Well I’ve been quiet for the last week because I’ve been well, sick. Yes, even healthy folks get sick. Honestly, I fell of the wagon, when my husband was out of town for his conference and I opted to stay home, I was in survival mode. I took a hot bath in some Magnesium Flakes and BAM! It hit me hard. And getting sick is a good thing too! (At least I try to remind myself of that!). However, if you are an adult getting sick more than twice per year, then it is time to re-evaluate your eating and lifestyle habits. When others are getting sick, I will get an email or two asking what can they do to rid it faster or prevent it from coming. So here are my tips on How Healthy Jasmine Fights Colds and Flus. Please don’t take this as medical advice, because it is not. What works for one person works differently for another. I’ll state why I use this and the benefits of using certain products. Feel free to give it a try because it won’t hurt.

When I feel something coming on:

I see my chiropractor. Yes, she is the first place I will go and take my kids when we are getting sick or when we are sick. A Chiropractor helps to align your spinal column so the nerves can be put back into place and can send appropriate messages to the body. If part of your spine is out of alignment, the nerves cannot transmit messages properly. The impulses will hit a bump in the road if you will. Each time you get adjusted it opens up the immunity if stagnant, but also gives a surge to the immune system which activates it to begin working efficiently. When the body is aligned, it functions better and this can boost your immunity. When I got bronchitis while I was pregnant with my son at 16 weeks, I saw her and she rid it naturally through adjustments, acupuncture, my own supplements and rest. In fact after my first visit, I was not coughing in the middle of the night. I avoided unnecessary antibiotic treatment and my OB/GYN was totally cool with it too. Don’t knock it until you try it.

Many of times when I feel something coming on, I ramp up my probiotics (yes research shows probiotics cuts colds and flus), Vitamin D3 drops (check here to see how much your family needs), drink Kombucha and begin taking Raw Camu Camu Powder. Huh? Kombucha? And what is Raw Camu Camu Powder? Glad you asked. It is a low-growing shrub found throughout the river banks of the Amazon rainforests of Peru and Brazil so move over Acai Berry. It is known for its mega-dose of Vitamin C content. It has 30-60 times more Vitamin C than an orange! (1180% Vitamin C to be exact) It is also high in beta-carotene which is important for immune function and if too low can lead to more colds/flus, potassium which helps electrolyte balance and even has amino acids. I add it to my green smoothies or my Sunwarrior Raw Warrior Blend Protein Shakes. I would say 9 out of 10 times, this works for me. That’s it. I use to be a big fan of Emergen-C and while it is still ok, it is full of fructose and sugars that actually suppress the immunity even more, so why bother. For virtually the same price, Raw Camu Camu Powder is better and works better in your body.

I’ll make my no noodle homemade chicken soup. Organic carrots, organic celery, onions in olive oil, then fresh crushed garlic with fresh thyme, tumeric, dulse flakes and cooked chicken tenders. I add my own water with 1 Tablespoon of Himalayan salt and let it cook for a couple of hours on low. I will also add coconut oil to my own soups since my son cannot have coconut oil at this time. (Tip: It is important to crush the garlic first. Garlic has anti-viral properties. Meaning it helps prevent viruses or fight them. Crushing it releases the allicin, which is the active compound that gives garlic its ability to help push those viruses out)

I watch my sugar intake, eat no grains and go to bed early.

If I feel like tea, I’ll drink Astragalus tea with raw honey.

If I feel a sore throat coming on, first thing in the morning, I’ll drink one cup of warm lemon water, with 1/2 tsp raw honey, 1 Tablespoon of coconut oil and a dash of cayenne pepper. Works like a charm every time. You can also gargle with Apple Cider Vinegar or warm salt water. Then I’ll gargle at night before with warm salt water.

When I am sick:

First thing is first, I rest. Seems like a no-brainer, but how many of you will go to work still sick? It is a big sign for us to slow down and rest. I didn’t write a darn thing last week, because I was just flat out tired. Take the day off of work (or two) and rest. Work from home if you can to keep you afloat if you must, but no one wants you to spread your nasty germs.

And I do the same as above except I will not drink coffee, it is all teas.

If we are congested, then I make lentil soup. Lentils acts as a natural colon cleanser, so if you are congested (or constipated), you need help to pull it out. Since I don’t cheat that often, I like to use Fronteir Soups Sausage and Lentil Soup Mix. I will forgo the sausage and add kale or spinach leaves, shredded zucchini, cut up grape tomatoes, cut up organic carrots, whatever my fancy. I don’t use any broth, but will add water and my own Himalayan Salt to help add some saltiness without the sodium content that many store bought broths have. (And I save money too!)

This phase is the most important as when your immune system is down, it makes you more vulnerable to more illnesses and infections. If it is not cared for properly, it can often settle in the ears (ear infections), the chest (bronchitis) or the sinus cavity (sinus infections). The worse thing to do for them is to take antibiotics. In fact, taking antibiotics for ear or sinus infections makes you more prone to getting them again.

If you are wondering how to keep your kid’s immune system robust, check out:
Back to School Supplements to Boost Your Child’s Immunity

Things I am exploring:

Fermented Cod Liver Oil I do use Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega + Vitamin D3, but I’ve been reading a lot on how much better this is for us.

Making my own Kombucha

Making my own bone broths though I’d have to get over using chicken feet and other body parts. I think this is where my husband, a former butcher, will have to come in…

That is it, my secret is out. What do you do to get back on track when you are sick?

Images courtesy from FreeDigitalPhotos.net