We all feel run down a bit sometimes. If it is flu season it can be a bit harder too. When the days start to get shorter in the autumn/winter season and the weather is getting colder we tend to get outside less, move less and do more indoor activities. This can all lead up to lowering immunity level, and vitamins (especially vitamin D when you spend less time in sunshine), which is a straight way to catching the flu.
Are you the one that wears less clothes in spring, because the sun is already shining? Or in fall, because you don't want to admit, that summer days are over? While the sun is still or already out, the temperature can be really cold, specially in the morning or evenings. So better layering up, and get prepared to cure yourself in the shortest time possible to keep the good vibes high all the time.
Here are some tips how to get results fast:
Load up on vitamin-C
While this is what we hear about the most, we tend to forget about the most. Usually 60 mg of vitamin-C would be enough for us, but there are many factors that can lower our vitamin levels and higher the needs. These are e.g. smoking, drinking, lack of health, not enough nutrient dense foods, being around sick people, etc. We can't overdose on vitamin-C, so you can raise your intake to 1000-2000 mg of it. Our body is a clever machine, so it will get rid of the amount we don't need.
Eat more nutrient dense food
That would be needed all year around, but lets be honest, in summer we go for ice cream, party drinks, while in the colder month more comfort foods, lollies and cakes during holiday times. It is never too late to reset your gut health, because this is where all the magic happens, and it has an effect on everything: your mood, your brain functions, your organs health. Try to eat more veggies with all meals, it is a good method to load half of your plate with greens. It can be raw, like a salad, or cooked as broccoli, it will fill you with good fiber and nutrients. That will help your microbiome to function better.
Drink lemon water
This could belong to both the above points. It contains vitamin-C and helps digestive functions. I know some people suggest to drink it with hot water, I don't recommend to do that. Squeeze your lemon juice into lukewarm water, so you won't immediately kill the vitamins in it. Also it is more relaxing to your gut, and you won't burn your mouth first thing in the morning. Try to drink it on an empty stomach, so the nutrients have the chance to absorb. Also if you are drinking water on full stomach it will dilute your digestive enzymes, and food takes more time to get through.
Warm soups
Warm soups in cold weather are a lifesaver. It's warming you up from the inside out, makes you feel cozy and helps to clean out stuffed nose or calm a sore throat. I recommend to make it at home, so you will know what's in it, and wait until it cools a bit so doesn't burn inflamed parts. You can put some veggies in a pot and cook them with a veggie stock, or make your own veggie stock too from food scraps (it's the best home made veggie stock). Use all the spices and herbs you like, they are great for flavour, for warming and have anti-inflamatory benefits.
Spices and herbs
Talking about foods, spices and herbs make everything taste better, and they can also help to restore your health. There are warming spices which can accelerate your blood flow, like chilli, cinnamon, and clove, please be careful with these if you are sensitive to heat or pregnant. Spices can help with congestion, clean out the lungs and the airways. Other herbs can have a calming or anti-inflammatory effect, like turmeric, lavender or thyme. Echinacea in a tea is especially good for flu or coughing to soothe your system.
Steam
There are several ways you can get steam work for you.
- boil some water in a pot or pan, turn the heat off, than put a towel over your head and inhale the steam. Putting a potato (any kind) in the pot before it starts to boil can help to cough up the nasties easier.
- If you have a bath tub than have a nice warm bath, you can add some essential oils, but be careful to only use 1-2 drops, because some of them can cause severe irritation on the skin. Better to use some eucalyptus scented bath salt to be safe.
- go to a steam sauna when you start to feel like getting sick
- set up a humidifier in you room, dry air can irritate your nose and throat, this will help you breath more easily.
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