We’ve all heard the news about this year’s flu. Hospitals are seeing more people sick with the flu than in ten years. We are advised if we haven’t gotten the flu vaccine, there is still plenty of time for it (even though it’s maybe 10% effective), and wash your hands. Is that really all we can do to avoid the flu?
How about supporting our immune system? Isn’t that our first defense against illness?
Stay Hydrated
Hydrating your body is one of the best and easiest places to start. Heating systems dry out the air in our homes, schools and work places. Dare I say dried out mucous membranes won’t be as effective as your first defense against illness, so drink enough water. Occasional diffusing with essential oils can both add moisture to the air in your home, as well as help cleanse it.
Keep Skin Healthy and Moisturized
Your skin is your largest organ, and another basic defense in keeping illness away. All that hand washing can dry your skin to the point of it being chapped and even getting those miserable little splits on the fingertips. Besides drinking enough water, be diligent about applying hand and body cream. Melissa Hand Cream nourishes, protects and conditions better than any hand cream I’ve tried.
About Your Hands
Speaking of hand washing, another frequent recommendation is hand sanitizer. Unfortunately hand sanitizers can contain chemicals and fragrances that could harm your health. It doesn’t makes sense to choose a product with nasty ingredients that can make you sick to keep yourself well. Choose a healthy option like Organic Defence Hand Spray, that is gentle yet effective, and safe for the entire family.
Diet
If you aren’t already eating a clean, whole and where ever possible organic food diet, now is the time to start. A healthy gut is a great place to start supporting your immune system, and Organic Fiber Blend may help. There may not be tons of data supporting the benefits of supplements, but I believe in extra Vitamin C, and Vitamin D3. Elderberry has been used in folk medicine for hundreds of years. When it comes to supporting the immune system, these berries are a nutritious powerhouse containing antioxidants, Vitamins A, B and C as well as amino acids. You can find it in syrup, lozenge or capsule form in the health food section.
Exercise and Sleep
Finally, exercise contributes to general good health, and who knows – a good work out could flush bacteria and viruses out of your system. Your body does much of it’s repair work while you are sleeping, so make sure you are getting enough. Good Night Pillow Mist can support a sense of calm and relaxation to aid in a restful night.
Unfortunately there is no guaranteed way of avoiding the flu. I believe the more you do to keep yourself as healthy as possible the more likely you are to avoid the flu.
This post is not intended to be medical advice. Check with your medical practitioner before taking any new supplements if you are currently on prescription medications to avoid unwanted interaction. If you are ill, seek the care of a qualified medical practitioner.
What steps are you taking to stay healthy and avoid the flu? Continue the discussion on Facebook.
