We’ve all been told by the media this year is a catastrophic year for the flu! It’s an epidemic we all need to protect ourselves from. Stay in doors, don’t touch one another, load up on flu shots, antibiotics, and pretty much stop breathing!
Yikes!
I for one still like a brisk walk out in nature during the cold winter season (it brings fresh, clean air to my lungs and helps to relieve toxic build up) and I’m a sucker for a good hug! It’s all about love man!
Also, as a Holistic Health Coach, I like to practice natural and preventative medicine as my defense against illnesses so I can continue to enjoy my walks and friendly contact from my fellow man.
Below, I’m sharing the top 5 things I continue to do that’s kept me flu free and healthy for the past 6 years! Mind you, I work with kids all day long and we all know how thoughtful they are about spreading their (cute little) germs!
1. Sleep
Resting the body is key to healing and remaining healthy. While we sleep, repair and recovery hormones (melatonin, testosterone, estrogen, growth hormone) are released to do their job of patching up body, warding off harmful bacteria while building up your resistance to the flu and illnesses.
An hour before bed, turn down the lights (I like candle light mainly because it’s sexy), put the electronics away, pour a cup of tea and chill.
Aim for about 8 hours a night.
2. Low Stress
Stress keeps the body in survival mode. During this “fight or flight” response, all repair and healing is suppressed so the body can tend to whatever is keeping it in danger (a fight with the boss, financial troubles, a traffic jam). The main line of bacterial defense (the gut) is essentially left unguarded, weakening the immune system, allowing certain bugs, like the flu, to enter our bodies and make us sick.
Learn to manage your stress by taking up a meditation practice, going for mindful walks, and breathing deeply.
3. Antifungals and Probiotics
Antifunguls like garlic and oregano oil are great at killing off bacteria and fungus which make the body vulnerable to the flu bug. Probiotics (which come in a pill form or from food like sauerkraut) help to repopulate the good bacteria in the gut, keeping it healthy and able to over power the bad bacteria which can make you ill.
4. Exercise
Getting the right amount of exercise can help to detoxify the body through sweat, circulate the blood, and strengthen the immune system. Although, too much exercise can add stress to the body and weaken immunity. 3-4 days of exercise a week which a combination of walking, yoga, and strength training should do the job.
5. Whole Foods
Processed foods have many harmful chemicals that actually cause stress on the body and suppress the immune system. Sticking with real, whole foods (those that can be found in nature) supply the body with vital minerals and vitamins it needs to keep you healthy, energetic, and flu free!
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