Cold and Flu Busters

It’s that time of year when sniffles, aches, colds and germs are everywhere! But you don’t have to fall victim to illness this season – there are so many different ways that you can naturally prevent the flu from taking hold. I’m Wendy Corr, and in today’s Wellness Tip I’ll give you some ideas to keep you and your family healthy.
Each winter the flu wreaks havoc on our ability to work and play. When we get the symptoms of the flu like fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, runny nose, cough and upset stomach, we groan and wish that there was a magic wand we could wave that would make it all go away.
So instead of wishing that we didn’t catch the bug, let’s explore many of the ways that you can prevent getting the virus altogether.
Believe it or not, chicken soup is one of the top remedies for the flu, but it’s also one of the best ways to keep it from getting a hold of us in the first place. Homemade chicken stock contains a wealth of nutrients, helps strengthen the immune system and is also known for its antiviral properties.
Another way we can keep ourselves free from illness is to replenish our magnesium stores, which can be depleted through stress. Taking an epsom salt bath is one of the best ways to both stay healthy and ease the symptoms of colds or flu if we catch them. Add 1 cup of Epsom salts and 2 drops of lavender essential oil to your bath and soak for 20 minutes.
If you want to get healthy and stay healthy, then reducing your sugar intake is a must. Sugar causes inflammation and weakens the immune system, so keep the desserts at a minimum.
If you weren’t aware, it’s been determined that over 85% of the immune system is located in your gut, so it’s important to keep your insides healthy. Consuming probiotic-rich foods or a good quality probiotic supplement will keep those good bacteria happy, and keep your immune system strong.
And if you use essential oils, a few drops of therapeutic grade frankincense, melaleuca or tea tree oil, and lemon added to a diffuser can keep your breathing clear and boost your cellular health, which in turn will support your immune system.
Thanks for tuning in to Wellness with Wendy! I’m a certified holistic nutritionist, a mom, an entertainer and a radio personality – so finding balance is the key to my life. For more health and wellness news and advice, follow my blog on mybighornbasin.com. See you again next time for Wellness with Wendy!