With fall comes cooler temperatures – this also means that Cold and Flu season is here. But fear not; there is actually a lot you can do to support your immune system and minimize the risk of catching a cold or flu.
In a world where staying healthy is a top priority, it’s important to know how you can support your immune system by using supplements, natural remedies and a holistic approach to your health and wellness.
Although we are led to believe that we should avoid getting a cold or flu, and avoid bacteria and viruses at any costs, they actually serve a purpose in making your immune system stronger. Think of them as immune system coaches. When a virus come around, your immune system learns how to fight off potential threats better. It’s similar to doing exercise – the more we practice, the stronger we become.
So, you see how the bacteria and viruses help your immune system become more robust and efficient when it comes to keeping you healthy during the sold and flu season.
Reducing stress is another big one. Stress can make your immune system weaker, so it’s essential to find ways to relax. It could be through deep breathing, meditation, or spending time doing things you love. You may not think you are stressed, but that doesn’t mean your body isn’t. Have you ever experienced to get sick the first days of your vacation? Well, that is usually because of stress. In my blog post about Stress management I share easy tips on how to avoid stress.
Having a good foundation of health and wellness is key
My “Seven Steps”
Having a healthy lifestyle is not just about food and exercise. I say that over and over again. It’s about having balance in your body, mind and soul. Using my Seven Steps as the foundation of your lifestyle is a great start.
If you look at your body on a cellular level, and really pay attention to what exactly all these cells actually need to function, you’ll learn it’s a balance of different areas. Eating healthy and exercise only makes out about 30% of a healthy lifestyle!
To really create Optimal Health, you will, besides Food and Exercise, also need
Water, Sleep, Fresh Air, Silence and Gratitude.
All our amazing body wants is to be AT-EASE (in balance). If it is not, you are on your road to DIS-EASE (our of balance/illness).
My Healthy made Simple Lifestyle is among other things, based on My Seven Steps to Optimal Health. These Steps will help you regain balance and better quality of life.
Below is a few of my favorite natural remedies to use when it comes to fighting off a cold or the flu.
The Power of Natural Remedies
There are so many plants that are beneficial for us when it comes to supporting our well-being during the cold and flu season. Unfortunately, in today’s fast paced society it has become mainstream to get pharmaceuticals to fight disease, instead of using natural remedies.
I do believe there is a time and place for pharmaceuticals, but to fight off the flu is not that.
My favorite herbal remedies when it comes to supporting the immune system and fighting off a cold or flu are:
Echinacea
Echinacea is not just a pretty flower; it’s a natural guardian of your well-being. Its compounds work in harmony, ensuring your immune system is prepared to defend your body against potential threats.
The high level of antioxidants like flavonoids, are the guardians of your cells. They act like little shields protecting your cells from any harm.
The purple coneflower contains compounds like alkamides, which stimulate the activity of white blood cells, increasing your ability to fight off infections. It also contains polysaccharides that help modulate the immune system, reducing the risk of infections. Furthermore, Echinacea is rich in flavonoids, which act as antioxidants, protecting our cells from harm.
We always have Echinacea drops on hand both in cold and flu season, as well as when we travel 🙂
Chamomile
Chamomile, known for its calming properties, contains beneficial compounds like apigenin, an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and strengthens the immune system. Chamazulene is another compound in chamomile with anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, chamomile features bisabolol, which supports your digestion.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a well known herb when it comes to fighting off a cold or the flu, with compounds like menthol that is known for its antimicrobial properties that fight off infections. It also contains rosmarinic acid, an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and supports your immune health. The terpenes in peppermint provide a pleasant aroma and have therapeutic properties which can help with headaches and sinus congestion, as well as supporting your digestion.
Probiotics and Vitamins C & D
Probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms found in the body and certain foods. They play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced gut microbiota, which is closely linked to immune function. Probiotics help establish a strong connection between the gut and the immune system, reduce inflammation, enhance immune response, protect against pathogens, and improve nutrient absorption.
Vitamin C
This is a potent antioxidant which supports your immune system by protecting cells from oxidative stress It also help your immune system create immune cells, which reduce inflammation, and helps both the production and function of white blood cells, such as neutrophils and lymphocytes, which are essential for the body’s defense against infections.
Vitamin D & K2
Vitamin D is essential for a strong immune system, especially during cold and flu season when sunlight exposure is lower. It helps activate the immune cells known as T-cells, which are your body’s frontline defense against infections. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with an increased risk of respiratory infections, including the flu. By supplementing with vitamin D or ensuring adequate exposure to sunlight, you can boost your immune system’s ability to fight off viruses.
Further more, when you take Vitamin D, it’s important to also consider vitamin K2. These two vitamins work together to ensure that calcium is properly absorbed and directed to the right areas of the body, like the bones, rather than accumulating in the arteries. Vitamin K2 activates proteins that help guide calcium into your bones, while vitamin D enhances calcium absorption.
