AVOID THE WINTER FLU

AVOID THE WINTER FLU By Standard Process

Today, our immune system is under a lot of pressure from stress, environmental pollution, poor eating habits, and lack of sleep/exercise. There are many ways to protect ourselves and our immune system from seasonal challenges and diseases, including the flu. One of those ways is through nutrition. Support your immune system and conquer colds and flu by following these simple steps:

SLEEP When you’re tired, it becomes harder for you to get your daily tasks done. The same is true if your body is overly fatigued, it will be difficult for it to fight the flu. Regular rest will keep you strong and ensure that your body has the strength to fight off any potential invaders. Everyone needs a minimum of 6-8 hours daily! If your immune system is depleted, rest! After all, we cannot think clearly and function 100% without proper rest.

GARLIC Garlic is a triple-whammy: it’s antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal. Garlic is one food that you should be eating every day. You may choose to eat, “drink”, or take a quality garlic supplement When eating, it is important to note that the garlic must be fresh to give you optimal health benefits. The active ingredient is destroyed within one hour of pressing the garlic. Compress it with a spoon or garlic press, just prior to swallowing it, or put it through your juicer to add to your vegetable juice. If you swallow the clove intact you will not convert the active ingredient, allicin, to its active form.

STRESS We all face some stress everyday, but if stress becomes overwhelming then your body will be less able to fight off the flu and other illness. It has been estimated that up to 90 percent of illness and disease is stress-related. If you feel that stress is taking a toll on your health, consider “deep breathing” and other relaxing techniques (Yoga, meditation, aromatherapy baths, etc).

EXERCISE Exercise increases circulation and blood flow throughout your body. The components of your immune system are also better circulated, which means your immune system is more efficient at finding an illness before it spreads. In a sense, exercising helps your immune system to be more efficient in weeding and destroying viruses and diseases.

WASH YOUR HANDS Washing your hands decreases the likelihood of spreading a virus to your nose, mouth or other people. If your immune system is strong, it should be able to fight off the virus if it does enter your body, but washing your hands provides a bit of extra protection. Instead of antibacterial soap, identify’ a simple chemical-free soap that you can use. Local health food stores like Trader Joes’s or Whole Foods typically carry a variety of natural soaps.

AVOID DAIRY If you or your family member showing signs of runny nose, cough, congestion, sneezing; eliminate all dairy products for a few days. Dairy products increase the production of mucus and can actually CREATE more congestion, and amplify the feeding ground for bacteria and viruses. To be safe, eliminate any milk, cheese, yogurt, etc. for about 5-7 days while boosting your immune system and building back your energy reserves.

AVOID SUGAR Sugar decreases the function of your immune system almost immediately, and as you likely know, a strong immune system is key to fighting off viruses and other illness, including the flu. It is especially imperative to avoid sugar if you feel you are coming down with something, but keeping sugar out of your diet for the tong haul will do wonders for your health and make your body stronger, which will make it harder for the flu to bother you. Be aware that sugar is present in foods you may not suspect like ketchup and fruit juice.