Colds & Flus - Natural Remedies

Its that time of the year again. Many find some day they wake in the morning and their eyes are watering, their throat it sore, their head is achy, so on. How do we prevent this from happening? And what do we do if the symptoms over come us? While there is no cure for the flu (influenza) natural remedies can help relieve the symptoms and shorten the time.

First, stay hydrated. Americans, especially in the winter, tend to allow themselves to become dehydrated. The feeling of thirst escapes us when the air is dry and cool. We need to consume plenty of water, half our body weight in ounces is the minimum amount we should focus on. Water can be consumed as plain water, coconut water, herbal tea, or liquid soups and broths.

Next, we must get plenty of rest. Going to bed every night before/by 9:00 pm does the body the most good. The majority of healing occurs before midnight, so every hour of sleep counts of two in the restoration of the body.

Also include a daily dose of fresh air and sunshine. When the temperatures dip, it is so easy to be tempted to shut yourself away indoors, however we need to go outside! Mid-morning, lunch time, or early afternoon, step outside, walk away from the hubbub, and do some simple deep breathing. Take 10 deep breaths, filling the lungs full then slowly exhale to release the stale indoor air. The bonus to this is standing in the sun if at all possible! The sun, even though it is not at maximum position, all its exposure is cumulative for the regeneration of vitamin D in the body, which helps to build the immune system and find viruses. In addition, taking short 10 minute walks three to four times a day. This provides an opportunity to deep breath, take in the sunshine and exercise to strengthen the immune system.

Lastly, it is important to eat sparingly when you are not feeling well, of the most nutritious foods; fruits and vegetables. They use to say “feed a cold and starve a fever” but what should we really be told is to drink your nutrients in the form of juicing if possible. Less processing of fiber and more nutrients quickly available. Being temperate and eating sparingly allows the body to focus on healing without starving it of the vitamins and minerals necessary for healing. Ultimately, the body is a marvelously created organism, made to heal by a wonderful Creator. If we trust in Him and use nature to support our bodies, and not abusing them, we will recover just as quickly if not sooner than if you rely on conventional methods.