‘Tis the season for colds and flu so here are some tips to boost your immunity:

  • Follow the Eating Alive nutritional program and remember to avoid (or at least try to limit) sweets, alcohol, coffee, processed foods, etc. Eat lots of veggies, particularly steamed leafy greens, to increase your intake of vitamins and antioxidants (see the month’s Comment).
  • Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are important for a healthy immune system. Consume 1 to 2 tablespoons of Udo’s Choice Ultimate Oil Blend® (which is rich in EFAs) per day: add it to smoothies and cooked oatmeal (or other cooked cereals); combine it with pure apple cider vinegar and drizzle it over steamed veggies; or eat it straight from the spoon.
  • Drink plenty of fluids—green tea and lots of purified water.
  • Handle stress by prioritizing and only doing those things that are truly important to you; delegate the rest or let them go. Be sure to exercise and take time for yourself: have a 20 minute power nap; meditate; do yoga or qi gong; sit by the fire and read a good book; etc.
  • Get plenty of sleep. Trying to do too much instead of getting your sleep will only make you more susceptible to cold and flu bugs.
  • Wash your hands with soap and warm water several times a day (and get your children to do the same!).
  • Take supplements that help to support your immune system—such as zinc, selenium (maximum 200 mcg per day), and vitamin C—in addition to supplements that help support your liver.
  • If you’ve been exposed to others with viral infections, especially when you’re in heated or air-conditioned environments, propolis helps the immune system. The dosage is one capsule for children, two capsules for adults, as needed, two to three times per day.
  • If you do feel that you’re coming down with something, take supplements such as olive leaf extract, propolis, grapefruit seed extract, or astragalus. At the first sign of a sore throat, gargle with a mixture of warm water and pure apple cider vinegar or unprocessed sea salt several times a day.

Be good to yourself so that you can stay healthy to enjoy the holiday season!