The deep freeze and fluctuating temperatures surprised much of the country this past week. Even here in south Florida, the air was a little nippy. Now what can follow, as you know, is an increase in colds & flu.
The condition of your body can determine whether or not you get sick with the flu. If your resistance, energy and immune system are weak, chances are favorable your body will be unable to combat the organisms that enter the body. Remember it is important to eat well, get proper sleep and exercise regularly.
Tips:
– Avoid dairy and cold drinks, especially if you are congested and want to reduce the amount mucus.
– Drink warm or room temperature beverages to help immobilize toxins from the body.
– Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dry skin and lips. Do not wait until you are thirsty.
– Drink a cup of hot water and lemon, in the morning. Use ½ of fresh lemon, not bottled. The lemon (high vitamin C) boosts the immune system; helps balance the body’s pH and loosen chest congestion. A healthier body is a more alkaline body, not acidic. Yes, lemons are acidic but, according to Ayurveda, they react as alkaline in the body.
– Daily cleanse: In a thermos combine fresh grated ginger with lemon and honey. Take only a sip every hour throughout the day. This will cleanse the tissues throughout the day. Do not combine ginger with Aspirin since both are blood thinners. Wait 2 hours before or after taking Aspirin or blood thinners. If you are taking blood thinners, it is best to inform your primary care practitioners first.
– Consuming a lot sugar on a daily basis plays a part in weakening the immune system and its ability to combat infections.
– Cleanse the nasal passages by removing excess mucus and toxins. In a neti pot (I personally use a baby nasal syringe in place of a neti pot), mix lukewarm distilled (only) water and organic sea salt. Do not use tap water since it contains substances that are harmful to the nasal cavities and sinuses.
– Natural nose drops: Lubricate the nasal passages with 3 to 5 drops of liquefied ghee (clarified butter that can be found in a health food store) or organic sesame oil. On an empty stomach sniff the oil or ghee up into the nostrils. Wait an hour before or after showering.
– Practice good hand washing techniques.
– Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands. These are common entry points for organisms.
– Sneeze into your bended elbow joint to prevent contaminating your hands and possibly spreading infection.
Get plenty of rest. The body’s strongest time to reduce toxins, rebuild cells and tissues, and heal is between 10 pm and 2 am.
