Last month I posted my 7 Top Immune Boosters. As always though, some of us will do a cold and flu. The way I see it our body needs to, every two or so years, do a cold and flu. Think of it as a ‘spring clean’ for your body. So here is a follow up as an action list of my ‘7 Top To Do’s’ if you are battling the cold and flu.
Just like the spring cleaning of your house, your body too needs to get rid of and shed a lot of the ‘junk’ (dead cells) that it accumulates over the year(s). In doing so you will get run down and your body needs the time and the rest to do its job. Allow your body the space to do so. It is running as it should and the process of ‘doing a cold’ will take a little over a week to fully recover.
The issue arises when people do numerous colds and flus over a year, and/or never fully recover. This can be often due to stress, be it physical, mental or emotional, upon your body. Stress will physiologically effect the immune and nervous system, never allowing you to perform at your best, and never allowing your immune system to work as it should.
If you have become run down, your body is doing a ‘spring clean’ and you need to recover, here is my plan of attack. By the way for me, my first port of call is to pick up my phone and make an appointment ASAP with my Chiropractor:
1. Get adjusted: There is a direct relationship between the immune system and how it functions, and the nervous system. As Chiropractors, our role is to adjust and correct nerve system interference. By getting adjusted you promote the healing process, help to remove stress from your body and enhance your immune system.
2. Drink Water: Remain well hydrated. Water is used by all of the cells in your body, and is especially helpful with a high temperature (think of water boiling) and if you have diahorrea to replenish all lost water. Fresh, filtered water also helps to flush out toxins and rejuvenate your cells.
3. Rest: Your body is asking for it, so respect it (and yourself). Take a power nap and get to bed early.
4. Shower: The steam will help to ease congestion in your sinuses. You can also use eucalyptus oil on a tissue and place it under your pillow. This is a ‘drying out’ of the nasal cavities as compared to using moisture. Why not combine both by steaming your head – just like your granddad use to do! Place your head over a bowl of boiling water with a towel over your head. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil and breath in the steam deeply.
5. Gargle: Using saltwater (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in a glass of warm water) can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat. Children younger than 6 years are unlikely to be able to gargle properly. Other throat soothers are lemon and Manuka honey in warm water.
6. Chicken Soup: Home made of course with garlic, carrot, potato, celery, onion and organic chicken. Numerous benefits plus it tastes good too!
7. Get Adjusted: Have I already mentioned to get adjusted? Wow that must be important. The one place I need to be on the rare occasion I am run down and suffering is at my Chiropractors, and I will move heaven and earth to be there!
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