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Top Natural Cold and Flu Remedies: Part I
A healthy, real food lifestyle can go a long way in helping to boost your immune system and prevent you from getting a cold or flu virus. But sometimes, no matter how squeaky clean your diet is or how well you are taking care of yourself, you may find that you have succumbed to the latest virus that is making its rounds in your community. If you do find yourself under the weather during this cold and flu season, these holistic remedies can help you to recover faster while maintaining an all-natural approach.
1) Sleep & Rest
Getting extra sleep and rest is probably the most important thing that you can do to strengthen and support your immune system as it is actively fighting an infection. There is a complex relationship between sleep and the immune system, with certain disease-fighting substances being created or released only during sleep. Most people feel a greater need to sleep during times of illness, but taking non-drowsy, over-the-counter cold and flu medications can suppress this innate urge. It may be tempting to push through it and honor your work and family commitments when you aren’t feeling well, but this only helps to spread the virus and it prevents a quicker recovery.
2) Bone Broth & Water
This is another simple, but critical remedy for cold and flu viruses. The human body is comprised of approximately 65% water, which is vital to every system in the body. When the immune system is fighting an infection, the metabolism increases and so does the body’s need for fluids. At the same time, you may be losing more fluids in the form of increased sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, and respiratory secretions. Replacing this fluid loss is important to helping you feel better faster. Bone broth is rich in easily absorbable minerals, which also likely need to be replaced due to fluid loss from cold and flu symptoms. The minerals found in bone broth also help to support the immune system and fight the infection.
3) Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup is a time-honored herbal remedy that is has been proven effective against cold and flu viruses. Studies have demonstrated that elderberry syrup has potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and it significantly reduces the duration of viral illness. You can find elderberry syrup in natural health food stores or online and it is easy to make it yourself if you have access to elderberries.
4) Fermented Cod Liver Oil
When our parents and grandparents were children, chances are they were given an extra tablespoon of fermented cod liver oil (FCLO) when they became ill. Known to be a traditional superfood, FCLO provides a proper balance of the fat soluble vitamins A and D, both of which are essential to the immune system. FCLO is also a source of bioavailable omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to reduce inflammation.
5) Ginger, Lemon, and Honey Tea
Ginger, lemon, and honey all have antimicrobial properties. Ginger is known to be soothing to the digestive system and can help with nausea. Lemon is a good source of Vitamin C, which can help to boost the immune system, and honey can be soothing to the throat. (Don’t forget that honey should never be given to children under one-year of age.) You can find a simple recipe for this tea here.
6) Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that is critical for proper immune system function. Research has shown that zinc supplementation is effective at reducing the duration and severity of cold viruses, but it is most beneficial if taken within 24 hours of the onset of a cold. The best food sources of zinc include seafood, red meats, liver, and egg yolks.
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