Home Remedies To Help Fight Colds
Welcome to that time of year where we will undoubtedly catch the cold, the flu or even both. Whether it’s a mild cold or flu, it’s never a fun time which is why I thought I would put together for you a list of things I take year-round to better prepare my immune response.
Building your immune system won’t necessarily prevent you from getting sick, but it can lessen the severity and duration - ie, it provides your body a better chance at fighting off bacteria more effectively.
Did you know that approximately 80% of our immune system lay within our bellies? This is why it’s crucial to fill them with foods that can help fight away pathogens. You gut is the key to a healthy immune system. So if you can begin to implement some of the tips and tricks written below day in and day out, it can and will help in the long run.
Let’s get started!
Foods & Supplements
1. Vitamin C – Antioxidant that help protect against free radicals. Now our bodies don’t actually produce this naturally but you can find this in foods like oranges, berries, broccoli, spinach, cabbage and peppers. You can also find this in supplementation form and safely take 90-1000mg a day. This is a water soluble so you’ll pee out whatever your body doesn’t use. This can and should be used year round.
2. Curcumin - Main component found in turmeric which is a anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. This has been long used in the Asian medicines and been shown to neutralize radicals. There are a few kinds you can buy but I would encourage you look at Curcumin w/meriva.
3. Manuka Honey – I don’t even know where to begin with this amazing superfood. It’s antifungal, antiseptic and has antibacterial properties that can benefit your body in more ways than I can think. I take a teaspoon on an empty belly every morning, but you can use this in teas, in foods or if you are feeling congested you can use it as a rinse.
4. Ginger – Anti-inflammatory, supports digestion, helps reduce feelings of nausea. I cook with this, I make warm teas with it and sometimes I buy the ginger drops and chew on them. Super versatile and well researched.
5. Vitamin D – if you live in a city like Vancouver where it rains most of the year, the likelihood that you are vitamin D deficient is high. While this is mostly used for bone health, studies have shown that is can help fight acute respiratory diseases. You can find this in the supplement form and take approx 600-1000iu/day.
6. Sleep – Lack of sleep hinders your immune system, so aim for 7-9 hours a night. If you’re having troubles falling (or staying) asleep, remove blue light 1 hour before bed, try a brain dump and make sure your room is cool (not hot).
*** always consult with you physician before you take any supplementation – these are recommendations only**