By Roxanne, Contributing Writer
Even though it seems like summer just ended, it is already time to think about cold season. In fact, if you start to prepare yourself and your family now you are more likely to avoid colds and the flu later in the season.
September can be a hectic time for everyone. Summer is over, kids are starting school, and the weather is just starting to cool off enough to need to go out and buy new clothes or pull out some from last year. It might be hard to think about it, but taking time to relax and get rest is important now to prepare for the winter.
How to Prepare for Cold Season
The best way to prevent illness and keep the immune system strong is to eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet consists of the following:
- Lots of organic vegetables
- Healthy fats – olive oil, coconut oil, raw organic butter (if you tolerate dairy) and avoid vegetable oils
- Pastured meats and eggs (not factory farmed)
- Wild caught fish
- Beans and legumes
- Organic raw nuts and seeds
- Homemade stocks, broths and soups – vegetable, chicken, beef, fish, etc.
- Low grain, no grain, soaked or sprouted grain, or sourdough
- Fermented foods and beverages – kombucha, water kefir, sauerkraut
- Avoid gluten (if you have any digestive issues) — Read this post Why is Everyone Going Gluten Free
- Cut out refined sugar – stick to honey, maple syrup, and stevia
- Avoid packaged and processed foods
Healthful Supplements
In addition to a healthy diet, there are some supplements that can help boost immunity even further. Some of my favorites are:
- Elderberry Syrup or an Elderberry tincture
- Fish oil – top quality, or cod liver oil
- Raw honey
- Vitamin D3 and K2
- Vitamin C – rose hips are a great herbal source
A healthy diet is important but it is also helpful to make time for rest and relaxation. It might seem next to impossible with all the demands of the beginning of the school year but it is something that will pay off later in the season.
What are you doing to prepare for cold and flu season?
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