How to prevent colds and flus naturally

It's that time of year, colds, coughs and the horror that is man flu. Glen O'Rourke shares his secret plan for keeping the germs away. 

Words - Glen O'Rourke    Image - Andrew Cliffoth

Trying the following will hopefully keep you sniff free over the next couple of months.

Eat a nutrient-dense, toxin-free diet: avoid the foods that tend to weaken the immune system, such as sugar, unprepared grains, industrial seed oils and processed and refined food

Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil: if there’s only one superfood/supplement you take through the winter, this should be it. It’s rich with fat-soluble vitamins that regulate and support the immune system, and fatty acids that reduce inflammation.

Bone broth. Grandma knew best! Homemade bone broth is rich with easily absorbable minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, and trace minerals difficult to obtain elsewhere.

Fermented foods and/or probiotics: 70-80% of our immune system is in our gut. If you have poor gut flora, you’ll be more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections

Vitamin C: I don’t supplement with vitamin C at all times during the year, but when cold and flu season rolls around, I’ll often take a supplement to safeguard.

Vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a powerful support role for your immune system.

Jade Windscreen Formula. Jade Windscreen (or Yu Ping Feng San in Pinyin Chinese) is an immune system tonic made up of botanicals that enhance the immune system and have anti-viral and anti-microbial properties (check with your medical provider if you are pregnant or nursing or have an autoimmune condition)

Sleep and rest. Getting adequate sleep and rest is perhaps the most important thing you can do to optimize your immune function. Just a few nights of not sleeping well can elevate inflammatory markers and reduce the protective capability of your immune system. That’s why it’s a good idea to go to bed earlier, sleep longer and rest more in the winter season.

GUIDES.