Because it’s that time of year again, I’m posting some suggestions from Prescription for Natural Cures (Drs. Balch & Stengler) on how to take care of yourself when you’re down with the flu.

First of all, the authors recommend we “Eat lightly to allow [our bodies] to focus on healing, rather than on digestion.” During the worst phase of the illness, “lightly” means water, broth, green drinks, herbal teas and juices. Later, salads and steamed or lightly cooked vegetables can be added. Most important is to stay hydrated.

Drs. Balch and Stengler also suggest adding ginger, onions and garlic to soups. Drink hot water with lemon, honey and cinnamon to “soothe your throat and chest, prevent mucus buildup, and encourage a cleansing sweat.”

Avoid dairy and refined sugar products. “These foods will only contribute to the formation of mucus and make the virus harder to expel. Sugar also has the extremely undesirable effect of depressing your immune system.” Don’t drink caffeine, which “depletes the body’s stores of zinc, a mineral necessary for healing. Avoid coffee, black teas, and chocolate until the flu passes.”

Some natural remedies: elderberry, echinacea, goldenseal, oregano, lots of Vitamin C and ginger. Plus, several homeopathic remedies fight flu symptoms. Acupressure, massage, reflexology and aromatherapy are also helpful.

Wishing you a healthy, flu-free winter – Becky

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