With the holidays on the way, that means there’s plenty to do. Out and about with holiday gatherings, school parties, and shopping excursions can expose us to more germs than usual. And for most moms, there’s no time to be sick — or worse — have a sick child.
I’m delighted to join Healthy Child Healthy World’s Blogger Network for this week’s topic on Natural Cold & Flu Remedies.
Last year during flu season, a close friend called after hearing that a case of the flu was reported at her daughter’s preschool. “You know I don’t usually get caught up in the media, but the flu really has me scared with a new baby in the house,” she said. “I can’t believe I’m asking this, but what do you think about the flu shot?”
I wanted to remind my friend of the patience and determination it took to labor 12 hours with her husband and midwife to deliver her new baby daughter naturally. Why was she against IVs pumping artificial chemicals through her body then? And now she would consider a shot that contains adjuvants, mercury, animal cancer cells, and squalenes, which have been linked to a host of scary conditions.
I also wanted to remind my friend that she’s always suspicious of “big pharma” and the profits these companies rake in pushing drugs with side effects like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Yes, I wanted to say these things. But I didn’t. Because I remember what “new mommy brain” feels like. And the responsibility that comes from being in charge of not just yourself, but other precious little lives. That responsibility can be overwhelming - especially in a sleep-deprived, hormonal postpartum state.
So, rather than scare my friend with the facts about the shot (like drug companies and the media scare us all about the flu), I decided to encourage her to remember that our bodies are designed to protect us.
There are several ways you can boost your immunity, and make it less likely that you will catch any type of flu this season. And it should be no surprise… the good, old common sense stuff your grandmother told you, like washing your hands and not touching your nose or mouth, really are the most effective ways to avoid a catching a cold.
Stay Healthy Naturally
Vitamin D – The sun’s rays are the best source of natural vitamin D production – 15 minutes a day (without sunscreen) and with at least 40% of your body exposed to the sun is the guideline. As the weather changes, you can also get vitamin D through naturally occurring food sources like green leafy vegetables, or through foods that have been enriched with it. A daily supplement can also be a good source of vitamin D.
Hand washing – Wash your hands with soap and water. At home, we use Thieves hand soap for it’s natural, but powerful combination of essential oils that fight off germs with no harmful chemicals. When soap and water are not available, we use Thieves Waterless Hand Santizer. It’s a safe alternative to the versions with high alcohol content (kids have ended up in the ER with alcohol poisoning from some brands) or the dangerous chemical, triclosan.
Diet – A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is the basis for overall health. Limit sugar and processed foods. Sugar compromises the immune system and lowers your body’s ability to fight off the bad germs. Increase your antioxidants with foods like berries or Ningxia Red.
Water – Many people are dehydrated and don’t even know it. Fluids help flush bad stuff out of your system.
Exercise – Physical activity strengthens the body, and the process of sweating removes toxins and impurities from your organs, tissue and skin. Another benefit of exercise is that it can help lower stress. Uncontrolled stress takes a toll on the immune system.
Rest – Your body needs adequate sleep to renew itself. As you sleep, cells are being regenerated, and your mind gets a much-needed break from the stresses of the outside world. Don’t wait until you get sick to rest! Take care of your body, and it will take care of you.
