The Flu: my least favourite "F" word (Part 2)
Hello again! Seriously, where does the time go? Already November!
Last month I posted about some my favourite cold and flu fighters (click here to read it) and promised to follow up on it since I didn't want to make the original post too lengthy. So, in continuing the trend of my favourite immune-boosters/cold and flu fighters, here are the other five foods/products/supplements/tactics I recommend to keep you and your loved ones healthy during cold and flu season.
6. Colloidal Silver and Oil of Oregano
Long before antibiotics (think Roman times), many people used colloidal silver to fight infections. Then, once antibiotics came around, all of this changed. With the rise of all sorts of superbugs, I like to recommend more natural products that can work just as effectively (if not more) in many cases.
It's interesting to note a few things about colloidal silver. Where antibiotics will only treat bacterial infections and will wipe out both the good and bad bacteria in your system, colloidal silver treats microbial, bacterial and fungal infections and only kills bad bacteria, leaving the good bacteria in tact to help you fight the infection. We carry it here and it's quite popular with clients during cold and flu season. Added bonus: it doesn't have any flavour! Oil of oregano, which does offer many of the same health benefits, is very pungent in taste.
7. Garlic
Aside from warding off vampires, garlic is well-known for its pungent aroma and flavour, but it's also a powerhouse when it comes to fighting bacteria. Garlic contains allicin (responsible for its tell-tale aroma), which has been proven to help the body fight infection. Add it to stir frys, dressings or for an added boost, cut it up in VERY small pieces (think 3mm around), scoop it up and wash it down with water. Do this morning and night at the first sign of illness until symptoms disappear. It won't impact your breath too badly since you aren't chewing it.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Always down and out with sinus troubles? Make Apple Cider Vinegar your new best friend. This anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral powerhouse has actually been proven to kill the bacteria that causes a sinus infection. Many people have found great digestive and therefore immune-boosting benefits from taking 1-2 tbsp of raw apple cider vinegar in about 1/4 cup of water first thing in the morning. It can also help with stomach upsets and gallbladder discomforts. Seriously, if you google "benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar" you'd be amazed at all that it can do.
9. Ginger
Not only is ginger great for helping calm nausea that's often associated with colds/flus, it's also really great at dilating blood vessels and therefore clearing sinus congestion. It's also an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and is a natural blood thinner. Add it to stir frys, warm teas or make a tasty immune-boosting switchel (recipe below).
10. Honey
Ahhh honey... It's been around for centuries and has been used just as long not only as a sweetener, but for its amazing medicinal properties. Honey has powerful antibacterial properties that can help heal ulcers and burns. It's also a mild antiseptic that can help with sore throats, stubborn coughs (especially at night - mix 1 tbsp in a cup of warm water) and chest congestion. Raw honey contains glucose oxidase, which actually produces hydrogen peroxide when mixed in with water. Neato!! Just a friendly reminder that honey isn't safe for children under one.
Immune-Boosting Switchel:
2 cups tepid (room temperature) water*
1-2 tbsp raw organic honey
1-2 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
2-3 tsp fresh ginger
*Can be boiled water that's left to cool a bit if you like a warmer beverage. Just keep in mind that often heat can kill some of the medicinal properties of these foods.
Combine all ingredients in a tall glass or mason jar and enjoy! While this drink can be enjoyed anytime, it's perfect at the first sign of a cold or flu, or when you're already under the weather.
11. (Because this one's too important to overlook) Don't Hibernate
You either love winter or you hate it. Those who love it make the most of it by keeping active with fun winter activities like snowshoeing, skiing, skating, etc. Those who hate it tend to stay inside, counting down the days until the snow melts and spring arrives. Guess who is healthier, happier and fitter in the end? That's right! Those who make the most of it! We're lucky where we live to have a ski hill just outside of town, awesome trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, indoor and outdoor rinks and sidewalks in town that are plowed (for the most part).
So this winter, gear yourself up and get outside! You'll thank yourself and might even come to actually look forward to winter!
Again, I didn't go into great depths with the above-mentioned topics to keep this post short. As mentioned in last month's post, please discuss any of these tips with your doctor or health care practitioner before incorporating them into your diet/routine as some foods, though natural, can interfere with certain pharmaceutical drugs. These posts are simply meant to give information about what I have found useful both personally and in my practice.
If you would like more information on these and other topics, or would like to arrange a chat with me, feel free to contact me personally at mila.maxwell@simplyforlife.com or give me a call at 506-433-5911. I'd be happy to chat with you.
See you all in December! :)