The onset of winter means more colds and flus. Here is my prescription for fending off the dreaded lurgy.
1. Keep the bugs out
2. Support your immune system
3. Catch any invaders early
1. Keep the bugs out
It’s basic - Clean Hands stop the spread of germs. Make sure your hands are clean when touching your face or food. A friend’s daughter did a cool school project using glitter gel to illustrate how easily germs are spread, especially in public places.
2. Support your immune system
This is more complex as the immune system and gut (where 80% of the immune system resides) need a number of key nutrients to function optimally. The big 3 are
Protein, Vitamin C and Vitamin D.
The best way to get these is by eating well. Keep up the fresh leafy green veggies, quality protein***. Eat fresh and make things from scratch. And grab those sunlight moments when you can.
Its also important not to clog up the system with toxins. The main culprits are sugar and chemicals from processed food. If you must buy packages, read your labels. Numbers are not food. If you do not recognise something it probably means it is not a food. Sugar is metabolized by the liver, which is also busy synthesising all the nutrients needed for cell function. Why take the liver away from this important task? Sugar also interferes with the gut lining, feeding the Candida yeast which can produce an overgrowth in gut and compromise the immune system. Less sugar will increases energy levels, boost your immune system and help with weight management.
You may need extra help if there are lots of germs about. Drink plenty of water to flush through the toxins and microbes that inevitably creep in. Some supplements that can help boost your immune system are-
Vitamin C (I use the liposhperic one) *** - One sachet daily for immune support or up to 3 sachets per day if you are under the weather
Echinacea
doTerra On guard Essential Oil *** - A yummy spicy blend that protects against environmental and seasonal threats with essential oils known for their positive effects on the immune system. This can be taken internally and also used as a non-toxic cleaner
doTerra Oregano Essential Oil*** - Taken internally, this has powerful anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic and anti-oxident properties
Vitamin D (winter presents less opportunities to expose our skin and eyes to the winter sun)
Protein *** in the form of vegan protein powder
Multivitamins and superfoods*** “Good Green Stuff”
Probotics *** - A healthy gut contains live bacteria that assist with the digestive process and are necessary for the immune system. Use of antibiotics and unhealthy eating habits can upset the balance.
Adrenal support. Prolonged stress has a major impact on the adrenal glands which impacts the immune system. Making sure we are coping well with stress by maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise and good sleep patterns will help keep the bugs away. Join us for on line WHY-FI YOGA.
3. Catch any invaders early
At the first sign of a sniffle or sore throat I take a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Most bacteria are not able to live in an alkaline environment. I also dose up with extra vitamin C and a few drops of On Guard essential oil. For a comforting flu-fighting drink I mix lemon juice, vitamin C, Echinacea, and a drop on On Guard essential oil with hot water.
Neti pot - This yogic tradition does of great job of cleansing the sinuses. I do mine in the shower. I mix a half teaspoon of baking soda and a half teaspoon of sea salt in luke warm water for the nasal wash.
doTerra Easy Air Essential oil*** - I add a few drops to my diffuser, or just waft the bottle under my nose and inhale to open my airways.
*** Products available at a discount through WHY Retreat
In many cases I purchase these supplements at a wholesale discount and pass on the savings to my clients
Vitamin C - Liposheric C sachets. The brand I use also has added vitamin D.
Doterra Essential Oils-
On guard – available as a pure essential oil, or in a cleaner concentrate, hand cleaners, toothpaste, throat drops, capsules and beadlets, and laundry detergent.
Easy Air
Oregano Oil
For more information, or to purchase any of the oils listed here, please see my Essential Oils Website
or read my blog ESSENTIAL OIL BASICS
Probotics – Immunity Fuel gluten free probiotics with prebiotics and superfood
Protein – Nuzest vegan protein powder in Vanilla, Chocolate, Cappucino, Strawberry or plain.
Good Green Stuff - I use Good Green Stuff to ensure I get all the nutrients I need.
Contact me to purchase or for more information on these products.
UPDATE FOR COVID VIRUS FROM CHINESE RESEARCH
Note this information is not verified but it makes sense to me so I am putting it here for others to take from it what they wish.
Research from autopsy shows the virus works by obstructing respiratory pathways with solid mucus that block airways. To treat the virus you must first open and unblock airways. This can take time.
Safeguards
1. Drink lots of Hot liquids
2. Sip warm water every 20 minutes to keep mouth moist (virus killed by stomach acid so wash it down)
3. Gargle with antiseptic (vinegar, lemon, salt) in warm water daily
4. The virus attaches to hair and clothes. It is killed by soap. When you come in from outside bath or shower, don’t sit down, wash clothes , hang clothes outside in sunlight
5. Wash metallic surfaces – virus stays viable 9 days on these. Avoid touching.
6. Don’t smoke
7. Wash hands every 20 min using foaming soap for 20 seconds
8. Eat fruit and veg. Increase zinc
9. Animals do not spread the virus
10. Avoid ordinary flu and weakening immune system
11. Don’t eat or drink cold things
12. Attack sore throat as above as soon as it is apparent – virus stays 3 to 4 days in throat before lungs.