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Health & Fitness

Flu Season is Here

I have already begun seeing signs for Flu Shots for the upcoming Flu season.  What are your thoughts about Flu Shots?  Here are some immune system boosters  you can do to help ward off colds and flus.  For me, getting a flu shot is not one of them.  Vaccines tend to depress the immune system and some can cause lifelong neurological damage and autoimmune diseases.  I prefer not to take the risk….

So here are nine steps you can take to boost your immune system:

  1. ELDERBERRY for Cures: Elderberry syrups or extracts have been clinically proven to help get over colds and flu.  It is not a drug so it is less expensive and without the side effects of Tamiflu - you can even make your own tincture and save money - visit my website for the recipe for this:   http://www.rosedibartolo.com/ 
  2. Protective Supplements:  While Elderberry is Curative, Echinacea herbs are protective.  They are sold in tinctures or extracts.  Vitamin C is protective and, in large quantities, curative.  Zinc is also a helpful mineral for protecting against colds.
  3. Minimize Sugar:  Ease up on your sugar intake.  Even a few grams can destroy white blood cells' ability to resist infections for several hours.
  4. Eat Seasonably: Root vegetables, beans, lentils and soups and slow-cooked stews, especially those made with bone broth are all favorites for the winter.  Don't focus on calories  but focus instead on the nutritional content.  It's normal to gain 1-2 lbs in the winter….
  5. Eat more Garlic and Onion:  These are not only rich in antioxidants and selenium, garlic is antibacterial and antiviral.  Both Onion and garlic are part of the allium family which is rich in sulfur-containing compounds responsible for many of their health-promoting effects.
  6. Exercise:  Moderate exercise, even walking a mile or two at least three times a week helps for lymph system.  Avoid long grueling workouts.  Try walking daily and incorporating some yoga, tai chi, Pilates qi gong into your exercise routines.
  7. Stress Less: Stress and anxiety are considered leading causes for decreased immunity.  Try meditation or yoga.  Laugh as often as you can - good ol belly laughs - not just a giggle or two. Pack up your worries and frets and toss them away - Be more forgiving of yourself and others. Give and get lots of hugs...
  8. Sleep:  Not just more but better.  The place you are sleeping in should be dark so that you have sufficient melatonin production.  Turn off all electronics by 10pm and don't keep your cell phone in the same room you are sleeping in.  Do a 15 meditation before falling asleep if possible.
  9. Probiotics: We all need probiotic foods and supplements.  80% of your 100 trillion bacteria are located in the gut.  But things like GMO's deplete your friendly bacteria.  Fermented Foods, raw milk and raw cheese, water kefir or milk kefir should all be staples of your daily diet.  You can also use probiotic supplements as well (minimum of 15 billion)  If you are forced into taking antibiotics, double up on your probiotics.
  10. Vit D3:  Go for 5-10,000units daily especially if you live in an area with limited sun to skin exposure.
I recommend that you check with your physician before beginning any supplement or vitamin regiment.

(Excerpts From Natural News, Paul Fassa)

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