Natural Cold and Flu Prevention

With cold and flus running rampant, prevention is the key to staying healthy. A strong immune system is your best defense. Some herbal supplements and including healthy foods into your diet can help boost your immune system and make you feel altogether better. Here are a few tips to preventing colds and flus:

Vitamin C helps the body resist infection and absorb iron, so it’s important to get enough of this vitamin in your diet. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will make this an easy task. Potatoes, citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, leafy greens and peppers are all great sources of Vitamin C. Be sure to up your intake during cold and flu season to be safe.

Onions and garlic are great cold remedies, but they also help prevent it. As an added benefit, onions and garlic help reduce cholesterol. Garlic is especially helpful in cleansing and fighting infections. Add a few mashed cloves to low fat butter or margarine for a delicious spread, or add some to a salad. Onions warm the body and increase circulation. Add a bit of raw onions or garlic to your menu. In salads and soups, they are yummy and healthy.

Echinacea is popular for its anti-infection properties. It bolsters the immune system by increasing the macrophage T cell activity. Take in low doses in tea or tincture form when the season kicks in, or at the first sign of a cold. Avoid very high doses, as it may cause some dizziness or nausea.

Last but not least, staying positive is essential for health. Negativity, stress, and depression have harsh effects on the immune system, lowering the amount of helpful cells. Positive emotions, on the other hand, trigger the brain to release protective substances into the body. If stress is bearing down on you, take a break and relax. Your body will thank you for it.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, this hold especially true with colds and flus. Keep your immune system primed for battle and feel healthier for it. It will keep you feeling that way too.