I live in Edmonton, Alberta, and it's that time of year we transition (quickly!) in to the Winter season. As the temperatures drop we often find an outbreak of cold and flu viruses going around. I recently had a bout of my own with the flu a few weeks ago; the first time I had been sick in nearly 10 years (I swear my immune system has super powers), but as I learned the hard way, the cold weather is not the only thing that brings viruses... and healthy eating alone can not prevent it from infecting you. I had definitely not been getting enough rest and was stressed out with taking too much on in my life. I can not stress enough how much that stress can effect your health, physically as well as mentally. So, if you are starting to feel run down or feel something "coming on" here is a list of things you can do to kick your immune system in to full force;
- Relax. Take 5. Be still and breathe, clear your mind. It doesn't matter when or where, but put aside 5 minutes for yourself.
- Get a good sleep. 8 hours (minimum) of continuous sleep is a must if you want to fight off being ill.
- Eat a healthy balanced diet, including; fresh veggies and fruit, lean protein and fish, nuts and seeds, eggs, and legumes.
- But don't eat sugar, dairy, or processed/refined foods... they produce mucous. Limit or avoid alcohol too.
- Take supplemental vitamin C; 500mg every couple hours. Your body uses vitamin C much more rapidly during illness.
- Take supplemental zinc; 40mg/day.
- Take fish oil (DHA/EPA); 2g/daily
- Take a probiotic supplement in the morning before breaky and again in the evening before bed.
- Drink warm water with ginger, lemon, and honey.
- Drink lot's of (filtered) water.
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