How to Avoid Colds and the Flu

We all want to know the best actions to take to stay well and avoid the flu and cold germs floating around us.

There is really nothing fancy or mysterious about it.  How to avoid colds and flu - good nutrition, as in your daily diet, moderate exercise and sensible habits of cleanliness.

As the outside gets colder and wetter, we tend to stay inside more. And the closer the environment, the more we can share our germs. Tis the season to come in contact with sick people.

Supplements to avoid colds and flu

You may want to up the dosage on your vitamin C. You may want to add a garlic supplement if you don't already take one.  Be aware that garlic is a blood thinner.

Vitamin C - get it fresh in fruit and juice, take a supplement and carry vitamin C lozenges in your pocket or purse.

Grapefruit seed extract, in capsule form, using the suggested dosage on the label. 

The advantage of GSE is that there are different forms available, such as throat spray, ear drops, topical, etc. Bio/chem Research in California, has done extensive research on the antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties of this amazing substance. Allan Spreen, M.D.

You will probably want to take a probiotic when taking the grapefruit seed extract to replace the good gut bacteria.  Yes it is that strong.

Echinacea is routinely used by thousands as a preventative to colds and flu.  Remember, you should not take it for more than 6 weeks at a time without taking a 2-3 week break.  I notices that my bottle now carries a warning - not recommended for individuals with autoimmune conditions.

Special note for children: no Echinacea, no garlic supplements, yes on the probiotics, yes on the vitamin C - especially fruit or fresh squeezed juice. Keep some chicken boullion on hand. If your child starts sniffling or just gets slow and sleepy or grumpy - let them sip a cup of chicken soup. They will usually like that better than tea. The chicken broth will help to open up the nasal passages. Emphasise the need to wash their hands after going to the bathroom and before eating. Put a ban on sharing any glass or a bite of anyone else's food.

Of course, you must wash your hands - more now than any other time of year.  All those people that are sick or getting sick are spreading their germs on door handles, grocery carts, stair railings, the pens you sign electronic documents/charges with, the backs of chairs in restaurants, or even elevator buttons. 

Don't over do it on the hand sanitizer.  You will end up with stronger germs that are hand sanitizer resistant. Warm water and soap are still the best.

When shopping, go back to wearing gloves and use your own pen when possible.

Breathe through your nose not your mouth.  Your nose was designed to filter the air and trap germs before they can get to your lungs. Your lungs were not designed to get cold air from your mouth so warm it up first - through the nose.

Warm dry air in your home can be a potential problem. If you use a humidifier be vigilant about mold. Don't let your nose get too dry. A spray saline solution can fix you up in no time.

If you have someone in your home with the sniffles, take care disposing of the used Kleenex. Don't touch them with your hands if possible. And always wash your own hands after cleaning up after your patient.

Yes, tis the season for germs. Your best defense is your own level of health. The stronger your own immune system, the less those germs will stand any chance of taking up residence in your nose or lungs.

Don't forget, along with diet, exercise, and cleanliness, get enough sleep. Sleep time is when your body heals and builds up its own defenses. If you exhaust yourself and your internal resources, you may end up missing that Christmas party or spending your Thanksgiving day in bed unable to even look at food.