How Not to Get Sick during the Winter Season
It's officially Fall, YAY! The weather is fluctuating, the sun is out, but the wind is blowing for a cool 55 degrees. For all my southerners reading this, you're thinking ummm that's winter, dear. I know, but bare with us Midwestern folks. Surely, the one thing that is constant is the high varying of temperature throughout the day. Should I wear a coat, a jacket, a light sweater, or a simple thick scarf? Oh, Fall! You are often the most revered in these parts of the world, with the endless marathons, beer fests, festivals in general, and let's not forget the sudden obsession with everything pumpkin. Pumpkin bread, pumpkin latte, pumpkin pie, but God forbid, we ever let our tongue taste the tantalizing taste of actual pumpkin. The irony is hilarious! As some of you are just itching for that free flu shot, here are some holistic ways on how not to get sick this season.
1. Water
Yes, it's really just that simple. Drink plenty of water. Take your body weight, divide it in half and drink that in ounces. Example: You are 160lbs. 160/2 = 80. Drink 80 ounces of water and most have you have perhaps guessed it, that's 8 cups of water! You may not feel thirsty, but you still need to hydrate.
2. Fruits & Veggies
Did she dare say it? The staples of good health, a good diet. Preposterous! Big word humor aside. Can't find fresh fruit? Get them frozen! Veggies should not only include peas, sorry, you're no longer five years old. Instead eat leafy greens, i.e, spinach, kale, swiss chard, mustard greens, and arugula. Nutrients are packed in these leafy guys!
3. Boost your immune system
But, how you ask if you don't live in sunny Florida and you can't go outside and pick fresh oranges. And in case you haven't been to Florida, I really don't know anyone who actually has orange groves in their front or backyard, but that is a good place to start. Otherwise, colloidal silver is a great addition to your daily regiment to boost your immune system among blocking other sicknesses. Didn't know you could consumer silver? Google to the rescue! Also a great immune booster is a tablespoon of elderberry syrup to your daily regiment before the sign of sniffles and sore throat. Both found at a health food store near yo, if you're not a "buy everything on Amazon because I don't feel like leaving the house" kind of person.
4. Drink tea
No, not Lipton. I giggle just thinking of the idea that Lipton is referred to as tea in the first place. Judge not my InterWeb friends as I am a tea snob. Great place to start is ginger root and tumeric tea. Not ready for the public humiliation of asking the store clerk, where's the ginger root and tumeric root, there are tea bags available now. If you are the daredevil amongst your friends, get some fresh ginger and tumeric root, peel and grate/finely chop/mince about 1/2 inch each into a small pot of water. Bring small pot to a boil, simmer for about 10-30minutes, just depending on how much time you have to enjoy the process of tea-making. Remove the ginger and tumeric or be lazy like me and drink very slowly doing your best not to consume the roots. Enjoy hot or warm with a very light touch of black pepper. The black pepper acts as a carrier for the tumeric. This tea combo is also good for stomachaches, inflammation and crappy moods. Well, actually, It makes me feel better. No guarantee that sugar-free, cream-free, slightly spicy blend will do the same for you.
5. Keep it Moist
For many of you, you are already disgusted with my use of the word "moist." I'm getting a personal kick out of this.
Bring on the humidifiers and diffusers as some of my personal favorites in keeping congestion as far away as possible. If you want to spice things up add drops of eucalyptus essential oil and/or mint. These two varieties are great for keeping you open chested with a full breath of air. if you are new to the essential oils game, start out moderate and gradually increase as desired.
Maintain this daily regiment or at least 5x a week and you are sure to stay healthy. Add 5 minutes of meditation and you are sure to be the healthiest adult on the block!
In all cases, first speak with your healthcare provider and there are exceptions for children of a certain age.
