Cold & Flu Season

Article by healthybalance.com staff
Posted on November 19, 2008

Cold and flu season are back with a vengeance. By taking some prevention steps today and having good home remedies on hand for tomorrow, you can make it through with less misery and fewer missed days of work and school.

An ounce of prevention.

While you can’t stave off every germ that ambushes you, you can take steps to protect yourself from them. For starters, wash your hands more. Healthcare professionals will tell you that it isn’t just the soap and water that rid your hands of germs—it’s the actual mechanical action of vigorously rubbing the hands and then rinsing the germs away that does the trick. Slopping on a glob of antibacterial lotion is actually quite ineffective. Besides, the antibacterial chemicals can wreak havoc on your skin and damage the natural environment when washed down the drain and back into the watertable.

Build your immune system. Avoid sugar and junk foods that tax your ability to fight off germs. Instead, double up on fresh fruits and veggies. Forego soda pop and sweetened teas for water and 100% fruit juices. Drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water every day.

Colder weather is no excuse for becoming a couch potato. If you can’t get to a gym or don’t own a treadmill, bundle up and take a brisk walk every day. Exercise not only builds the immune system, it also relieves stress. And stress is another factor in lowering immune response. Fresh air and sunshine, even on a cold day, can also help you maintain all ‘round better health.

Bitten by the bug?
At the first signs of cold or flu, seek remedies that work with your body rather than OTCs that cover symptoms. Used by Native Americans for centuries, Echinacea helps activate the immune system against viral and bacterial attack. Take some as soon as you suspect you are coming down with something. Ground ginger root added to tea can quell viral tummy troubles. For added relief, soak in a ginger bath while sipping the tea. Then head straight to bed for a good night’s sleep. Vitamin C and Zinc can shorten the duration of cold or flu. Colloidal silver, garlic and cayenne pepper are additional natural alternatives.

Fever is the body’s way of dealing with germs. Let a mild fever run its course rather than turning to aspirin or acetaminophen. (Of course, with high fever, seek your doctor’s advice.)

Likewise, cough expels germ-laden mucous so avoid suppressing coughs that don’t interfere with sleep.

Speaking of sleep, your body needs it for daily repair and rejuvenation. When you are sick—or on the verge—don’t turn to coffee or energy drinks to get you through the day. Instead, make sure you get a good night’s sleep—eight hours or more—and nap during the day if you can.

Chicken Soup fights colds and flu!
1 5-6 lb stewing hen or baking chicken
1 large onion
4 large garlic cloves, peeled
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
6 large carrots (1 whole, 5 sliced in rounds)
4 celery stems, sliced into ¼” pieces
1 bunch of parsley, chopped fine
1 cup whole wheat egg noodles
Sea salt and pepper to taste
Clean the chicken, put it in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil. Add whole onion, one whole carrot and garlic. Simmer for an hour and a half. Remove the chicken and vegetables; skim off any fat. Add the remaining sliced and chopped vegetables. Simmer another half hour. Chop two cups of the chicken in small pieces and return to the soup with dry noodles. Cook another 15 minutes.