How to Avoid the Bacteria and Viruses during This Year’s “Flu Season”

We all face bacteria and viruses on a daily basis, especially during the winter months. And with the Ebola fears now, this has become more and more important. It’s one thing to get the sniffles and achy joints. But it’s another thing entirely when it’s something that can, and often does, kill you!

Some of us are blessed with a strong immune system, and some of us get sick every year.

Why?

Those of us, who seldom, if ever, get sick, tend to stay healthy overall. Some ways to do that are:

1. Wash hands regularly.

Remember, after changing a diaper, or visiting a restroom, especially a public restroom! And be sure to wash those hands before, during and after all meal and snack preparations, and handling utensils. This seems simple, but it’s vitally important. Hands spread germs.

2. Eat healthy foods.

Actually, our bodies are replete with bacteria. Our systems wouldn’t work well without them! The “good” bacteria in our digestive system are actually part of a healthy immune system. Some probiotic foods that replenish the good bacteria include fresh sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and organic yogurt. You can also get a probiotic supplement. Just be sure to get a good one.

Not only the probiotic foods, but foods that provide a myriad of vitamins and minerals are VERY important for our immunity. Foods like, fruits, vegetables and legumes—and organic is best. Try for lots of different colors—red fruits and vegetables, as well as some orange, green, and yellow. And ALWAYS carefully wash your veggies and most fruits. I use a wash of 10 parts water to 1 part vinegar. It works well. You can also get various washes in the health food store, as well as most grocery stores.

Eat healthy fats, like Omega 3’s. Enjoy fatty cold-water fish like salmon and cod, and good grass-fed beef and free range poultry and pork.

Other things you can consume to boost your immune health by reducing inflammation and eliminating pathogens include various herbs, spices and flavorings such as turmeric, garlic, onion, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and lemon.

3. Vitamin D3

We can get it free, from the sun—if you live in a southern climate. But if you live more north, and it’s fall or winter, you might need to supplement. Ask your physician. If you do, supplements are easy to find online, in health food stores and even most drug stores. D3 helps supercharge your immune system, and it’s great for bone health too!

4. Yoga, meditation and exercise

I know, it’s seems simple, but it’s more important than you might realize. These things reduce stress and resulting inflammation, which negatively impacts your immunity.

5. Adequate rest

Try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. More for children.

All the aforementioned things can help keep you healthy. And of course, staying away from sick people helps too, but is sometimes hard to do—especially if you are the parent of young children. If you are, make sure your children wash their hands regularly, eat healthy foods, and get plenty of rest and exercise!

Stay healthy!