If you’ve been thinking you have to get a flu shot to prevent yourself from getting the flu, think again. There are many ways to head off all sorts of germs and illnesses so you can thrive throughout the flu season. Here are some strategies to put into place now as you work on preventing illness before it even comes your way.
Herbal Remedies
There are so many wonderful herbal remedies found in nature that can be highly effective at preventing and even addressing illnesses, including the flu. Echinacea, for example, has been used for centuries to boost the immune system and keep illnesses at bay. Oregano, thyme, goldenseal, licorice, ginger, and elderberry are other helpful herbs. These remedies come in various brands and in both liquid and capsule forms.
Dietary Guidelines
A nutrient-dense diet is foundational when it comes to getting and staying healthy and strong. And what you avoid is just as important as what you do eat. So avoid sugar, artificial sweeteners, artificial colors and flavors, preservatives, processed foods, and chemicals as much as possible in food. Read food labels to find out what is in each food product. Focus on eating a diet made up of whole, fresh foods. Include as many organic foods as possible, and opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, healthy fats, and quality protein.
Staying Hydrated
Keeping your body hydrated provides so many wonderful benefits. During flu season it is especially important to stay hydrated by drinking enough filtered water. Herbal teas can also help with hydration, but steer clear of teas containing caffeine.
Nutritional Supplements
Even when you have a healthy diet in place, you might still need to add to that with various nutritional supplements. Some of the key helpers when it comes to stopping the flu are vitamin C, B complex vitamins, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin A, probiotics, colloidal silver, and cod liver oil. Garlic supplements or even just fresh garlic are also beneficial.
Stress Management
Stress is a major contributor to the immune system becoming run down. That, in turn, opens up the door for illnesses to come in. So decrease as much stress as you can, and properly manage the stress you cannot avoid.
Practice techniques like deep breathing, which can help tremendously and instantly makes you feel calmer. Count your blessings, as gratitude can make you feel less tense and more relaxed. Find a hobby you love, and enjoy it as often as possible, even if that’s only for a few minutes several times per week. Listen to relaxing music if that’s something you enjoy. Take a warm bath, and even include soothing bath salts and essential oils like lavender. Watch funny movies, and laugh as much as possible. You will feel your worries melting away.
Regular Exercise
Exercise is also a huge help when it comes to stress management and overall well-being. Activities like Pilates are relaxing, and stretching feels so good. Taking a stroll around your neighborhood, weather permitting of course, can be beneficial too.
One key in all of this is to just stay in motion, whether you are doing a workout or just cleaning the house. Avoid being sedentary or sitting for too long at a time.
Adequate Sleep
Make sure you get plenty of sleep and rest all year long but especially when germs are running rampant during flu season. For adults, between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night is the typical requirement. But more sleep than that is needed during hectic and stressful times, such as the holiday season. If you can take naps, catch a few ZZZs whenever possible during the day. Or even just reclining and relaxing for a few minutes here and there throughout the day is helpful.
Proper Hygiene
Keeping the flu at bay can be as simple as maintaining proper hygiene habits. So wash hands with warm water and soap EVERY time you use the bathroom but especially after touching door handles, cell phones remote controls and every time you return from being out in public. Speaking of which, try to avoid crowds of people and places where there could be infectious sick people.
There are definitely ways to prevent the flu naturally – without having to get the flu shot. Put the strategies outlined here into place in your family, and be well this winter and beyond!
