During the winter season, it’s important to support your body in staying healthy! In the last decade, it’s become more popular to rely on vaccines to protect us from the flu, but there are some problems with this practice, which are seldom discussed.
In fact, the effectiveness of flu shots has not been proven yet. Before you commit to spending one or two weeks with a runny nose, cough, and temperature, check out these 7 ways to stay flu-free this winter!
1. Feed your immunity
To stay flue-free this winter you need to avoid gluten, sugar, and processed foods, which extremely decrease immune function. Start your day with a smoothie full of healthy fats (coconut or almond milk, almond butter, avocado), frozen berries, and some protein powder. Nourishing soups, dark greens, colorful salads, and vegetables are also packed with flu-fighting phytonutrients.
2. Take a Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a basic nutrient that helps keep the body functioning and supports the immune system. Some researches have shown Vitamin D to be a good flu fighter. Unfortunately, flu season corresponds with winter, when we can’t take inadequate levels of Vitamin D from the main source – sunshine.
Of course, if you have enough money you can take a weekend trip to a sunny place. However, there’s another way to stock up on Vitamin D – a Vitamin D3 supplement. If you want to be flu-free this winter you should take a vitamin supplement every day.
3. Give your body an antiviral boost
This is another way to stay flu-free this winter. If you want to boost your immune system you need to use antiviral herbs. They will not only help to strengthen your immune system but also protect you without creating resistant viral strains.
Four perfect antivirals are olive leaf extract, Andrographis, elderberry extract, and grapefruit seed extract. You can also eat garlic, which is known for its antiviral properties as well as an immunity booster.
4. Take a probiotic every day
Probiotic bacteria have many more functions than digestion. As 70% of our immune system is in the gut it’s important to consume probiotics daily, because it will help keep your gut engine humming. Try to take a probiotic with at least 10-20 billion organisms.
5. Sleep enough
Getting enough sleep is one of the easiest ways to stay flu-free this winter! There’s no better time for the body to restore and repair itself than while you rest.
Sleep at least 7-8 hours a night and try taking a 20-minute nap in the afternoon. Not getting enough sleep can lead to plenty of not-so-great things, including flu. That’s why you should pay attention to how much you sleep.
6. Don’t use antibacterial soap and hand sanitizers
The antibacterial soap is a very harsh product that is loaded with toxins, which increases the risk of creating resistant bacteria. Such soaps also over-dry and crack the skin, and that makes the transmission of viruses much easier.
Wash your hands frequently with hot water and chemical-free soap. Instead of hand sanitizers try to use a few drops of lavender essential oil.
7. Relax
It is particularly important to reduce stress during flu season. Of course, exercise can help to keep your immune system healthy, but it shouldn’t be a stress to your body! Breathing exercises and yoga, light strength training, or just taking the time for things you like will relieve tension and improve mental and physical resilience.
With these effective ways, it would be easy to stay flu-free this winter season. Do you know some other ways on how to be flu-free this winter? Share your thoughts, please!
