Cold and flu season typically arrives in October and peaks between December and February here in the United States
The flu season’s impact on overall health can include infections, hospitalizations, even deaths, and the CDC advises that this impact varies from season to season.
Preventing Colds and Flu
Prevention is the best course of action to avoid all the unpleasant symptoms of a cold or the flu virus.
Here are a few strategies to help you prevent the cold and flu during the season:
- Proper hygiene: like handwashing
- Getting daily sunshine on your skin for vitamin D synthesis
- Avoiding those who are infected with the flu virus
- Incorporating movement into each day and throughout the day
- Getting adequate sleep
- Boosting immune health with proper nutrition
- Increase your water intake – the body’s immune system works better when hydrated
Filling our plates with colorful vegetables and fruits, as well as quality proteins, healthy fats, and other whole foods will provide many nutrients and phytochemicals that support the immune system to help it function properly to help us avoid illness.
Try a little Garlic for cold and flu season
Garlic has been used for centuries as a food ingredient and medicine and can be protective against the common cold and flu. This wonderful herb is low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamins C, B6, and manganese. Garlic is also a nutritious addition to dressings, dips, sauces, and meals.
Garlic contains compounds, like alliin, that when crushed or chewed turn into allicin that quickly converts into other sulfur-containing compounds, which boost white blood cells to produce a disease-fighting response when they come into contact with the common cold or flu viruses.
Many viruses, like the Cytomegalovirus (HCMV), influenza B virus, Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, and the human Rhinovirus type 2 are among those that are sensitive to garlic extracts.
Add a little local honey for cold and flu season
Honey has also been used by many ancient cultures as both foods and to treat a variety of ailments such as healing wounds, treating sore throats and coughs, and intestinal disorders.
Honey contains amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. It’s naturally high in antioxidants. It protects against damage caused by bacteria. It has the ability to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Raw honey local to your area is the best. But if you can’t find it local, be sure that what you buy is raw. If not, it could contain added corn syrup or other sweeteners.
So, how would you use the two together? A very simple and effective way would be to make a jar of fermented Honey Garlic. Below you can find a link to a quick and easy recipe. Make up a batch so that you to can have it on hand for when you are feeling the onset of a cold or flu. Or just want to boost your immune system. It’s great on its own or added to a meal.
Inspirational links:
Find more all-natural recipes for supporting a strong immune system
At Wilco Wellness, we believe that health is a state of physical, mental, and social well-being.
It infuses positive energy into the body, mind, and spirit.
The best journey is living to support a complete state of harmony.
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