Up to 20% of the population will get the flu each year, and as the leaves begin to change and the winds become colder, you and your family might be breaking out the Vitamin C and winter coats in order to prevent any sickness.
However, colds and winter bugs spread like wildfire when you’re living in a cooped up family home. This winter, try taking advantage of these tips to ensure your family is healthy and thriving, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities and abundant winter activities available.
Boost the immune system
You can naturally boost your family’s immune system by whipping up deliciously nutritious meals on a daily basis. The key to a healthy immune system lies in trying to craft a well-balanced diet.
To do this, you can aim to incorporate a rainbow of colors into your meals, as that will ensure you’re getting a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Specific foods, however, have been found to boost immunity, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, zinc, omega-3, bioflavonoids, selenium and garlic. You’ll also want to keep a handle on your hygiene and ensure everybody is washing their hands on a regular basis as well as staying hydrated even in cold weather.
Purify the air
Because you spend 90% of your time during winter indoors, is smart to invest in an air purifier that can not only clean the air in your home but introduce healthy essential oils into the air that can increase immunity and decrease stress.
When choosing an air purifier, it is crucial to go for one that includes a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter, as it will absorb certain VOCs and other chemical & gaseous pollutants from the air.
Studies have found basil oil to combat certain strains of drug-resistant bacteria, eucalyptus has anti-inflammatory agents and may reduce excessive immune system response, and tea tree oil can also be particularly helpful in combating winter bugs.
Stock up on natural medicines
In the instance that someone does get sick, you will want to have medicine on hand to naturally treat your loved one. The best types of medicines for simple winter colds and other typical ailments are natural ones that you can purchase at your local grocery store.
One study found, for example, that chicken soup was effective for reducing the symptoms of upper respiratory infections while ginger tea is an all-purpose remedy that can also warm you up.
It will also be helpful to keep lots of honey, garlic and echinacea on hand throughout the winter months as you can use them in a preventative manner or as natural treatments.
Enjoy the winter months
Keeping your family safe and warm throughout the cold winter months might seem like a tough task, but with a little love and care, you will find that staying healthy is easy to do.
Focus on building your immune system by cultivating a healthy lifestyle that incorporates healthy eating habits.
Purify the air in your home and be sure to stock up on natural remedies that can help prevent sickness before it even happens. And, don’t forget to enjoy all that winter has to offer with the people you love the most.
