Healing Strands

As much as we might like to ignore it, winter is often synonymous with colds, excessive indoor heating, less exercise and poor diet. Most of us believe that now winter is upon us, the inevitable cold or flu is just around the corner. It’s expected that if someone in the office comes down with something then it’s only a matter of time before we catch it too. So we start thinking about stocking up on cold and flu tablets (just in case) and start hitting the vitamin C tablets hard in an effort to keep the dreaded winter sniffles at bay. But it doesn’t have to be this way. What if there was a way to not only help keep the winter sniffles at a minimum this year but also to feel healthier and happier too? Its all about consistency and routine, things you can fit into your everyday life to help you stay healthy and strong this winter.

Here are 5 things you can start doing right now to boost your immune system and feel healthier, no matter what the weather is like outside:

1.     Drink more lemon juice: this helps to restore your acid-alkali balance, maintaining your body’s internal pH levels, in turn supporting healthy bacteria instead of viruses and bacteria that make us sick. Try adding a squeeze or two to your daily intake of water.

2.     Don’t skimp on sleep: it’s natural to sleep more in the winter months and studies show that the body heals itself in our sleep, including strengthening our immune system.

3.     Increase your intake of immune-boosting herbs: herbs and supplements can help to boost your immune system when taken regularly. Try Echinacea whose antiviral and antibacterial properties are commonly used to help stave off the symptoms of colds and flu or adding more garlic to your evening meal. Replace your daily coffee with herbal tea, it will not only keep you warm, but be healthier to boot!

4.     Water, water, water: drinking more water is something we should all strive for. Headaches and thirst are signs of dehydration which in turn can cause a slowing in the overall functioning of the body.

5.     Nurture yourself: taking the time to slow down and “stop to smell the roses” can do wonders for an over stressed body. Getting a therapeutic treatment such as a massage or better yet, manual lymphatic drainage is a great way to unwind, relax and let the body do what it needs to do to keep you healthy. A manual lymphatic drainage treatment is not only soothing and relaxing, but is in itself a way to boost the immune system, and best of all, you do have to do anything except lie back and receive.