…when you can NOT get sick?
Unfortunately, it’s that time of year…you know the one I’m talking about. The germy, sniffly, feel yuck time of year. Don’t join that party. Because we all know it ain’t any kind of party.
So on that note, here are my best recommendations for fighting off the flus and colds and other gross mystery illnesses:
1. Wash your hands!
Wash ’em right and wash ’em often! Use warm, soapy water. Wash for the duration of 2 renditions of Happy Birthday. That may sound like an eternity, but it’s 10-15 seconds. Let’s not be dramatic.
2. Greens
Eat your greens, drink your greens…whatever. Just get as many green veggies into your body as you can. They are your best defense.
Cooking them is especially good this time of year, as it will be warming to your system and will kill off any bacteria. Don’t overcook, of course. Just lightly steam or sautee them. And add a bit of healthy fat after cooking, like olive oil or avocado, so the vitamins and minerals are better assimilated into your body.
3. Berries and Citrus
Eat your antioxidant-rich foods! Berries and citrus are loaded with Vitamin C and and good-for-you vitamins. It’s very important to eat real, whole foods, to stay healthy and to recover faster if you do get sick.
Additionally, organic blueberries are more reasonably-priced this time of year. And berries are low in sugar. See #7 for more on that.
4. Rest
Tired? Don’t go get a quadruple latte. Take a few minutes to lie down and let your body recharge. If it’s tired and you caffeinate, you’re just going against it and that’s not going to work out well for you in the end.
5. Herbal Remedies
I recommend Gaia Respiratory Defense, Black Elderberry, Ashwagandha, and Astragalus Reishi. These help you fight stress and boost your immunity. Take note, my pregnant readers: these are not for you.
6. Fish Oil
Fish oil fights systemic inflammation, so it’s a good idea to take a high quality one daily to support the immune system and overall health. It also boosts fertility, is essential for pregnant women and their growing babies, as well as those suffering from arthritis, heart disease, or other chronic diseases.
My recommendation is Pharmax Finest Pure Fish Oil Capsules – all pcbs, dioxins and mercury have been removed and these won’t give you fish burps.
7. Avoid sugar
Know what won’t boost your immunity? You guessed it: sugar. Sugar wreaks havoc on your immune system and leaves you vulnerable to all the nasty bugs out there. And once the bug is in your system, it feeds on sugar and exacerbates the illness.
If you love your sweet stuff, my recommendation is to ease way up when you’re feeling sick. Otherwise, you’ll just be sick for longer. The choice is yours…
Hope you all stay healthy out there!
Wow, this is great info. Usually I put lemon on lightly steamed veggies, but they would taste even better with a touch of olive oil. I did not know that would help with assimilation of the good nutrients.
Also, those Gaia products are amazing. I can attest that they work.
As for vitamin c, my favorite source are organic satsuma tangerines. They are sweet, seedless & super easy to peel. They are currently in season, but won’t be for long. It’s a short few months every winter, & I eat 3-4 every day.
Thx again, HCJ. You are the best, & I am not being dramatic
Great blog, Jillian! Nudging us to healthy choices, with a fine wit. Just had a fine veggie broth/stew with a bit of avocado tonight. yum!
Thanks so much! Sounds delicious. 🙂
I have been sick with my first really bad cold in years. I’ve been using all of the products you have posted, and I’m certain they are the reason for my cold coming to a quick end.
Your blogs are so informative and I’m always looking forward to the next one!
Thanks HCJ
A.C.
Thanks so much, AC. I hope you’re feeling better now.
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