Cold & Flu Season

How to prepare!

We all experience it at some point. The cough, runny nose, congestion, sore throat, fatigue, headache, etc… From October to February viruses that cause cold and flu (and the other thing) are at their peak.

With this in mind, there are many ways to optimize the immune system to help prevent illness. Here are some things you can do to help prevent or minimize illness during this season:

An ounce of prevention…

There are many things I’d recommend for prevention of illness during the season. Many are commonly known, but here are some reminders of important ways to stay healthy:

1. Sanitation - Wash your hands with soap & water frequently. Keep common areas in the home clean.

2. Rest - Get plenty of sleep, with least 7 hours nightly, and keep stress levels low.

3. Exercise - Keep moving! Daily exercise helps keep the immune system healthy.

4. Diet - Eating a well balanced diet full of plenty of protein and nutrients is important.

5. Hydration - Staying hydrated can help support your immune system and keep congestion at a minimum.

But there’s more! There are several other important ways to support your immune system in order to maximize your defense against illness. Here are some further recommendations:

1. Nasal and oral sanitation - Gargle antiseptic mouthwash twice daily, such as Scope, Act or Crest with cetylpyridinium chloride. This helps keep your sinuses and mouth clean to keep viruses or bacteria from making you sick.

2. Intermittent fasting - Eating during an 8 hour window and fasting the other 16 hours of each 24 hour period can have significant benefits in boosting the immune system.

3. Vitamins & supplements - Studies have demonstrated significant benefits of supplementation with vitamin c, vitamin d, elderberry, zinc, magnesium, NAC, turmeric, quercetin, b-complex vitamins, and quercetin. These all help to support a strong immune system.

Stay connected.

If you’re finding yourself struggling with keeping well this season, have questions about the recommendations above, or would like to discuss a current illness, I’d love to help. Please feel free to get connected any time!