Building Immunity to the Flu

For most of us, as the temperature drops, so does our immune system. Fear of the flu has us getting flu shots while casually standing in line at the grocery store or waiting for our connecting flight at the airport. We willingly inject ourselves with viruses and stock up on antibiotics. As a result, bacteria have continued to evolve building antibiotic-resistance, further weakening our immunity.

Getting a flu shot often protects you from coming down with the flu. Once you have the virus in your system, you develop antibodies against it so that you are protected the next time you are exposed. Ideally, we want our immune system strong enough to build the antibodies upon exposure to the virus so that we would be immune even without a flu shot. The focus here is not whether or not to get the vaccination. That is a personal choice. The real problem is the vulnerability of the system that has lead us to need the vaccine. Rather than depend on shots and medications, the idea is to strengthen the immune system through a natural way of living.

Getting the flu is usually an indication that the body needs rest, replenishment of vitamins and minerals, and time to re-bolster the immune system. Holiday stress, over consumption of low quality foods, and lack of movement all contribute to impairing our immunity.

The media isn’t helpful either as it is flooded with ways to get sick:
1. Consume lots of sugar, particularly soda.
2. Eat processed food, as it is so convenient.

3. If something about eating these foods isn't working for you, have some Prilosec or a Tums and keep doing the same thing.

The main reasons for the flu & What you can do differently
A Toxic Diet: Not eating enough nutrient- dense foods and/ or Eating too much sugar	* Increase your intake of nutrient-dense foods * Use appropriate natural supplementation. * If taking a supplement, find a natural one which is not filled with sugars, artificial colors or flavors. * Reduce/avoid your intake of sugar, caffeine, chemicalized foods, and refined white flour foods. * Reduce/ avoid your intake of mucus forming foods such as dairy and fatty meats. * Take soothing showers/baths and exfoliate the skin with a wash cloth to aid the body in cleansing. * Drink warm/room temperature water with lemon, for vitamin C & alkalinity.
Not Enough Sleep	* Get plenty of sleep. Try to be in bed by 10PM and up by 7AM. * Start drinking calming herbal teas such as chamomile, skullcap, oat straw, or valerian in the evening hours if you are having trouble resting.
Emotional Blockage, Limiting Beliefs, and Downward Trending Thought Patterns	* Create a positive support system to address stagnant emotional circuits * Generate positive and resourceful states of mind as a daily practice * Put your legs up against the wall for at least 10 minutes a day (if you can, do this twice). This aids in supporting the lymphatic system in draining and cleansing.
Lack of Proper Exercise	If you are not setting aside time to exercise, be sure to take a walk at least once a day to increase blood and oxygen circulation.
Structural and Energetic Misalignment	Get shiatsu, acupuncture, chiropractic work, or massage to unlock stuck physical/ energetic pathways.

Food Focus: Herbal Immune Boosters

Ginger aids with digestion, Cayenne invigorates the immune system, Cinnamon increases circulation, and Turmeric is a potent immune booster and virus fighter. Garlic is a natural antibiotic which contains properties that help to boost the body’s levels of antioxidants, which work as a defense system against viruses.

Oil of Oregano is known to be a potent antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic oil that can reduce pain and inflammation and effectively fight off infections. Some of the specific benefits of Oil of Oregano are:
* Destroying organisms that contribute to skin infections and digestive problems.
* Strengthening the immune system.
* Increasing joint and muscle flexibility.
* Improving respiratory health.

Also, be sure to get vitamins through vegetables and fruit. We can find Vitamin C in steamed broccoli, boiled brussels sprouts, papaya, boiled asparagus, steamed swiss chard/collard greens, or grapefruit. Get Zinc through crimini mushrooms, boiled spinach, broccoli, collards, chard, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds.
Herbal Ginger Tea
Grate some ginger and add to hot water. Have a ginger and cinnamon tea or try ginger, lemon and a pinch of cayenne. For sweetness, use honey (preferable raw honey).

Yogi Tea

Try this instead of a daily coffee:(You can adjust the amounts)

5 to 6 cups water
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
10 to 20 cardamom pods
2 Tbls to 1 cup fresh ginger
3 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon black or Assam tea

Put all ingredients except for the black tea in a pot and simmer (for as little as 20 minutes and up to a whole day). Add the tea during the last few minutes of simmering... strain and add honey and milk of any kind to taste!

Carrot Ginger Soup
6 carrots
1 medium onion
1 teaspoon sea salt
4 cups water
6-inch piece fresh ginger, finely grated
Fresh parsley to garnish

Wash, peel and cut carrots and onion into chunks.
Place vegetables and salt in a pot.
Add water and bring to boil. Cover with a lid.
Simmer on low heat for 25 minutes.
Transfer soup into blender, adding water if necessary to achieve desired consistency.
When blending is done, squeeze juice from grated ginger and add to soup.
Garnish with parsley.