How to beat cold and flu season

“I work at a school and dread fall and winter because I get really sick in cold and flu season and catch every cold I meet. What can I do?” 

Dr Allegra says….

 It sounds like your immune system is not working optimally. I recommend you talk to your doctor to make sure there are not any bigger health issues that may be suppressing your immune system. There are also some basic wellness habits that can boost your health starting today.

First, make sure you are reducing exposure by applying these basic precautions. 

Here are some effective risk reduction techniques:

1.  Wash your hands with soap and water regularly.

Soap and hot water are far more effective at reducing exposure than hand sanitizers, which can not only compromise your immune system but also your hormone balance. Take a full 20 seconds to thoroughly scrub your hands together making sure to get between your fingers, under your fingernails, and the backs of your hands to make sure your hands are clean after you use the bathroom.

2. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.

Use your sleeve, not your hands, to cover your mouth to reduce the spread of germs to others.

3. Keep your hands out of your eyes, ears, and mouth.

Make sure to wash your hands before you touch your face.

Building and supporting your immune system is the key to being able to fight off most common pathogens.

Here are some ways to cultivate better health:

1. Reduce your refined sugar intake.

Sugar not only suppresses your immune system’s ability to fight pathogens which leaves you more vulnerable to infections of all kinds, but it also feeds the pathogens, making them stronger while you get weaker. Find better sweetener options here. 

2. Identify and eat your ideal diet.

Food intolerances, sensitivities, and allergies can use up your nutritional resources that are essential to a high-functioning immune system. Just like you can’t pour milk into your car’s gas tank, you can’t expect your body to run optimally on nutrient-deficient and highly processed foods. If you need more help here, check out my online classes to help step up your food game!

3. Hydrate…

Make sure you are getting at least half your weight in ounces of water every day. Maintaining ideal amounts of water helps your lymphatic system (i.e. your garbage collecting system) do its job more efficiently.

4. Sleep…

Keep your immune system strong by getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night. Proper sleep can boost your mood, memory, immune function, and sense of well being, and is a cornerstone to building and maintaining life-long health. See more tips to sleep better here.

5. Probiotics can fuel your immune barriers.

Adding fermented foods, such as sauerkraut or Jun (kombucha made from honey), and a high-quality probiotic supplement, like my Essential Probiotic, can increase your ability to fight off pathogens.

Remember every little bit helps and there are no magic bullets that will instantly change your health. Applying all of these recommendations will greatly increase your ability to fend off cold and flu.

So remember, eat well, wash your hands, hydrate, and celebrate being healthier this cold and flu season! 

Need guidance to reset your health?

Start here with Dr. Allegra’s Self-Care Starter Pack!
This pack includes the tools you need to amplify your health!
1.  Dry Skin Brush
2.  Organic Cotton Cloth for a castor oil pack
3. Organic Castor Oil to apply to your pack.
4. Dr. Allegra’s bestselling book, Nourishing Space Within: Essentials of Self-Care, to teach you how to use these tools easily and effectively!

We all can use healthier options.

When will you start?

In Health,

If you have a question for Dr. Allegra you would like considered, please submit it to info@naturaeclinic.com with the subject “The Doctor Is In Question”.