What drives me crazy

 

The whole idea of flu season.

There I said it.
I’ll confess that I don’t watch television, or listen to the news, or read the paper….shocking right? However, I still know what’s happening because it happens every year at this time. There’s talk about the approaching flu season….and mostly scary talk, like we need to be afraid.
Very afraid…..

What if we reframe it?
Although there are certain times of year where colds and flus are more likely, like Fall and Winter, a person can get sick anytime of the year. 

Think about it, what happens this time of year? 
School starts, weather gets cooler, windows are shut, heat goes on, we spend less time outside (being active/in the fresh air/enjoying nature) and our days start getting shorter (lack of light/vitamin D).

Then the holidays hit, change of routine, less sleep, more sugar, and for many, an overall increase of stress. Not just for adults but our kids as well who are especially vulnerable. Did I mention more sugar?

It’s the perfect set up for flu season, although  in reality, it’s a perfect storm fuelled by sugar, poor indoor air quality, an increase of stress and a vitamin D deficiency. 

These are all things we have control over:

  • Nourish your body as if your health depends on it, because it does. One teaspoon of sugar can depress your immune system for hours leaving you more vulnerable. Fall and Winter is a great time to increase your intake hearty soups and stews packed with root vegetables.
  • Try “earthing” by walking barefoot outside when you can, spending time in nature, enjoying the sun and fresh air daily.
  • Consider supplementing with vitamin D-ideally get you doctor to check you starting levels and then go from there. Best resource for information is http://vitamindcouncil.org
  • Get adequate rest-bedtimes are important for adults as well as children.
  • Work on increasing gut health by consuming fermented foods daily: apple cider vinegar, coconut kefir, cultured vegetables, and or a good probiotic. Up to 80% of our immune system is in our gut, so this is really important!
  • Wash your hands often and use a non alcohol based hand sanitizer when soap and hot water is not available.
  • Gather your “medicine cabinet” to have on hand if you are exposed or feel you might be coming down with something. Essential oils to support immune system, like Thieves blend, Oregano, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Frankincense, etc. As well as homeopathic remedy Oscillococcinum, echinacea and goldenseal tincture, elderberry syrup, raw honey are all great choices. Find what works best for you as what works for one may not work as well for another.

It’s time that we stopped buying in to the fear and take charge of our health by supporting our bodies naturally!

 

Photo Credit: Terry Murphy

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