It starts with your co-worker coughing next to you, the fear and realization that your weekend is about to be ruined. Since spraying said co-worker with Lysol is generally frowned upon in most professional settings, and your boss is not likely going to let you take a leave of absence through the winter, what can you do to best support your body in fighting the cold and flu virus?
Well, we’ve all heard “you are what you eat” and this is actually more true than you’d think. Spices, such as Cinnamon, Garlic and Ginger may have the ability to boost our immune function and help us fight off bacteria and viruses. Vitamin C can also help prevent the chance of you contracting the dreaded flu virus.
Daily supplementation with fish oil can also help the immune system. We could all use more Omega 3 oil in our life and this is especially true during cold season. Omega 3 oils reduce inflammation and work to restore gut health (amongst many other beneficial things!). A healthy gut leads to a healthy immune system. (80% of our infection fighting cells reside in the intestinal mucosa!)
If you want to delve deeper in how you can eat your way to health, come see us at Action Medicine. We are now offering a comprehensive evaluation of food sensitivities (different from allergies) which may be leading to increased inflammation and a decrease in your body’s ability to fight off germs. Contact the office with any questions, we’d be happy to discuss this in further detail with you.
Oh, and on a side note, research shows (yes, this is backed by science guys!) that happy people have a 50% greater chance of staying healthy in the presence of germs, like the flu. So, yes, find your bliss, treat yourself, and laugh with friends…….doctor’s orders.
-Brooke
