Our family was hit hard by illness back in October. We all had sinus and respiratory issues and kept passing it around between the three of us. Now with everyone coming down with the flu, and it affects people so badly, I’ve made it my personal mission to make sure no one in our house brings it home. And my son is in daycare. We know how many germs children in daycare can share! Here are some natural things I’m doing with my family to make sure we stay flu-free this winter.
Fluids
Staying properly hydrated can help your body to better absorb nutrients. Also, when we are sick, we tend to become dehydrated more quickly. So if you are already properly hydrated when you get sick, it can help prevent all the problems that come along with being dehydrated. Drinking extra fluids, especially hot teas or soups, may help thin out mucus, which can make it easier to remove. You will want to avoid sugary drinks, like fruit juices, because of all the added sugar. It can weaken your immune system. If you have to have fruit juice, mix some water with it to cut down on the sugar. It’s no wonder people get sick around the holidays with all the sugary treats around.
Vitamin C
Many studies state supplementing vitamin C may prevent illness or reduce the life of an illness when you already have one. I have vitamin C in my normal daily vitamins like most of us do, but I supplement with more during flu season. I usually double my normal dose when I start to see people around me getting sick. When I take my extra vitamin C, I prefer it in powdered form and mix it with water. This helps me increase the amount of water I am drinking daily.
Elderberry Syrup
You mean there are other berries beside the ones you grab from the produce department at the grocery store? Elderberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants which boost your immune system and protect you from viruses. They may also help when you are having problems with mucus production. Studies have shown both that people who take elderberry syrup can prevent the flu and those who already have the flu and take it can shorten the length of the flu. If you come across elderberries at the store and want to make your own syrup, be careful because parts of the plant can be poisonous, so you will want to remove those parts before making your syrup.
Essential Oils
I use a lot of essential oils year-round. Here are some common ones that I’m using for flu prevention:
- Lavender may help you get better sleep, which we all know is important when we are feeling sick. I diffuse lavender or put a drop on my pillow or bed sheet to help with sleep.
- Lime essential oil is great for coughs and mucus. You can apply it to the back of your neck and spine to help your cough. Just be careful because lime is a citrus oil and is photosensitive, so it may cause problems if you are out in the sun. Dilute the oil when you apply it, and keep the area covered when outside.
- Melaleuca, or tea tree oil, can be used as a disinfectant, antiviral and antiseptic. You can use this oil to clean surfaces or purify the air.
- Thyme is another antiviral oil, so it may be a good substitute if you are unable to use melaleuca. It is also a decongestant and may help with stuffy noses.
If you use essential oils topically, or on your skin, you might want to dilute the oils before applying, especially if you have sensitive skin. Be careful with essential oils as some of them may cause problems around certain pets. Also, there are many safety groups online you can look into for this and other useful information.
Healthy Diet
A healthy diet can provide you with all the flu protection you need, but realistically that is difficult for many of us. We are busy with work, kids, and everything else that comes with mom life. Our schedules don’t always allow us to prepare perfect meals for our families that come with all the recommended vitamins and minerals our bodies need. We certainly do our best, but sometimes all of our bases aren’t covered by our diet.
So that’s what we’ve been doing to stay healthy this winter. Of course, different things can affect people differently, so please talk to your doctor before you start something new if you need to. Stay well out there!
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