Tips for Cold and Flu Season

The cold and flu season is upon us making this the time of utmost importance to maintain health. One of the best ways is through diet. By eating the right foods, one can enhance their immunity and decrease the likelihood of illness. 

Avoidance is best. 

• First and foremost, drink water. Staying hydrated allows for the body to maintain balance and function at it's highest capacity. 
• Second, eat real food! Avoiding chemicals and non-foods will help your digestive system immensely. When your body receives non-foods it can wreck havoc on digestion.  
• Third, reduce your sugar intake. Sugar induces inflammation and prevents the immune system from keeping neutorphils (the first immune cells to attack foreign invaders) free to be on guard for bacteria and viri.  
• Get daily exercise. Exercise moves lymph allowing for proper circulation and is good for you overall! 
  
• Get regular acupuncture treatments.  Acupuncture has a regulatory effect on the body and can enhance immunity. 
• Chinese herbs cannot be understated. Everybody has a weak spot whether it's from stress, fatigue, or diet. Chinese herbs can not only help in these areas, but also support acupuncture treatments creating a cumulative effect. 

I'm sick, now what?

• Keep drinking water! 
  
•  At the first sign of a cold: Gather a one inch cube of fresh ginger and boil it in 1 1/3 cups water until it is reduced to 1 cup. Add a few pinches of brown sugar. Return to a boil until the sugar dissolves. Wrap yourself up in a blanket and prepare to sweat for a bit. 
• At the first sign of flu: gather 3 small fresh radishes and soak in a generous amount of vinegar for a few hours. Eat after the soak is complete as a salad. 
• REST, but not too much. A gentle walk is advised, but keep it simple. Exercise not only enhances immunity, but can stimulate it while ill. However, a little goes a long way and too much exercise will have the opposite effect of health. 
• Chinese herbs may be able to help you. In Chinese medicine, not all colds and flus are created equal, so see your practitioner for details. 

If you liked these recipes and would like more information see the resources link to explore Chinese Natural Cures, by Henry Lu. 

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