While it’s possible to get the flu any time of year, the CDC says we’re smack dab in the middle of peak flu season. Don’t worry, I’m not here to chime in on whether or not you should get a flu shot—plenty of people are out there doing that already. Though I do suggest you use your self-health skills to make an educated decision about it. My goal today is to arm you with everyday ways to lessen your chance of becoming a victim of the flu this season. After all, getting the vaccination doesn’t guarantee you won’t get the flu. Right? Right.
No one wants to come down with the flu. But short of living in a bubble—which isn’t realistic nor something I would recommend—we’re going to be exposed to germs. Every day. Unfortunately, the pesky flu germ could be one of them. So let’s take charge of our health, like good ol’ self-healthers, and do everything within our power to remain strong and flu-free.
A robust immune system is key. Here are a few things that will help you keep yours in tip-top shape:
- Exercise regularly. When we move our bodies, we get our cells moving too. This not only helps flush out the unwanted cells, but it also gives a boost to our germ-fighting white blood cells. Extensive workouts can leave your immune system suppressed temporarily, so it’s important to listen to your body. If you’re feeling a bit sluggish, go a little lighter until things subside.
- Get some sun. Speaking of light, be sure to get outside and enjoy the sunshine too. Sure, it may not be overly powerful this time of year, but lifting your face to the sun’s rays can make even the coldest days seem that much better—and also help you keep up those critical vitamin D levels.
- Avoid sugar. We’ve talked about sugar as an anti-nutrient before, and that fact hasn’t changed. Among the many downsides of sugar, consuming it forces our bodies to use stored nutrients just to deal with the foreign substance. That means these nutrients aren’t available to support the other systems of your body—including your immune system.
- Sleep well. While you sleep, your body rejuvenates itself from everything it was exposed to during the day. Along with benefiting your body and all of the systems in it, sleep helps you think more clearly, increasing the chances that you’ll make good decisions the following day. Never underestimate a good night’s sleep.
- Laugh. Laughing is one of my favorites. Hopefully, you already seek it out without any resistance. Your immune system will thank you for finding plenty of opportunities to let your giggles ensue. Laughter can be done anywhere, with anyone, and requires no special equipment.
Since none of these things come with a guarantee that you won’t be zapped with the flu, it’s good to have the following in your medicine cabinet just in case symptoms do start to show up:
- Bone broth. Of course, this mega-potent remedy should be stored in your refrigerator or freezer rather than your medicine cabinet. As Maria Atwood points out in her blog post “Medicinal Bone Broth for Winter’s Woes,” bone broth should be in your arsenal not just to keep the flu away—but it can also kick some butt if you start seeing symptoms too. It’s a wise idea to keep bone broth at the ready to give your immune system an upgrade. For a quick reference on meat stock and bone broth, check out Monica Corrado’s Cooking Techniques for the Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet, Part I: Meat Stock and Bone Broth.
- Echinacea. This is a recent discovery of mine, and I’m so glad I finally gave it a try. I’ve already used echinacea many times to shorten the life of bugs that tried to take hold with great success. This flu season, I’m using it as a maintenance safeguard for staying healthy.
- Immuplex and other SP supplements. Using high quality nutritional supplements can be a real lifesaver in helping you keep your body strong. Talk with your health care provider about how to take advantage of how supplements such as Immuplex can keep your family’s health robust through the flu season.
Getting the flu during flu season doesn’t need to be a given. Do what you can to keep yourself from falling victim. And if you have any favorite self-defense tactics for flu season, please share them.
Paula Widish, author of Trophia: Simple Steps to Everyday Self-Health, is a freelance writer and self-healther. She loves nothing more than sharing tidbits of information she discovers with others. (Actually, she loves her family more than that—and probably bacon too.) Paula has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Public Relations and is a Certified Professional Life Coach through International Coach Academy.
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