Produce Spotlight: Garlic
Is it ‘starve a cold, feed a fever’ or the other way around? Who can remember… If you’re at a loss as to what you should be doing right now to avoid getting sick here’s a quick run down (you know, to prevent getting run down…)
- eat lots of fresh fruit & veggies to provide the body with an array of vitamins & minerals
- lots of water to help flush out any pathogens that may be lurking in your body
- get some exercise (outside if possible!)
- take a probiotic supplement to beef up the good bacteria in the gut
- eat fewer sugary things as sugar temporarily paralyzes the immune system
- reduce alcohol consumption as it also renders the immune system useless
- wash hands frequently to avoid spreading the bug du jour
- get plenty of rest to allow the body to heal itself
While much of this list reads like a new years resolution, it’s because these are things that promote good overall health. Hopefully something that we all strive for!
Prevention is definitely key in maintaining your health this time of year, but once the symptoms have set in what more can you do?
In addition to the above preventative points, there are definitely some things to help you get back on your feet quicker:
- quit dairy as it is mucus promoting.
- boost your vitamin C intake through produce such as citrus, red peppers, kiwis & papaya. Remember, products that are made from these ingredients (orange juice, red pepper soup) will not have as much vitamin C to offer you as many are processed using heat which damages most of this immune booster. Vitamin C supplements are also a good option though beware of chewables that may contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame.
- oil of oregano is great for fighting a cold or flu, strep throat, fatigue, sinus pain & much more.
- time spent in a hot bath, infrared sauna or steam room will help to draw toxins from the body through the sweat glands.
- a fever is the bodys natural defence mechanism to rid the body of a bacterial infection (a cold). If the body is too hot, the bacteria will die. Allow a fever to run its course unless it gets beyond 39C (102F). Artificially increasing the body temperature to get the same effects can be helpful as well.
- for congestion of the lymphatic system, try dry brushing or warming sock hydrotherapy: soak a pair of cotton socks in ice water before putting them on underneath a pair of wool socks at bedtime.
If you’ve been sick enough to warrant a trip to your doctor and they’ve prescribed you antibiotics, be sure to supplement with probiotics as well. Take them a few hours after taking your antibiotics rather than at the same time, and follow up with them for a few weeks after completing your prescription to regain a healthy gut flora balance. Taking probiotics regularly isn’t a bad idea either!
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