10 ways I stay well during cold and flu season.

You can't avoid germs, and it seems even more challenging during cold and flu season.  
Because I have lupus and other chronic illness,es it is very critical that I stay as well as possible.  There is no small cold when you have a chronic illness.  Even a slight cold can cause a huge flare that could last for days.

I have been blessed in that I have not had a cold or the flu in at about 8 or 9 years, and I don't get the flu shot.   This is how I have managed to avoid the cold or flu.

1.  My first line of defense is  using an immune-boosting tonic such as this elderberry syrup.  I know.  I know.  I have lupus.  What am I doing boosting my immune system?  I have not had any issues, and have worked with a Master Herbalist to start healing my gut (more in the next segment), which is where about 75% of the immune system resides.  I even became a certified herbalist a couple of years after I was diagnosed with lupus, and have since been using aromatherapy and herbal remedies to heal my body.

2.  I started to heal my gut by filling up on probiotics.  I also read this book by Dr. Josh Axe, which  is instrumental in helping me to start healing my gut.  It has a wealth of information about the kinds of food that we should be eating to promote gut health.  I also take a lot of other supplements, such as turmeric, ginger, licoroce root, ashwagandha, astragalus and reishi mushroom, to name a few.  These all help to reduce my stress levels.

I also eat probiotic-rich food such as sauerkraut,  kefir, kombucha and miso.  I also love to drink bone broth and make it year round, but especially in the winter time.

3.  I drink a lot of bone broth. You can choose liquid or powder such as this one.

You should be drinking bone broth everyday.  Here's why.

"Bone broth contains lots of nutrients, helps to strengthen the immune system and is also known for its antiviral properties. My son loves to drink a cup of it in he morning, or anytime throughout the day.  It is a great snack, as well as simple lunch beverage."

4. I use raw honey.
Raw honey has amazing nutritional qualities. It is full of antioxidants and also contains powerful antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Honey is so powerful in keeping us healthy because of an enzyme within honey that is believed to produce hydrogen peroxide. In the body, this enzyme fights against pathogens and infections, and prevents the growth of bacteria as it enters the body. I also keep honey sticks around for my youngest son.  He loves to just snack on one periodically.

Adding honey to some of your favorite dishes can help to prevent colds, sore throats, and allergies. Because the heat may affect the enzyme, do not add it to any liquid or dish that is too hot. 

5.  I eat a lot of greens. 

I love seaweed and spirulina specifically. They help increase the production of antibodies so that my body can better protect itself against invading microorganisms. Spirulina specifically stimulates the T and B cells, which are the natural immune cells. It also helps organs function despite toxins and germs that enter.  I also use moringa, fresh as well as in powder form, as well as kale and spinach.

Moringa: Tree of Life or Scam

6. I use essential oils to stay healthy during cold and flu season and all year long. Use an Immune Support Oil Blend such as this one.
This gift set  actually has an immune aid, germ buster as well as a depression buster essential oil blend.

7.  I do Abhyanga, a self-massage using this massage oil.

8. I take Epsom salt bath soaks.  I also add a few drops of the immune supporting essential oils to the tub, and soak for at least 20 minutes. When we are stressed, the first mineral our body burns through is magnesium, and a deficiency in magnesium can cause all sorts of health issues.

8.  I eat Healthy Saturated Fats Daily, such as coconut oil, ghee and real organic butter.  Unprocessed, saturated fats are essential for energy, hormone production, a healthy immune system, and many other important functions. 

9.  I stay hydrated by drinking filtered water. Remember! The center of the immune system lies in the gut, so you need to keep it as healthy as possible to keep your immune system strong. Chlorine is a disinfectant that kills bacteria and is added to most drinking water. It can damage the good bacteria in your gut, making you more susceptible to inflammation, allergies, autoimmune disease, etc. Click here to read about my favorite at-home water filter, and to find out what is in your water. I use filtered to make my favorite Vitamin C packed Hibiscus tea.

10. I drink a lot of my Winter Wellness Herbal Blend.  The recipe can be found in the link, as well as my reasons for using it.