This, That, and Then Some

Since there seems to be a lot of illnesses going around, and the cold and flu season is upon us, I thought I would share some of the things that have worked for me to keep illness away, or help reduce the symptoms of an illness.

NOTE: I am not a doctor or licensed in any form of medical practice, but I do have some holistic training, and as I’ve said, these methods have worked for me. Your results may differ since everybody is different and not everything works as well for some as it does for others, but these seem to be pretty reliable. Before I start the list below, some of the best resources are Henry’s and Trader Joes!! GNC also has some great supplements…

Water - our bodies are made up mostly of water, in one form or another. Our cells are bloated with it and that’s what keeps everything flowing. They say that on the average you should be urinating at least 3 times a day. How much water? That depends on your activity, weather and body type. Only you can be the judge of that (remember above urination example).
By the same token, don’t drink too much water! You can actually “drown” yourself and wash away nutrients, bacteria and electrolytes that your body needs. So combine water with juices. Sodas, teas and coffee can make you more thirsty because they can increase water elimination and block water absorption. Water and juice also helps keep digestion working properly and reduces problems like kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Gatorade is great for replacing salts and electrolytes - but not as a regular beverage.

Vitamin & Mineral Supplements - For many years, doctors have poo-pooed vitamins or other natural resources as supplements. Recently, though, there have been doctors that are more positive about the intake of vitamins and supplements. Again, they work for me and others I know who have taken them - but, they, just like anything else, must be taken regularly, or they just aren’t as effective! I know when I haven’t taken vitamins for the week, I can really feel the difference!

Other Supplements - Odorless garlic (good for blood, digestion and overall health). Trader Joe’s has the best! It has helped me with digestion, and I attribute its use to having proper blood pressure. I also seem to be able to keep illness like the flu or colds at bay since it protects within and without. Seems to keep those pesky mosquitos away too! 

Ginseng - Awesome energy supplement, great for circulation and increased endurance. A lot of energy drinks and juices have ginseng as one of their regular contents. Usually in lower doses though. Ginsana is pretty good stuff!

MSM - Certain types of food contain a natural sulphur content that is excellent for boosting the immune system, assisting with joint or muscle pain, digestion, aging and general health. MSM contains a lot of what these foods naturally contain, such as brocolli, onions, garlic, etc. There is also MSM lotion which is awesome for skin! Reduces sun damage, scars and blemishes and nourishes the rest of the body as well since it gets completely absorbed. I had a friend who used to make tea out of pine needles. They have a very high content of sulphur and was helpful for her illness.

Vitamin C - Can’t say enough about it! Especially if you are a smoker. Regular doses of vitamin C will boost the immune system, aid with digestion and release of toxins, and aid blood circulation/vessels. If you have a cold, try about 1000mg in the morning, and 1000mg at night. See how your body reacts. If you have some bowel issues, cut back by half. Normally it won’t bother you, and you can’t actually overdose on it. You will just have spend more time on the toilet!

Vitamins A, B - A lot of vitamins do not stay in the system (Like Vitamin C), so a regular intake is helpful. Your body will take what it needs and flush the rest out (thus the reason for glowing yellow pee! LOL). Its not always easy or practical to eat exactly what we need every day, so supplements help a lot! Nothing can replace good food though. Vitamin A is great for the skin and your eyes. Make sure you take only what you need. Overdoses of vitamin A can be toxic. Vitamin B and B complexes help with energy, stamina and blood flow. If you tend to feel a bit listless during the day, try fresh fruits high in potassium or at least some B supplements.

Zinc - Those zinc lozenges may taste bad, but there is very little else that helps with the symptoms of cold or flus. Cold-eze or a generic brand like it are gods send for those with colds and flus. It really makes a difference!! Reduces symptoms and shortens the life of the virus.

Throat Coat Tea - Trader Joe’s has this incredible, soothing tea. When you have a sore throat (not severe), dry throat and/or coughing, this tea is the perfect remedy! Loaded with slippery elm and licorice, it may not taste great, but add a little honey to make the medicine go down a bit easier. Good stuff!!

Alternative - Meditation, yoga, stretching, cardio-vascular, etc. Let’s face it. Life IS stress, whether big or small, there is always something to stress about. Like that big paper due in college, or the workload at your office. Doing the dishes that are piling up. Whatever it is, stress in all its forms take a toll on your body, and that includes hard partying. Its great to party! But we all have that dreaded after effect the next day - or week! LOL

A lot of these things above can aid in reducing the effects that stress, pollution, smoking, heat, over-taxing and over-doing. There are some good de-tox teas and kits, again at Henry’s or Trader Joe’s for releasing built up toxins from stress and over-doing. Yeah, you sit on the pot a bit more often, but it really does help! For the most part, these are things that I have used and with noticeable difference. Some things have been used by others I know with noticeable difference and they have given me their feedback.

I hope this helps out! I know there are probably quite a few who already know about these things, but there maybe some who don’t or know very little. Just thought I would share!