Arm Yourself Against the Flu

Cool temperatures herald the beginning of flu season. How will you prepare?

Commercials will encourage you to get a flu shot, but the track record of vaccines is not a good one. Your body’s first line of defense is its immune system, and boosting it is what I believe to be your best defense.

Let’s explore how you can arm yourself …. 

Focus on Your D’s
No, not the grade. The vitamin. Most don’t get enough from sunlight exposure and there are no significant dietary sources, so supplementing Vitamin D3 is important for your immune system. If your 25 hydroxy Vitamin D level is below 50ng/ml, you may need 5,000 IU daily to boost your level for better immunity.

Tale a Daily Probiotic
A strong immune system relies heavily on a well-functioning gut. Probiotics help keep your gut flora in balance. Look for a supplement with 10-20 billion CFUs (colony forming units) and take it daily.

Eat Your Greens
Pile your plate high with colorful salads and dark greens that are loaded with flu-fighting phytonutrients. Start your day with a great boost by adding a quality green powder to a morning smoothie.

Eat Garlic and Share With Your Friends
We’re not concerned about Halloween vampires. Garlic has strong anti-viral properties and is a known immunity booster.

Don’t Shortchange Your Sleep
What’s a prime key to a strong immune system? SLEEP! Getting plenty of sleep allows your body to restore and repair itself. Aim for at least 7 hours a night, and take a 20-minute power nap if you are falling short. If you struggle with sleep, reply to this e-mail and I will send you my top tips for improving your sleep.

Go Ahead … Break a Sweat
Exercise is also important for keeping your immune system healthy and robust, so keep moving (or get moving) this winter! .

Don’t Use Antibacterial Soaps and Gels (surprise!)
The antibacterial craze has brought a backlash from the harsh products that are loaded with toxins that increase our risk of resistant bacteria. These over-dry and crack the skin, making transmission of viruses easier; and they include hormone-inhibiting chemicals that throw your system out of whack! Instead, wash your hands frequently with good ol’ hot water and chemical-free soap, such as castille or goat-milk soap. If you need on-the-spot cleaning, use a natural hand sanitizer by applying a few drops of lavender essential oil.

You can fight flu by building up your body’s natural defense system. I’ve shared a few tips here, and I’m available to help you personally if you find these changes challenging. Wondering where to get essential oils, I can help with that as well … and teach you to use them to support your body naturally. Don’t delay. Contact me now!