Tips for Preventing Cold and Flu

December 9, 2003

Many nutritional ideas here for. . .

Preventing Cold and Flu

The season of colds and flu is rapidly approaching. " there is no cure, "

people often say, If you're going to get it, you'll get it! " But there are

some things we can do to help guard against it.

Here are tips for boosting your immune system - the best defence for colds

and flu.

Eat lightly, relying mainly on fruit and vegetables. Include plenty of foods

rich in vitamins A and C, such as citrus fruit, dark blue and red berries,

mangoes, apricots, carrots, beetroot, green peppers and greens.

Avoid sugar, and mucous forming and fatty foods such as dairy, excess

bananas, meat and white flour products (bread, pasta, etc.).

When you're below par, avoid stimulants such as coffee and alcohol. These

all increase stress, which can depress your immune system.

Drink at least 8 large glasses of water per day. One way to remind yourself

is to have a 1½ or 2 litre bottle of still mineral water always with you,

and finish the bottle before the end of the day. It's useful to decant some

into a small water bottle to carry around with you.

Make sure you get optimum levels of vitamins and minerals every day by

taking a good quality multi-supplement with your breakfast.

Vitamin C helps maintain a strong immune system. Most animals make their own

vitamin C in large amounts when they're ill, but humans are unable to make

vitamin C. Take extra amounts when you are surrounded by colds and flu (2-4

grams per day at least).

Herbal supplements such as Echinacea, Olive Leaf Extract and Cat's Claw are

particularly helpful for maximising immune function.

Get plenty of fresh air and breathe deeply. This helps the lymphatic system

to move your protective immune cells around the body.

Get enough relaxation, rest and sleep. It's during sleep that your body

repairs itself.

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