- Avoid sugars & artificial sweeteners in foods and drinks.
These ingredients cause inflammation which decreases the effectiveness of the immune system. - Eat a variety of fresh vegetables (cooked & raw) and fruits daily.
Nutrients such as antioxidants enhance the immune response. - Drink lots of water.
Aim for approximately 1/2 ounce per pound of your ideal body weight per day. The body is 80% water, so drinking it helps flush toxins out. To estimate your ideal weight, visit calculator.net. - Be physically active.
Commit to exercising at least 30 minutes most days of the week. People ask me what is the best form of exercise. Simple… it’s the one you will do! What did you like to do as a kid? Better yet, hang out with some kids! - Practice great hand washing, especially after being in public places and after shaking hands.
Soap & water are still the best. If you use hand sanitizers, look for ones without triclosan (it is cancer causing). I use one I make with essential oils. - Get 7-9 hours of great sleep per night.
If you feel yourself trying to get sick, take a time out. Listen to your body, and rest for 24-48 hours. - An essential oil blend from Doterra called Onguard is useful for prevention and treatment.
Place one drop on the bottom of each foot twice per day during cold/flu season. It may be used on children also, but dilute it with some coconut oil. Other essential oil brands may call their blend thieves oil. Find details at www.mydoterra.com/susanjulian . - At the very first sign of a viral illness, it is helpful to take an herbal blend I like called Viricid by Orthomolecular.
In addition to other ingredients, it contains elderberry, which is known for killing viruses. I will carry this product at Julian Healthcare. It is something that you will want to have in your medicine cabinet, as it is most effective taken promptly at the first signs. - Get adequate vitamin D intake.
Since this is somewhat sunshine dependent, as Hoosiers we must take a supplement. Have your vitamin D level checked to see if what you are taking is adequate. Children need 800-1000 iu and adults at least 2000 iu per day and sometimes more, depending on your levels. Low vitamin D levels cause low immune function, among other things.
Be Well!
Susan