Tata...Bye-Bye Flu...

Do you come down with the flu like clockwork every year as soon as the sun starts to be prickly or the rain starts to pour intensely? Do you feel helpless against the illness? Well, don't despair. These are surefire ways to greatly reduce our chances of getting the flu this year and ahead. And the flu vaccine is not one of them. Though heavily hyped as the best way to prevent the illness, the flu vaccine is loaded with a mix of toxins and bacteria that eventually could harm us more than the flu ever will. It also suppresses our immune system and studies have shown it is not as effective as manufacturers say it is. If you really want to stay healthy follow these safe recommendations: 

Wash Your Hands 

Washing your hands decreases your likelihood of spreading a virus to your nose, mouth or other people. If your immune system is strong, it should be able to fight off the virus if it does enter your body, but washing your hands provides extra protection.

Avoid antibacterial soaps as they are completely unnecessary, and can do more harm than good. Instead use a simple chemical-free soap. 

Avoid Sugar

Sugar decreases the function of your immune system, and a strong immune system is key to fighting off viruses and other illness, including the flu. You should definitely avoid sugar if you are coming down with something. Keeping sugar out of your diet does wonders for your health and makes your body stronger, which makes it harder for the flu bug to get you. While avoiding sugar, be sure to load up on nutritious foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. The enzymes in these foods also help fight off illness.

Eat Garlic Regularly

Garlic is antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal and should be eater as often as possible. The best way to eat garlic is fresh because it contains more allicin.

Use Fresh Lemon Juice

Lemons also have antibacterial properties. A little fresh lemon juice (about 1 teaspoon) taken each day during flu season will give your immune system a boost. Try a little squeeze in your tea or water to make it taste great.

Get Plenty of Rest

It's harder for your body to fight the flu if it is tired and fatigued. Getting regular rest keeps you strong and gives your body the strength to fight off any potential invaders. A well-rested body is your best defense against harmful germs.

Don't Let Stress Get You Down

We all have stress, but if stress becomes overwhelming your body will be less able to fight off the flu and other illnesses. It is believed that up to 90 percent of illness and disease is stress-related. If you feel that stress is taking a toll on your health, do something about it. Stretch, take a soothing bath, listen to music, meditate or get a massage. Whatever it takes.

Exercise

When you exercise, circulation and blood flow increase throughout your body. Because the components of your immune system are also better circulated, your immune system has a better chance of fighting an illness before it can spread.

Take Probiotcs, when Necessary

Did you know the majority of your immune system is in your digestive tract? Probiotics are friendly bacteria that help promote better digestibility and increased absorption of vitamins and minerals, increase resistance to infection and eliminate toxins from the body and stimulate the immune system. By taking an occasional round of probiotics, you can rebuilt the bacteria in your gut and stay well. 

Edited from:  Orlando Woman Newspaper, SPCA Magazine and Epicurean

p/s...Taking care of our mind, body and soul, and pumping up our immune system, is the best way to fight any type of illness. Stay healthy year-round by following a few healthful guidelines and we won't be singing the flu blues ever again...InsyaAllah  ;-D