Welcome to our essential guide on “How to Prevent Colds and Flu Even When Germs are Rampant.” As the seasons change it's crucial to arm ourselves with the best practices to stay healthy.
In this blog post, we're diving into 15 surprising and effective tips that will help you navigate through virus-packed environments, ensuring your well-being. Whether you're at home, at work, or out and about, these strategies will bolster your defense against the common cold and flu, keeping you healthy and active all year round. Let's explore these tips and make health our top priority!
Diet and lifestyle, supplements, herbs, and homeopathic remedies can all help to build your immunity so you can avoid catching a virus. And if you do, they can help relieve and shorten the extent and severity of the sickness.
How to Prevent Colds and Flu Naturally – 15 Ways
Many people do not fully grasp how much their daily diet affects the health of their immunity. If you regularly take in processed foods, sugar, soda, and alcohol, you will be much more likely to catch viruses and have a weak immune system.
In fact, just one teaspoon of sugar can significantly weaken your immune system for 5 hours. (There are approximately 10 tablespoons of sugar in a can of soda). This is the reason so many people have difficulty fighting viruses.
Certain fruits and vegetables are a must in your diet. Here are the immune-boosting foods you really need to incorporate into your diet, starting today.
1. Eat Immune-Boosting Foods to Prevent Colds and Flu
Hemp Seeds
Everyone should eat hemp seeds. Yes, they are a go-to source of protein for people who only eat plant-based foods but they are superior in other areas. It is hard to find something else that is high in Omega 3’s and that all-important vitamin E.
But let’s not stop there. How about eating hemp seeds because they contain loads of magnesium which our bodies may be depleted of. Or consider the fact that one serving of hemp seeds has more iron than one similar serving of beef. This is powerhouse food.
Dark Green Vegetables
Dark green vegetables should be a part of your daily intake. Think of spinach, kale, and broccoli when you are meal planning.
They are packed with many different vitamins, iron, and potassium. Another thing to consider is the alkaline content because research has shown that people who have more alkaline than acidic in their blood…are less likely to develop cancerous cells.
Celery
Celery has become very well-known lately as a superfood, rather than something you just add for the flavor to your salads and soups.
Celery juicing is used for weight loss, reducing blood pressure, and also alkalize your body. You get the same benefits from sticks of celery but when you chomp on celery sticks, you are also getting the benefit of fiber and water in your diet. Foods like celery, cucumber, and watermelon have very high water content.
Avocado
Avocado is a warrior when it comes to being a superfood. It is packed with vitamins and potassium for starters. It is also a great food to add to your diet, if you have inflammation or stress issues. Many people use avocado as a way to reduce their cravings for sugar and eliminating processed sugar from your diet is extremely important.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a very popular grain in South America. The Aztec warriors consumed this grain to give them the strength and endurance they needed. Quinoa is not only a super grain, it is gluten-free and full of protein. Unlike most plant-based foods, quinoa is also high in essential amino acids that your body requires.
Blueberries
Dark berries are the best for you and blueberries should be high on your list. They are extremely high in antioxidants that you need for heart health and also bioflavinoids. Blueberries also do not contain cholesterol which is another health benefit for you.
Did you know that freezing berries breaks the cell wall to release more beneficial bioflavonoids? Yes, freezing berries improves the availability of antioxidants!
Inflammation is unseen but it can be in your body and many people have high levels of it. Blueberries are well known for their ability as a natural source to reduce your inflammation.
Raw Garlic
Raw garlic gets a bad rap, due to the breath it can produce. But don’t leave this superfood out. It is perfect for digest issues, lowering cholesterol, and fighting off colds. It is also known to be high in antioxidants and may lower the risk for certain ailments of the brain such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Learn the 10 health benefits of raw garlic here.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato fries have become very popular as they are seen as much healthier than fries made from any regular type of potato-like russet. They have many vitamins and minerals which are important to your health. A big bonus is they may help reduce your risk of certain cancers and your overall digestive health.
Seaweed
There are many reasons why the Japanese have eaten seaweed for centuries. Living on an island, fish and other foods from the ocean are plentiful. However, seaweed is one potent health food. Your body needs iodine and tyrosine to keep your thyroid healthy.
The thyroid is like a little computer that controls many different functions of your body. It is packed with other nutrients needed for a healthy body. Seaweed can be eaten in different forms and anyone who consumes sushi knows that seaweed is a big part of it. Seaweed like dulce is dried and bagged…to be eaten as a healthy snack instead of chips.
Kiwi
Kiwi is an awesome fruit that is so easy to eat. You do not have to peel it like an orange. In fact, you should snip off the ends, scrub it to remove the outer fibers, and just consume it. The skin has a very high fiber content. Kiwi is packed with
2. Avoid Processed Foods
Avoid all white flour in baked goods, cereals, cakes, cookies, candy, and sweets.
3. The Importance of Staying Stay Hydrated to Prevent Colds and Flu
Drinking fluids is important to fight off infections. Your body needs fluids and electrolytes to function well. This is especially true if you have symptoms of coughing, fever, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Besides water, there are many highly beneficial teas that you can add to your daily routine to improve immunity and reduce cold and flu symptoms.
Ginger
Ginger is undoubtedly one of the best herbs when it comes to health. The extracts of this herb have been in use for over 2000 years and are known to be effective in dealing with symptoms associated with colds. The natural pungency of this herb is thought to fight bacteria and other pathogens, and to strengthen immunity, thereby preventing colds and flu.
Ginger Tea
Chop finely a piece of raw ginger, then add to a pot of boiling water. Strain the tea and remove the bits of ginger. You can add lemon and honey if you like. Gingerol, a volatile oil found in ginger has remarkable benefits and healing properties. If you like the pungent taste of ginger, go ahead and chew on a piece of raw ginger to release the gingerol. Simultaneously, It can help with nausea and increase appetite.
Licorice Tea
Licorice is known to contain a compound known as glycyrrhizin, a potent antiviral agent that can protect against a wide range of viral infections including SARS and HIV. Several studies have demonstrated the efficiency of this herb in fighting one of the most deadly forms of virus- avian flu virus.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Add 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a glass of water.
Take 3 times a day as a cold-killing home remedy.
4. Taking High-Quality Vitamins: A Key Strategy in How to Prevent Colds and Flu
Take a good quality, plant-based (not synthetic) multi-vitamin/supplement daily. This will not only give you the necessary vitamins and minerals, but it will also provide you:
- Trace minerals
- Amino acids
- Essential fatty acids
- Bioflavonoids
- Enzymes and more
Vitamin C – Take 2000-4000 mg of Vitamin C daily to help you fight infections.
Vitamin D offers dramatic protection against common winter illnesses and protects against bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.
Vitamin E can help fight influenza infection by reducing the oxidative damage associated with a virus.
5. Garlic's Role in How to Prevent Colds and Flu
6. Bee Propolis: A Natural Ally to Prevent Colds and Flu
Bee propolis is a sticky resin substance that holds together the cells of the beehive. It is collected by bees to protect the hive from infection. Without it, the hive is susceptible to viruses and bacteria. Known as Russian penicillin, it has antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties.
7. Take Antioxidants Daily to Prevent Colds and Flu
I recommend taking Antioxidants every day! They can not only help you reduce the signs of getting older, along with aches and pains, but they can also improve your immune response and help you maintain optimal health.
8. The Benefits of Echinacea
Echinacea, also known as Purple Coneflower can help you avoid or reduce the severity and duration of viral illnesses. At the first sign of a cold take 30 to 40 drops 5 times per day. This can help you avoid or reduce the duration and severity of a virus.
9. The Power of Olive Leaf Extract in Fighting Off Colds and Flu
Olive leaf extract can be more effective than penicillin in fighting upper respiratory infections, sinus, strep and throat infections. If you have an autoimmune disease, consider using Astragalus rather than Echinacea to strengthen immunity. It is a safe, long-term immune system tonic.
10. Oil of Oregano: A Potent Remedy
Oil of Oregano is a potent catalyst against bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections. I recommend keeping a high-quality, full-strength brand on hand because it's an excellent tonic and immune stimulant.
Take one or two caps a day, or place 1-2 drops of the oil under your tongue for fast access to the blood and lymphatic system. You can also put 4-5 drops in your juice several times per day. This can be one of your best defenses against viruses.
11. Colloidal Silver: A Unique Element for Prevention of Colds and Flu
The body has an innate ability to restore and rejuvenate itself back to health. Taken daily, Colloidal Silver acts as an immune system supporter by helping the body fight invaders, so it works great to avoid or reduce symptoms of colds and flu.
There are no known side effects from properly prepared Colloidal Silver and there has never been a recorded allergic reaction.
The presence of Colloidal Silver near an invader disables its oxygen-metabolism enzyme, it's chemical lung, so to say. Within a few minutes, the invader suffocates and dies, and is cleared out of our bodies by the immune, lymphatic, and elimination systems.
Unlike pharmaceutical antibiotics, which destroy beneficial enzymes, Colloidal Silver leaves these tissue-cell enzymes intact. Thus, Colloidal Silver is absolutely safe for humans, reptiles, plants, and all multi-celled living matter.
12. Elderberry's Effectiveness in Preventing Cold and Flu
Elderberry is often used as a natural immune booster and remedy for colds, coughs, flu, and sinus infections. Elderberries contain botanical extracts that encourage perspiration and promote detoxification of tissues, thereby clearing off bacteria and pathogens that cause flu.
Elderberry extracts are particularly known for their effectiveness in blocking the influenza virus, thereby preventing seasonal colds and coughs.
Studies show that elderberry extract has antiviral properties against 10 different strains of flu viruses. In one study, elderberry extract reduced the duration of flu symptoms by 1-2 days.
13. Improve Your Digestion is Key to Fighting Off Colds and Flu
If your digestion is not healthy, you cannot make good body tissue for healthy immune function. Your gut has trillions of organisms that contribute to your immune function, known as your microbiome.
In Ayurveda, good digestion plays a very important roll in your ability to fight colds and flu. You can learn more about how to improve your digestive system here.
13. Give Yourself a Daily Massage to Enhance Immunity
Massaging yourself with oils can improve your immunity by calming the nervous system so you can handle stress better. Additionally, self-massage can boost immunity by stimulating the lymph nodes to remove toxins from the body. Learn how to give yourself a massage here.
14. Use a Neti Pot to Reduce the Risk of Colds and Flu
A neti pot flushes your sinuses to remove bacteria from the nose and sinuses with a saline solution. This is an ancient Ayurvedic practice to not only help you breathe better, but to balance your vital life force. You can the health benefits of using a Neti pot as well as how to use a Neti Pot here.
15. Get Sleep and Rest are Essential Components
Other Natural Remedies that can help improving immunity:
- Dandelion Root
- Goldenseal
- Aloe Vera
- Zinc
- Glutathione
- L-taurine
- Astragalus
- Cordyceps Mushrooms
You can't always avoid getting sick. In fact, it's mother nature's way of building your immune system. But now you know how to prevent colds and flu naturally, and you can put these safe, effective steps in place so you and your family can minimize your chances.
Don't forget to follow us on Pinterest. Thank you for your time and reading.
The information presented here is in no way meant to serve as medical advice. If you are experiencing symptoms of any kind, please consult with your physician.
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