01/14/2022
Beat the Flu to the Punch
As the old adage goes, prevention is the best medicine (along with laughter which I'm a firm believer in). Nowhere is this more true than in the case of the unwelcome wintertime visitor, the flu. In order to set yourself up to win if this pesky bug challenges your body, stock up on foods that help strengthen and maintain the health of your immune system. Here are a few suggestions to start with:
Vitamin C – This vitamin has loads of benefits, including being an antioxidant, naturally antiviral, and cancer-preventing. Of course orange juice comes to mind. But why not consider grapefruit juice every now and then to switch it up? It has 5 g less sugar than orange juice per 8 oz (17 vs. 22). Since sugar makes your body’s environment friendlier for viruses, anything that gives you benefits (like Vitamin C) but with less sugar is a good choice.
Lime, Ginger, Lemon and Agave – Ginger is a powerful yet natural anti-inflammatory, and can also help settle an upset stomach. Lemon adds Vitamin C and is a nice pure and natural way to cleanse your body. Read more about it here BluePrintCleanse. No, I don’t work for this company.
Garlic – Yes, this is its second appearance here. It’s important to emphasize the value of this simple food...especially in flu-season. Garlic is naturally anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal, while still being a great natural prebiotic for your intestinal flora. It also reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Prebiotic/Probiotics – Because 80% of your immune system lies in your digestive tract, keeping that system healthy is super important. If the bacteria that make up your intestinal flora is kept happy and healthy, your whole body “runs” betters, so to speak. Like a car that gets regular tune ups.
Fresh fruit – Vitamins and nutrients are best absorbed through food. Fruit is a sweet, tasty way to get those nutrients and extra benefits like phytochemicals which are found in plants. Pick your favs. Just pick something. The average American eats less than they should. A 2000-calorie diet for a person of average activity should be consuming 2 cups of fruit and 2 ½ cups of vegetables every day. (Based on The 2010 Dietary Guidelines). Remember to vary the colors of the fruits and vegetables you eat in order to get a wide range of benefits.
Oscillococcinum – A homeopathic medicine intended to lessen flu-symptoms. Of course, being a homeopathic thing, it’s controversial in terms of its actual efficacy compared to placebo. But everything is different for everyone. For me personally, I have noticed that if I take it on the onset of a cold or flu, it lessens the duration noticeably.
Gym socks – These are a reminder to honor your body with movement. It doesn’t matter which shoes you wear over them – sneakers, hiking boots, ice skates...or perhaps you may choose to forego footwear all together for a barefoot yoga practice. Whatever you choose, choose something that you love to do. You will enjoy it and stick with it. Which is good for your body...movement helps rejuvenate the body. And as they say in my yoga classes, let the breath carry you.
The pillow – Yes, this whole little display is on a pillow. To serve as a reminder (as much to myself as anyone) that proper amounts of rest and sleep is the best prevention for getting sick, and certainly the easiest way to stay healthy. So make sure to fit in the amount you need each day.
