Here are a few basic tips that go a long way…
- Wash your hands!!!
- Get a good night’s sleep, and rest when you feel a cold coming on. Our body needs to devote all its resources into fighting the infection so you don’t get sick.
- Reduce your sugar intake – sugar decreases your immune system’s ability to fight infections.
- Drink plenty of fluids (water, herbal tea, soup) – staying hydrated helps eliminate mucous and phlegm production, and flush pathogens from our system.
- Add garlic to your meals – garlic acts as a natural antimicrobial. You can also increase your garlic intake when you feel a cold coming on.
- Up your vitamin C intake – aim for 1-3g/day to increase the production of your immune cells. Zinc and vitamin D are other immune-boosting supplements to consider.
- Make sure you eat enough protein – protein is needed to make immune cells so that your body can mount an immune response when faced with bacteria and viruses.
If you tend to get a cold or the flu every season, consider a herbal preparation to fight infections, or a homeopathic immune booster flu shot. They’re available at the clinic, and help decrease susceptibility and/or severity and duration of symptoms if you do get sick.