It’s that time of the year when the seasons are changing, and for many of us (in the northern hemisphere), the days are getting shorter and the temperature is dropping. So it’s especially important during these times to nourish our bodies, in order to make the seasonal transition easier and keep ourselves from getting sick.
The healthier you are and stronger your mind-body connection, the easier it is to detect an oncoming cold in its earliest stage - which is key. Its best to take action at the first sign of sickness by drinking tons fluids, getting plenty of rest and incorporating some additional natural remedies.
So in lieu of the season, I want to share my top 11 tricks to beat an oncoming cold. These are natural remedies that are focused on giving your body the extra nourishment it needs. These tips are easy, more affordable than medicine and also better for your body (no negative side effects!).
1. KEEP YOUR GUT HEALTHY WITH PROBIOTICS.
Start your day with a high quality probiotic supplement, and also make sure to eat foods rich in probiotics such as raw sauerkraut and kefir.
2. TAKE AN ECHINACEA SUPPLEMENT.
This is my favorite supplement that I find always helps combat any oncoming cold. Take it twice a day until you feel better.
3. TAKE NATURAL ANTI-MICROBIALS.
Eating foods with anti-microbial and antibacterial properties, such as ginger, garlic and onion; will help kill the germs, bring down inflammation, clear congestion and support the immune system. Also, I suggest taking Oil of Oregano or Olive Leaf extracts, which are both natural (& powerful) herbal anti-bacterial supplements.
4. EAT LOTS OF VITAMIN-C RICH FOODS TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM.
Fruits and veggies high in Vitamin C include lemons/limes, kiwis, papaya, guavas, oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and all dark leafy greens (like spinach and kale). In addition, start taking a Vitamin C supplement at the first sign of a cold, such as Emergen-C packets.
5. INCREASE YOUR VITAMIN D by getting plenty of sunlight and eating wild fish.
Having adequate levels of vitamin D is key for maintaining a healthy immune system. Apart from natural sunlight (best way to get Vitamin D!), I suggest taking a Vitamin D supplement. One of my favorite supplements (rich in both Vitamin D and Omega 3’s) is fermented cod liver oil for its numerous health benefits.
6. SEASON YOUR MEALS WITH ANTI-INFLAMMATORY & VITAMIN-A-RICH HERBS, such as cayenne pepper and turmeric.
Add a sprinkle of cayenne and turmeric to all your meals, and even add them to your warm lemon water in the morning.
7. LIMIT YOUR SUGAR INTAKE.
Cut out all processed sugar. Sugar weakens your immune system, so avoid eating candies, chocolates, cereals, baked goods, ice cream, etc. And skip the sugar in your coffee/tea. If you need something sweet, use raw honey for its added anti-microbial properties.
8. USE ESSENTIAL OILS such as Eucalyptus Oil and Lemon Oil.
Eucalyptus oil is especially great to clear your nasal passages, so great for a stuffy nose. Just add a few drops to a bowl of hot water and inhale, or take a warm bath and add a few drops to the water. I use and love DoTerra oils.
9. GET PLENTY OF GOOD-QUALITY SLEEP.
I cant emphasize this enough. Getting enough rest and uninterrupted sleep are key to support your body, giving it the energy it needs to fight off the oncoming cold. Also, you’ll find the duration of your cold will be significantly reduced if you're getting plenty of rest.
10. DRINK LOTS OF LIQUIDS THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
Drink plenty of filtered, room temperature water in between meals, as well as hot herbal teas. My favorite tea when I’m getting a cold is a Ginger, Turmeric, Lemon & Honey tea. I boil water with a few slices of fresh ginger and turmeric, steep for 5 mins, then strain, and add fresh lemon and raw honey.
11. START YOUR DAY WITH A SHOT OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR DILUTED IN A BIT OF WATER, WITH RAW HONEY & LEMON.
You can do 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw Apple Cider Vinegar mixed in 1/4 cup water, and add 1 tablespoon raw honey, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. For an extra immunity boost, add some freshly juiced ginger (or you can peel and blend ginger root with a bit of water if you don’t have a juicer, and add that to your shot). Make it strong, and feel free to have this shot up to 3 times a day (when feeling a bit sick, I have it before each meal).
Another great shot to take – if you live in Miami – is Raw Juce’s FLU SHOT. With any oncoming signs of a cold, I highly suggest buying a few of these and having one a day!
Remember to listen to your body, slow down, and give your body the time and nourishment it needs to fight the cold on it's own. Using these natural remedies will help you fight the cold before it gets worse, and may save you the need to load up on meds.
Love, rest and health,
Mariana