The news media and the CDC are at it again. They are saying that this year is a bad one for the flu. Hurry hurry, go and get your flu shot!
There are many ways to build immunity to colds and flu
I’m not here to convince you one way or the other on flu shots, the choice is yours to make. Shot or no shot, there is plenty you can do to help avoid the flu. More than washing your hands and sneezing into your elbow as the CDC keeps telling us to do.
Here are a few things that can be done for little or no cost.
SLEEP I consider sleep to be a nutrient that we need every day. Scientists have shown that sleep is when we grow and when we heal. Parents know this first hand with their kids. When you’re sick, you sleep! Well, why not make sure you get adequate sleep BEFORE you get sick? This is one reason I have a zero sleepover policy, I want my kids home to sleep in their own beds at a reasonable time. Regular sleep hours are shown to be helpful in boosting immunity, and also in better brain function: retaining what you learn. Make regular, restful sleep a priority in your home and you’ll have happier healthier kids to show for it.
This book is an eyeopening exploration of how light impacts our health.
DARKNESS We are supposed to be in the dark in the winter. The more you can align with the rhythms of Mother Nature, they better off you’ll be health wise. Stay away from your computer and TV screens at night, turn down the lights, and get serious about getting to bed a little earlier. Start with 10 minutes earlier, build up to 30. It will make a huge difference in your energy level, your outlook on life and your resistance to illness.
SUGAR We all love sugar, and the holidays are full of it. Now that the holidays are behind us, its time to face the not so popular truth: refined sugar can deplete your immunity and can drain the body of much needed nutrients. I could show you all sorts of articles and studies to prove this point. The bottom line is, we all need to look at decreasing our consumption of refined sugar. Replace juices and other sugary drinks with water, preferably filtered, from the tap and you’ll be saving loads of money and helping the planet. Take a good long look at how much refined sugar you and your kids eat over the course of a day or a week. Get conscious and cut back on the white stuff!
GOOD BUGS One thing that many non science peeps might not realize is that our bodies consist of all sorts of microorganisms living together in harmony. Bacterial cells outnumber human cells by a factor of 10 to 1. One group of bacteria that I’m particularly fond of is the Lactobacillis family of bacteria that lives in your gut. You can add to this happy family of bugs that helps your digestive and immune systems to work optimally by enjoying foods that naturally contain these beneficial bacteria. Miso soup, Kim Chee, Sauerkraut, Kefir and Yogurt come to mind. You can also take probiotic supplements. This is one thing I get my family going on when there is a flu bug going around. I think of it as a tonic, a small action taken once a day that will make a big difference over time.
DE-STRESS You absolutely must find ways to decrease your stress level. This is a big ask in these trying times but it is essential. Meditation, taking a regular walk, doing daily yoga, remembering to plant your feet on the ground and breathe. Reducing stress levels will help build up your resistance to illness and can also help you let go of unwanted weight.
Laughter is food for the spirit.
LAUGH I heard a physician speak about this just last week when I was at a comedy show, of all places. Laughter lowers blood pressure, improves blood flow to the heart and other organs, and has shown to help improve resistance to disease. I set time aside every day for chuckles watching The Daily Show and Colbert Report
GET OUTSIDE We weren’t meant to be indoor creatures. Acclimate to the colder weather by making an extra effort to get outside a little every day. Talk a walk, go sit in the park, enjoy a little fresh air. Open the windows a little. This will help your body make gradual adjustments rather than be stressed by a sudden change. Wear a scarf and protect your neck and upper back against the wind.
Here’s an interesting 30 day program I’ve signed up for that involves sitting outside in stillness. While the instructor is not suggesting that this could help to prevent the flu, that’s just my theory. Stay tuned, I’ll give you a full report!
