With all the talk of the "swine” flu, it may be a good idea to consider some commonsense suggestions! The common cold, a viral infection, let alone swine flu, , is likely to occur at the change of season or during winter. As the winter weather hits Sydney, keeping your immune system healthy, reducing stress and altering the food you eat are important if you wish to avoid a cold or the flu.
Helpful foods to include:
q Light foods such as soup, and herbal teas
q Honey and lemon in warm water will soothe a sore throat
q Garlic, shallots and onions (have antiviral and immune boosting potential)
q Foods high in bioflavonoids (cabbage and green capsicum, carrot, broccoli)
q Miso soup
Foods to limit:
Dairy, especially when mucous is present
Heavy, fatty, oily foods – will place stress on digestive system
Suitable Supplements:
q Zinc lozenges are effective in boosting immune and decreasing duration of infection
q Vitamin C with bioflavonoids – 500mg every 4hrs
q Echinacea is especially helpful for prevention
q Astragalus is immune enhancing and anti-viral
Lifestyle factors:
q Keep warm and dry
q Wash your hands frequently and avoid shaking hands
q Rest – take time to recover or your infection may linger longer – or worse, move to your chest and lead to bronchitis. No one in the office will thank you for soldiering on if it means you make everyone sick.
q Avoid cigarette smoke and alcohol
q Let someone look after you if they offer – there is no need for martyrdom when you are sick!
q To clear sinuses, try a steam inhalation (hot water in a basin with a towel over your head, eyes shut) with a few drops of peppermint essential oil.
If you catch a cold early enough a Simple Soup can cure a cold before it takes hold (use on first signs of cold).
Spring Onion, Ginger and Mint Soup
3 shallots, white part only, chopped
2 slices fresh ginger, finely chopped
2 cups boiling water
small handful of fresh mint
Place shallots, ginger and boiling water in saucepan. Simmer until liquid has reduced by half. Add the mint. Drink while warm. Then go to bed and wrap yourself warmly. The soup should induce slight sweating, removing toxins.
