Stop Colds before they stop you
1) Wash Your Hands Often: Choose soap that has tea tree oil or lavender in it for natural antibacterial properties. Don't forget to reach under your fingernails!
If you are not able to wash your hands, use a natural hand sanitizer. EO brand has a lavender one that serves a dual purpose of sanitization and aromatherapy. The smell of lavender is relaxing which will also help boost your immunity.
2) Get a Humidifier: Indoor heaters will dry out your lips, skin, eyes, sinuses and respiratory tract. Moisture deficient air can increase dust and allergens in the air affecting sleep and breathing. There is a self-cleaning function of the your wind pipe that is affected by dry air; this can increase respiratory infections. Humidifiers make a huge difference in creating a comfortable environment. I recommend these units: Air-O-Swiss or Germguardian Ultrasonic.
3) Stay Warm: The most important thing is to protect your neck from drafts indoors and outdoors. Wearing a scarf, shawl or neck warmer throughout the cold temperatures will go a long way in preventing you from getting sick. Wear warm socks, shoes, gloves and a hat when outdoors. If your house is not heated well, sleep with your feet and neck covered.
4) Hydration: Drink plenty of warm and hot water to flush out toxins from your body. Change your drink choices from cooling summer picks to: ginger tea, herbal teas, soup and hot ciders. At the very first sign of cold symptoms, bundle up and drink a few cups of ginger tea.
5) Eat Cooked Food and Avoid Dairy: With the Summer months gone, so should be the raw diet. Eat well cooked vegetables, stewed fruit and small portions of meat if you are not vegetarian. Avoid dairy products as they increase congestion and mucus production. As always, Choose organic and locally grown foods and remove processed foods and sugars.
6) Rest and Relax: Many people get full blown flus and colds because they don't stop and rest at the first signs of being sick. Make sure to get proper amounts of sleep, rest and relaxation especially if you feel that you are about to get 'sick'. Take time to reduce stressors and do nothing. Taking extra rest for a few days when you feel run down can prevent you from being forced to rest for a longer
duration with a full blown cold or flu.
7) Move Your Body: Fight the urge to stay nested all winter as it will bring stagnation to your body as well as added weight! Exercise will bring fresh blood flow to your body and improve your mood, both of which will ward off infections.
8) Vitamins: Look into proper immune boosting supplements from a professional. A good start is Vitamin C and Zinc-Elderberry lozenges. Know what works for you at the first signs of a cold. Keep these things on hand and use them when you feel a cold coming on.
9) Light: Get sunlight everyday. The sun is behind the clouds even on gloomy days. If this is hard to do in your area or with your lifestyle, invest in full spectrum bulbs and lighting and look into Vitamin D supplementation.
10) Air: Avoid second hand smoke (or first hand smoke), pollutants, chemicals, harsh detergents and other toxins. If you live in a city or can't prevent exposure, invest in a high quality air purifier.
11) Tissues: Seems so simple to be so important, yet carrying tissues with you is key to preventing you from getting a full blown cold. Avoid touching your eyes, face, covering your face with your hands if you sneeze. Rather, use a tissue as a barrier between you anything that could be a possible source of infection.
12) Attitude: Stay positive and surround yourself with people, places and things that make you feel happy and nourished. Happiness and Love do wonders for your immunity and your Life!
