Preventing Colds and Flu This Year

It’s September and I’m talking about flu and colds, but I want to share some really important things to do right NOW that will impact your Fall/Winter health- and that applies to your family too. I promise you’ll be happy you did.

Strengthening our immunity is crucial to preventing colds and flu, and it doesn’t happen overnight. That’s why you need to start now.  You’ll be ready when your friends start sneezing!

The Bonus?  These 3 tips are all anti-aging as well!

Here are my three early Fall tips for strengthening your Immunity.

1) Probiotics

The word probiotic means “for life”, and refer to the healthy bacteria that naturally grow in your intestines.  Probiotics boost your immunity, improve your digestion, and fight infection yet sadly, most of us are deficient.  Our modern lifestyle, antibiotic use, processed foods and sugar deplete these necessary bacteria.

We can try to get these healthy bacteria from our food, but in today’s world it’s difficult.  Beneficial food sources would be fresh sauerkraut, probiotic rich, low-sugar organic yogurt or kefir, or homemade kombucha tea.  But for most of us, eating large enough quantities of these foods in not realistic.

Probiotics have also been helpful with weight loss, aid in digestion and elimination so that your body can absorb the important antioxidants it needs for anti-aging and overall health.

Probiotics come in the refrigerated section of your Health Food Store; I prefer room-temperature stable versions because I travel and admit to not always putting them back into the fridge.   It’s important to buy a brand that you know and trust so here are a few of my favorites. They are by Renew Life.


2) Omega 3

Taking Omega 3 in fish oil or flax oil has been proven to reduce inflammation, and inflammation is what can lead to infection and a host of other issues, like asthma, sinus, digestive disorders, skin rashes or breakouts, arthritis, puffiness, and so on.  This is also a wonder tool for looking and feeling younger!

My favorite brand of fish oil is very tasty, especially useful if you resist capsules and burp up the fishy taste of your omega 3’s. You will LOVE this choice.

It’s from Barleans and my favorite flavors are mango or coconut.  The best part is that my family now takes their medicine with great pleasure.  For a limited time they are giving free samples.


3) Vitamin C

Take advantage of the late Summer, early Fall harvest and get your Vitamin C packed fruits and veggies into your diet while they’re fresh.  Vitamin C has been shown in studies to boost your immunity and increasing your C during stressful times helps to keep you healthier.

These power packed antioxidants give your skin the glow you hear about and adding in more now will help keep you healthy in a month or two.

The best sources?  Add in varieties of berries, watermelons, and red peppers while they are still abundant.

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