We've all been there. It starts with a random cluster of sneezes, then you feel a little tired and more exhausted than usual. When you wake up the following morning you find yourself with a nasal drip and irritated throat. We all know what's next, the infamous body aches. But what if we were so tuned in with our bodies that we noticed the prior symptoms for what they were, a warning from our body that our immune system is about to take a downward turn? I'm not saying that you will avoid getting sick altogether, but I will say that the sooner you start your wellness regimen, it will give your immune system the support it needs to fight those nasty bugs that found their way into your system. This allows your body to fight against the bug so it doesn't get worse or at least not as bad as it could get if you wait until everything is in full swing. Here is what I do at the first sign of feeling under the weather.
Vitamins/medication: Please note that I am not a person who takes a lot of medicine, but no judgment here if you do.
-Vitamin D: an immune booster that assists in regulating the immune system by increasing the production of antibodies that fight against infections.
-Vitamin C: Helps decrease the duration of a cold by supporting the immune system
-B Complex: With a power house blend of B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6. This vitamin supports your immune system by increasing energy (not marathon energy, but energy that your body needs for its basic function), and reducing the body's response to stress (the state in which the body is in while fighting off a virus)
-Echinacea: Supports and helps the body fight off infection while boosting the immune system to shorten the duration of the common cold or flu.
-Elderberry: boosts the immune system to help prevent the virus from overtaking your body and may assist with any congestion.
-Ibuprofen (not for people who can't take NSAIDs): Prevents and/or treats fever, body aches, and inflammation associated with cold and flu.
Fluids
Lemon water with a pinch of pink or sea salt: The Vitamin C from the lemon and the electrolytes from the sea salt will keep you hydrated. Electrolytes help cells absorb and use fluids. Both help loosen mucus and relieve congestion. (Drink at room temperature)
Hot tea with lemon, honey, and ginger: Green tea, Hibiscus tea, and Black tea all contain high levels of antioxidants that destroy free radicals to protect cells and tissue. Lemon is a source of Vitamin C that paired with honey can help soothe a sore throat by decreasing inflammation and irritation in the throat. Ginger helps settle an upset stomach and decreases nausea.
Food -Usually the last thing I want to do is eat when I'm not feeling well. I have my go-to foods that still give my body what it needs but won't demand too much prep time to get it done, and I know I can keep it down. Broths are your all-time friend! They are loaded with nutrients from spices, herbs, and vegetables that give you what your body needs to fight off a virus without demanding too much energy to break the food down for digestion.
Chicken noodle soup: (I always remove the noodles from mine...I know, I know. lol),
Chicken and Rice soup
Bone Broths
You can get quality prepackaged soups and bone broths in the deli/hot food section of your local grocery store, and/or Whole Foods.
If you are really on your cold and flu prevention, you can prepare for the winter season by making them from scratch and storing them in your freezer so they are ready when you need them. Simply defrost and heat it.
Keep in mind, that the more activities you partake in, energy will be taken away from the body to fight the illness and used for physical activity instead, so make sure that you give your body as much rest as possible. Take your time, move slower, or lay down. Any energy that you save in your day-to-day can be used by your body to fight off the illness for a quicker recovery. The same goes for what you eat. Your body is looking for nutrients to help fight against illness. The more nutrients you send down, the more help you are giving your body. The less you send down, the less help your body has to fight it off and it could prolong your sickness or make it worse.
Get tuned into the signals your body is sending you so you can take care of its needs and it will take care of you. Love you lots! -Sacred
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