Staying strong this flu season
We can all agree that this flu season is going to be tough. The COVID-19 pandemic has tested our national responses and will likely challenge our individual bodily responses too.
As with any virus, prevention and awareness are key, therefore knowing and implementing the latest advice and precautionary measures are critical. Equally so, we need to be as equally reasonable and calm as we are informed.
From a naturopathic perspective, we can take steps to further boost and strengthen our immune system.
If you are feeling run down, take a day (or more) off for rest and healing. If you are feeling sick, stay home! Even if you are not experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19, best to stay home and allow your immune system to do its job. You are also not spreading other viruses or infections.
Eat clean simple whole foods - avoid processed foods, refined sugar and alcohol. Give your body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Salads, soups and smoothies are great ways to get an extra nutrient boost.
Eat the foods that support your immune system, such as those high in:
Zinc: oysters, beef, lamb, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, cashews, mushrooms, and spinach.
Vitamin C: guavas, capsicum, leafy greens, kiwi fruit, broccoli, oranges and strawberries.
Vitamin D: fish, oysters, caviar, tofu, eggs and mushrooms
Daily exercise, a minimum of 30 minutes daily. Even better, exercise outside in the sun getting extra Vitamin D to support a healthy immune system.
Get a good night sleep - every night! Your body restores and repairs overnight so best to get your 8 hours each night.
Reduce your stress levels as the stress hormones adversely impact your immune system. Exercise and meditation are good places to start.
This flu season will be challenging there is no doubt about it. The forecasts indicate that most of us will get a flu of some sort this year, regardless. Putting in preventative and immune boosting measures now mean that you are likely to be in the minority this season. Stay healthy!