flu, there are natural remedies that might ease typical flu symptoms. These remedies may also help shorten the time you have the flu. Keep in mind that because a cold (or the flu) is viral, the only cure is to give your body enough time to ward it off. Meaning, rest is so important.
All of that said, the shorter you have the flu (or can avoid it altogether!), the quicker you can get back to feeling happy and energized. Here are six natural remedies to boost your immunity during the winter.
Stay hydrated.
Water helps to keep your nose, mouth, and throat moist. This helps your body get rid of built-up mucus and phlegm. Avoid dehydration with filtered water, coconut water (look for no-added sugar, like this brand), or an immune-boosting tea. Furthermore, try kombucha! One of the byproducts from the kombucha-making process is acetic acid. This has significant antimicrobial and antibacterial effects. Meaning, kombucha can help fight off infections like the common cold, sinus infection, or even the flu.
Stock up on bone broth.
Because viruses usually thrive in cold temperatures, drinking a hot beverage, like broth, might help avert the seasonal flu. At lower temperatures, our bodies tend to produce fewer antiviral immune signals and leave us more susceptible to infections. That is why bone broth is so helpful. When possible, choose organic / pasture-raised bone broth. Kettle & Fire is my favorite brand. If you don’t consume animal products, opt for a low-sodium organic veggie broth. Warm a mug of veggie broth with ginger and lemon for a nourishing drink.
Increase your zinc.
Zinc, an essential mineral, supports your immune system and helps your metabolism function. Zinc is also important for your sense of taste and smell. With a varied diet, most people get enough zinc. Food sources of zinc include chicken, red meat, chickpeas, nuts, and fortified cereals. This nutrient helps your body make germ-fighting white blood cells. It might help ease cold and flu symptoms. In essence, zinc helps your body fight the flu virus. Please consult your doctor before adding zinc to your supplement routine.
Eat the rainbow.
Diet plays a major role in how quickly you can recover from the flu. Processed foods, sugar, conventional dairy, and caffeine aren’t recommended. They’re all potentially inflammatory. Instead, stick with unprocessed, whole foods. These are packed with nutrients and are easy to digest. Focus on balancing blood sugar while incorporating whole, minimally processed foods. Think: Mediterranean diet.
Kitchari is one of the best foods to eat when you’re sick, as it’s healing and easy on your digestive system. Additionally, consider foods like bananas (they can help curb diarrhea), vitamin C-rich foods like bell peppers, and chili peppers, as they can open sinuses and break up mucus in the lungs.
Consider Beekeeper’s Naturals.
Show your immune system some love with a daily dose of bee propolis. This all-star ingredient contains antioxidants and other immune-boosting compounds. Bee propolis has 300+ beneficial compounds, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This throat spray has a permanent spot in our medicine cabinet.
Gargle sea salt.
Gargling can moisten a sore throat and bring temporary relief. Gargle with half a teaspoon of salt, dissolved in 8-ounces of warm water. Do this four times, daily. To reduce the tick in your throat, try an astringent gargle. Otherwise, seep one tablespoon of lemon juice in two cups of water and mix with one teaspoon of honey. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before gargling.
Keep in mind that if your symptoms get worse, your fever persists longer than 24 hours, you can’t keep anything down (fluids or food), etc., time to schedule an appointment with your doctor. All of that said, traditional flu symptoms are actually a part of the natural healing process—evidence that your immune system is battling illness. Rest up and take care.
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