(Newswire.net — October 5, 2017) — Fall is here and that means we’re on the brink of flu season, and according to experts, this winter’s batch of viruses could be especially virulent. How do we know? Australia, where the flu season is ending, was hit hard this year and small outbreaks of H3N2 flu have already appeared here. Though Australia’s strains won’t necessarily arrive in the United States, there’s always a chance it could happen and it’s best to address the risks head-on.
So what can you do besides getting your flu vaccine? Start focusing on your immune system’s health now by embracing these natural 5 solutions. Though we can’t predict exactly what flu season will be like, we can each take steps to reduce our personal vulnerabilities.
Eat Seasonally
Nutrition plays an important role in immune strength and the healthiest foods are always those that are currently in season. When foods have to be picked early and trucked in or grown far away and flown to your grocery store, they lose much of their nutritional value.
Fall crops like bell peppers, figs, arugula, and celery root are all in season in the US during the fall, so look for these in your local grocery store. Eating seasonally can also expand your palate and help you get a wider assortment of nutrients in your diet; that’s always a good thing.
Warm Up With Tea
You may like to start your day with a nice cup of coffee, but fall is a good time to consider adding tea, especially green tea, into your diet. For centuries, green tea has been embraced for its antiviral nature, meaning it can help you fight seasonal colds and flus.
If you’re not into drinking tea, there are ways around it. You can get the most important nutrients found in green tea, catechins and L-Theanine, in pill form as well. Still, if you can find the time, sit down for a cup of tea. The quiet time will help reduce your stress, which is also beneficial for the immune system.
Get Outside
Shorter days and colder weather during the winter months can make us all want to huddle inside, but you need that extra boost of vitamin D, most easily obtained from sunlight, to keep your immune system working properly. All you need is a few minutes in the sun to get a full day’s dose of vitamin D. If you can’t squeeze even ten minutes into your day, though, grab a supplement. A daily 800 iu dose will keep your immune system in top shape.
Go For Gold
Have you heard about the golden milk craze? Made with just a few ingredients, including turmeric and coconut milk, the beverage is hailed for its anti-inflammatory properties, which stem specifically from the turmeric.
Turmeric contains a powerful phytochemical known as curcumin that has been shown to fight fungus, reduce the risk of cancer, and act as an antioxidant and antiviral, among other things. Basically, there’s nothing turmeric can’t do. Grab a cup of golden milk or just pick up some turmeric pills and enjoy the boost.
Ferment Your Foods
The healthy bacteria in yogurt is great for your gut and your immune system, but it isn’t the only source of good bacteria. In fact, for a full microbiome boost, you’ll need to add a broad array of fermented foods to your diet. Classic cabbage dishes like sauerkraut and kimchi, hip beverages like kombucha, and the vegan protein tempeh are all great sources of healthy bacteria that will give your immune system a pick me up.
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and while apples peak at the same time that flu season starts, an apple may not be enough to keep you out of your physician’s office. Instead, opt for a broader set of nutrients and healthy behaviors, including getting your flu shot and washing your hands frequently to ward off germs and keep your immune system healthy. The stronger you build your first line of defense, your immune system, before the annual barrage of germs hit, the better you’ll feel.