3 Natural Flu Fighters for Your Cabinet
By Genevieve Cunningham
It’s easy to forget how miserable the cold and flu really are. Unless you’ve had one or the other recently, it’s easy to think that all of the hype is a bit overblown. I mean, it's just the flu. It can't be that bad, right? While it's true that you’ll probably make it through the illness mostly unscathed, the suffering is worse than you think. To get your home and family prepared for the flu, take a look at these items that you should keep stocked in your cabinet every day.
Garlic
Garlic is a powerful tool to keep in your kitchen. It tastes good, and it also brings natural antibiotic and antifungal properties. Can it specifically fight the flu? Not necessarily. But it can boost the immune system and make your body more capable of fighting for itself. Just add a little garlic to each main dish, and you’ll be boosting your immune system with very little in the way of effort.
Elderberry
This has long been known as a natural cold and flu fighter. Elderberry is a wild berry that people make into syrups and capsules. You can buy these at any health food store, and in today’s world, you may even be able to find it at your local grocer or pharmacy. Take the elderberry as described on the box. If not taken appropriately, it can cause an upset stomach or a sore throat. But when it’s taken as suggested, it can cut the symptoms of the flu in half or more, and leave you well faster than you could possibly imagine.
Dark Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens -- things such as lettuce, kale, or spinach -- all have high doses of Vitamin C. And why does this matter? Because Vitamin C is another powerful immune booster. When you eat leafy greens, it gives your body a boost in its ability to fight illness of all kinds. And leafy greens are also great for the digestive tract, which is where most of your immune system lives. If you add a salad -- even a small one -- to your diet every day, you’ll be more capable of avoiding and fighting disease.
The flu is definitely not fun! If you think you may have the flu, it’s important to contact your doctor and get a checkup. But it’s also a good idea to use all of the natural remedies that you can. The more powerful you make your body, the faster you’ll be able to get rid of the flu and feel like yourself again. Keep your cabinets stocked with these items, and you’ll be ready to combat illness all year long.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Collins, Colo.