Guest Author - Meredith Ball
‘Tis the season for the flu. It is that time of year when the weather in some parts of the world continues to be cold and in others is confusingly wavering between hot and cold. In either situation, the flu is lurking, waiting to pounce on the next weak link. How can you be sure to strengthen your immune system then to ward off this predatory flu beast?
Most of us run to our doctors asking for the flu shot, and rather than discuss the pros and cons of that here, we shall delve instead into the natural ways to keep our immune system up and running not only during the flu season but also throughout the entire year. A healthier you will be less likely to attract the flu, a cold, or any other type of illness.
Vitamins are an essential component of our health. To specifically fight the flu by keeping your immune system as strong as Wonder Woman herself, look for the most important vitamins in their purest forms.
One prime, top of the line, supreme ways to keep your immune system stellar is by ensuring you are receiving enough Vitamin D3. The best way to achieve D3 absorption is by standing out in the sun for twenty to thirty minutes a day. During the winter, or at certain times of the year in Alaska, this may prove more of a challenge. If that is the case, then dietary choices for vitamin D3 are: eggs, milk, seafood, yogurt, and mushrooms.
Beta carotene is another fabulous immune system warrior and is found in tasty foods such as carrots, apricots, squash, peaches, sweet potatoes, and watermelon. Eating this produce raw will guarantee a higher and better quality jolt of beta carotene. Beta carotene is converted to the all important Vitamin A in your body, acting as an antioxidant.
We all know of Vitamin C, but we often don’t abide by its rules. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an amazing antioxidant for our bodies. Oranges are the most famously known way to ingest Vitamin C, but there are other avenues such as strawberries, kale, papaya, broccoli, lychee, cauliflower and more.
Oregano oil is used by some to keep the flu at bay. It is important to review all of these suggestions with your doctor, but especially the oregano oil. It is to be taken as a few drops in a large glass of water. It can cause some unpleasant side effects if taken in too large a volume at first, such as dizziness and stomach upset. It is not recommended for children or women who are pregnant. Again, please check with your doctor on this and any dietary changes.
So, there you have it. Whether you choose to have the flu shot or not is up to you, but it won’t hurt either way to also include some daily sun, fruit and veggies. Improving your odds of keeping away the flu simply means relaxing in the sun while munching on some carrots and strawberries. Improve your immunity by decreasing your stress and eating healthy.
