Natural Ways to Stay Healthy During Flu Season
Prevention is the number one way to protect yourself during the flu season. And it primarily comes down to keeping your immune system healthy.
But what are some of the more natural ways to prevent getting the flu? Let’s take a more in-depth look so you can stave off that nasty little virus.
Stay Hydrated
While you should always drink enough water each day, it’s even more critical during the colder months. This is because it helps to keep mucous membranes in the eyes and nose moist, which in turn acts to prevent viruses from entering our body.
But let’s face it, it’s tough to down a glass of cold water in winter. So instead, stay hydrated through nutritious hot teas that will keep you warm.
Get Good Sleep
When you don’t get adequate sleep, your immune system can be put under extra stress. So it’s super imperative that you listen to your body and recognize when it’s tired.
If you struggle to fall asleep, try some simple holistic sleep alternatives, such as magnesium or melatonin supplements. And if you find it challenging to get this much-needed shuteye, remember that acupuncture can improve your sleep! A restful, full night’s sleep can do wonders to boost our body’s natural defenses.
Wash Your Hands Frequently
The flu virus spreads through microscopic droplets made by coughs, sneezes, or even talking. You can also catch the flu by touching surfaces contaminated with the flu virus.
So during the flu season, be extra diligent about washing your hands—even several times a day, and especially if you visit public settings. In the meantime, avoid rubbing your eyes and keeping your hands out of your mouth. You never know where you could pick up the nasty flu.
Maintain Proper Nutrition
Eat foods that are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and chock full of vitamins and minerals. In general, stick with locally grown, seasonal foods.
Also eliminate refined white sugar, as it weakens the immune system by decreasing white blood cells that are famous for fighting off invading infections. Try using a sugar substitute instead—such as monk fruit, unfiltered honey, or maple syrup.
And I don’t think we need to remind you, but also take it easy on the cocktails and glasses of wine. This will only dehydrate you, and we’ve already covered the importance of that. Coffee should also be avoided, as it’s a diuretic and will overwork your liver. If you still need a boost of energy each morning, try a coffee substitute such as matcha green tea or yerba mate.
Take Supplements
Take supplements such as astragalus, elderberry extract, and probiotics for extra immune-boosting support.
Eastern medicine and functional nutrition can boost your immune system and improve your energy and overall wellness. Speak to Naturna to help you discover the proper supplements for your body’s unique needs.
References
Finan, P. at Johns Hopkins Medicine. The Effects of Sleep Deprivation. Retrieved 7 May 2019, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-effects-of-sleep-deprivation.
Su G, Chen X, Liu Z, et al. Oral Astragalus (Huang qi) for preventing frequent episodes of acute respiratory tract infection in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;12(12):CD011958. Published 2016 Dec 1. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011958.pub2
Zakay-Rones, Z., et al. “Randomized Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Oral Elderberry Extract in the Treatment of Influenza A and B Virus Infections.” Journal of International Medical Research, Apr. 2004, pp. 132–140, doi:10.1177/147323000403200205.
