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Winter flu
I have the Winter flu at the moment, can I still exercise?
Illness and exerciseIt is not advisable to do too much strenuous exercise while you are ill as you need to give your immune system the energy to rebuild and regenerate. Gentle exercise such as walking the dog like you mentioned is fine, however, do not over exert yourself, especially if you are experiencing fevers and weakness.
The common cold is an infectious disease causing inflammation of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by any one of over 200 different Viruses.
Diet tips for the flu
- Herbal teas such as fenugreek and rosehip, licorice, echinacea, lemon with ginger and honey may help to ease congestion and also provide the body with vitamin c
- Ensure that you keep properly hydrated (at least two litres of fluid/ day) as dehydration will slow down your recovery and reduce the amount of metabolic wastes excreted via the kidneys
- Eat simple alkalising foods such as chicken soup, miso soup, vegetable juices and steamed green leafy vegetables. These meal ideas will lighten the load on the digestive system and leave more energy reserves for the immune system, encourage liver detoxification, reduce acid and provide the body with anti-oxidants
- Include Manuka honey in warm some warm lemon drinks as it is a demulcent (soothing) for the respiratory tract and is also an anti-microbial and anti-bacterial to improve immune resistance
- Reduce acid forming foods that contribute to mucus congestion such as dairy foods, sugar and wheat. Naturopathic philosophy considers that alkalising the body is one of the most important practices for revitalising your health. Our diets tend to be mostly acid forming. The only alkaline foods are fresh fruit and vegetables, and a couple of different grains (millet, buckwheat). All 'alive' growing foods like sprouts and soaked grains and seeds are alkaline forming also
- Eat plenty of garlic, ginger, chillies and horseradish in your diet as these will act as a decongestant as well as help to open up the sinus cavities.
Lifestyle factors for the flu
- It is very important to keep warm and keep cold wind (the invading pathogen) away from the kidneys
- Get plenty of rest and sleep so that your body recovers properly
Natural remedies for the flu
- The Oil Garden makes a Breathe Easier essential oil which when added to a carrier oil such as olive oil, sweet almond oil or avocado oil and rubbed on the chest may help to break down any congestion and help to warm the lungs
- Use steam inhalations of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of hot water. Lean over the bowl with a towel over your head and spend ten minutes inhaling the vapours. This may temporarily alleviate the nasal congestion associated with the common cold
- Herbs such as Mullein, Fenugreek, Garlic, Ginger, Echinacea, Andrographis, Licorice, Poke Root, Golden Seal and Olive Leaf help to restore immune function, build white blood cells, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, reduce fever and congestion, reduce the symptoms associated with a cold, cough or flu and also provide anti-oxidants to the immune and lymphatic system to cleanse the body of impurities
- Vitamin C powder added to water and gargled will help to provide anti-oxidants to the respiratory system and help reduce inflammation in the throat. Add some Echinacea or Olive Leaf liquid for an even better throat gargle
- Probiotics may help to restore the immune system by providing it with beneficial bacteria