Flu & Cold Prevention Tips

People are afraid of the flu...and rightfully so.  Many people get the "flu shot" to avoid losing a week of their life stuck in bed, feeling horrible.  Not to mention, there's the following week of recovery when you're exhausted, and you think you'll never feel "right" again.  (We won't even GO into why parents have their children get the flu shot...being a sick adult is bad enough...don't mess with my kids!)

 

***Just to clear any doubts, I do NOT personally advocate flu shots for all people.  It is each family's CHOICE whether or not to get a flu shot.  Our family chooses to use prevention methods in place of the flu shot.*** 

Unfortunately, the flu shot doesn't always prevent you from getting the flu, as the vaccine doesn't protect from ALL flu strains, just the ones the labs believe will be the most prevalent this year.  (Thank you medical lab people for doing your best...)


 

Your BEST bet is flu prevention.  Our family chooses to do everything we can in order to build strong immune systems to combat the flu virus.

 


1. Eat your medicine.


Good nutrition is crucial to a strong immune system.  Focus on eating lots (and lots) of veggies and fruits!  The best are fresh, then comes frozen, and if all else fails, go for low-sodium canned veggies and no sugar added (in fruit juice NOT syrup) fruits.  Berries (either fresh or frozen), especially, can help reduce inflammation and keep your immune system rockin'.

 

Your plate should consist of 75-80% veggies/fruits and 20-25% good quality lean protein with 1 serving of healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, raw nuts/seeds, etc.

 

Some specific foods to include in your flu-fighting diet include carrots, raw almonds, yogurt, herbal or green tea, pink grapefruit, and black-eyed peas (source).  Avoid sugar, sugar-substitutes, alcohol, and processed foods as they suppress the immune system.

 

Join my Fit & Lean 2015 Challenge to unpack more about nutrition packed eating!

2.  Wash your hands.  


Your momma knew what she was talking about.  No need for antimicrobial soaps here (those dry out your skin and lead to more resistant infections), just plain soap & water works great!

 

This is especially important before eating (wash up for dinner) and after spending time in public (ie church, the Wal-mart, school, anyplace with lots and people/germs!)

 

Alcohol based hand sanitizer will do if there's no sink available, but good ol' soap and water are your best bets!  We HIGHLY recommend Free Reign Farm all natural soaps!  I, seriously, have never met anyone so meticulous about the ingredients in their products.  You MUST "visit"!

3.  Use Elderberry Syrup

 

NATURAL COLD & FLU PREVENTION/ RELIEF :: Elder has been used for centuries. Elderberry syrup is immune system support, helping your body to resist colds/flu virus. Studies have shown that elderberry syrup reduces excessive sinus mucus secretion, and some even suggest that it can help lessen swelling of mucous membranes, improve sinus drainage, and decrease nasal congestion. Elderberries are high in bioflavonoids and antioxidants. 

 

Our kids love elderberry syrup...and remind us to take our daily dose just before bedtime every night during cold/flu season.  

 

According to herbalist Paul Bergner, elderberry disables an enzyme present in the flu virus that prevents it from being able to enter a cell. In other words, it stops the flu from getting into your body, thus preventing the spread of the virus. In clinical trials, taking elderberry has removed all flu symptoms within 2 days in 90% of participants. Patients who took the placebo took, on average, 6 days to recover*.

 

Elderberries on bush
Elderberries on bush

According to a 2002 study in the Journal of International Medical Research.  "It's likely that antioxidants called flavonoids -- which are contained in the extract -- stimulate the immune system, writes Thom. Also, other compounds in elderberry, called anthocyanins, have an anti-inflammatory effect; this could explain the effect on aches, pains, and fever." (source)

 

Russell Greenfield, MD, a leading practitioner of integrative medicine and medical director of Carolinas Integrative Health, advocates treating flu with black elderberry, he says in a news release. 'It can be given to children and adults, and with no known side effects or negative interactions,' he says. " (source)

 

Boost your immune system!  

 

Order your family Windy Ridge Naturals' Elderberry Syrup

 

 

$5  DIY Elderberry Extract Herb Mix

$20 premade syrup 

 

Living Light,

 

Christy Dickison, Certified Holistic Health Coach

 

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any illness or disease and has not been reviewed nor approved by the FDA.  This information is not intended to take the place of advice from your medical professional, licensed dietician or nutritionist.  You are solely responsible for your health care choices.


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Comments: 1
  • #1

    Sherry lewis (Monday, 22 January 2018 06:55)

    I am directing people to yoursites about elderberry mix and syrup. So you might want to make sure prices are up to date. Several of my friends have been talking about how horrible the tamaflu tases and makes you feel. So I hope you get some sales from this. Just thought I would give you the heads up.