Category_Fitness and Wellness

Preventative Measures and Natural Remedies to get through Cold and Flu Season

prevent sickness naturally
Do you want to stay healthier this cold and flu season? Over-the-counter medications can help, but most merely suppress symptoms instead of helping you heal. While there are no magic cures for the common cold, you can combine preventative measures and natural remedies to help you kick your bug faster. We’ve compiled lists of preventative measures and natural remedies that will keep you healthy this winter.

Preventative measures to protect yourself from cold and flu viruses:

face

Don’t touch your face

Cold and flu viruses enter your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth. Keep your hands away to help protect you from illness.

hand washWash your hands regularly

Wash your hands frequently, for at least 30 seconds, to remove bacteria and viruses.
water

Drink water

Staying hydrated will keep your immune system working properly.
exercise

Exercise

Regular exercise at moderate intensity levels helps the body fight stress and boosts your immune system. A brisk walk or raking leaves counts, too!

woman sleepingGet enough sleep

Your immune system doesn’t work properly if you are exhausted. Get your rest so your body is ready to fight off that pesky virus.
food

Eat the rainbow

Fruits and vegetables that are dark green, red, purple, and yellow are filled with phytochemicals. "Phyto" means plants, and the natural chemicals in them provide a supercharged boost.
calpal scale

Maintain a healthy weight

Excess body fat promotes the production of inflammatory immune cells that predispose us to illness, disease and weaken the immune system’s response to infections. Our Precison CalPal Digital Bathroom Scale helps you achieve your ideal weight.
alcohol

Limit alcohol

Alcohol suppresses the part of the immune system that protects you catching a virus. It also inhibits the immune system from fighting a bug that you already have. Stick to one or two drinks to decrease your chances of getting sick.

vitaminsTake your vitamins

The important ones are D, C, and zinc. Optimizing Vitamin D levels can help prevent illness and will ease symptoms when you get sick. Take extra Vitamin C to help your body get rid of a cold faster. Zinc can prevent viruses from gaining full access to our cells and shorten the length of a cold or flu. In order for zinc to work properly, it needs to be taken within 24 hours of when symptoms first appear.
Even with a healthy lifestyle, you may still find yourself with the sniffles or flu symptoms. The following remedies can help boost your immune system and decrease the duration and intensity of your illness.

Natural home remedies to fight the flu and cold symptoms:

saltSalt water gargle

When your throat starts to feel scratchy, mix 1 tsp of salt in a full glass of water and gargle. The salt reduces inflammation and clears irritants from the back of the throat.
oregano

Oregano oil

Oregano oil is a potent natural antibiotic and antiviral. You can diffuse the oil or dilute a bit in almond oil and rub it on your feet.
epsom salts

Take a detox bath

A bath with 1 cup Epsom salt, 1/2 cup baking soda, and a few drops of essential oil can soothe the body, balance depleted electrolytes, and helps cleanse toxins from the body.

Natural food remedies to fight the flu and colds:

garlic onions

Add in garlic and onions

Garlic and onions contain the compound Allicin, which can fight off certain bacteria and viruses. Adding this compound to your daily diet helps block infections and helps you heal faster.
chicken soup

Eat your chicken soup

It’s a proven remedy that will help clear congestion, sooth a sore throat, add vitamins and nutrients to boost your immune system, and is easy on an upset stomach.
ginger

Make ginger tea

Ginger is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and a potent cold virus fighter. Slice up some ginger and let it steep in very hot water for five to ten minutes to create a soothing drink which also helps quell nausea.
turmeric

Take turmeric

The spice turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties however it also possesses strong antiviral properties to help fight off the flu. Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a cup of warm milk or try this tea recipe.
What’s your “go-to” remedy for fighting colds and the flu? Please share with us @eatsmartscales.

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