Tips to Avoid & Recovery Period From the Flu

So as of yesterday, a flu emergency was declared in the state of New York.  Many of us think that the cold weather is to blame, when in reality our body's equilibrium is responsible for our well being.  When the body is at homeostasis it is able to function optimally and protect us against viruses, bacteria and everything else that may harm us.  However, when this balance is tipped off, we become vulnerable.





Why do more people get sick in the winter?

Mall crowds

More people tend to stay indoors with the cold weather.  Being in an enclosed space with a large amount of people with poor air circulation, means more exposure toward EVERYONE's germs! Staying indoors also means people are getting less fresh air.  This sort of makes sense why I have been able to skip this season's flu during the Ultimate Reset. 
One of the supplement was called "Oxygenize".  I learned that viruses and bacteria has a poor survival rate in an Oxygen rich environment.  Thank you Oxygenize!

Cover yourself!

According to an NYU microbiology and immunology professor,  viruses circulate better in the cold weather.  Not just viruses but other viruses to.  This combined with people who don't sneeze/cough into a tissue and don't practice good hygiene equals more people getting sick.  Remember folks, sharing IS NOT ALWAYS CARING.

Travel

Travel is another big contributing factor, just like any other disease epidemic. For example, someone goes to California, and there is a small flu outbreak there, travels back to New York.  After sitting on a plane for about roughly eight hours, the virus would have circulated around that small enclosed space for quite some time.  Everyone in that plane is now exposed and when they land in New York, they all go to different parts of New York with that virus and share the love with everyone else in their area. A way to prevent this is to get the flu vaccine.  Costco is allowing people without membership cards to get the vaccine now for $16 :)

Take a breather!

Stress is often overlooked but it is a factor as well.  It's the end of the year, people have tons of projects, exams, responsibilities, Christmas shopping to do.  The list goes on and on! When someone is stressed, it spikes cortisol level in the body.  Increased cortisol means the more likely you are to get a nasty infection.  It responds to stress and in turn it lowers your immunity, you will be sick within 48-72 hours.  Sometimes stress is not avoidable but try to get enough sleep and hydrate yourself! Minimum of 64 fl oz a day.


Now that we know why people tend to get more sick in the winter, lets go over on HOW TO help yourself from this terrible trend.

Make these a part of your daily diet

1. Eat fruits & vegetables that are high in Vitamin C.  This includes but are not limited to oranges, papaya (highest in Vit C), strawberries, blueberries, raspberries,  kiwi, cantaloupe, pineapple, bell peppers, broccoli,  brussel sprouts, kale, spinach, cauliflower, mustard greens, and parsley.

Use a multi-vitamins / immune boosters

2. Take your multi-vitamins & supplements! Make sure they are GOOD quality not your regualr OTC garbage.  I will not say names but half of these OTC multi-vitamins are made out of ingredients that should not even be deemed legal on the "health" market. Try:

• Activit
• Cordastra (HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS ONE)
• Opti - Men / Women
• Mega food 
• New Chapter
• Trader Joe's one daily for men/women

Always carry hand sanitizers!

3.  Practice proper hygiene, WASH YOUR HANDS! Make sure your hands are at a downward angle, luke warm water and wash for 20 seconds :) A good way to estimate the 20 seconds is sing happy birthday twice!

Get some shut eyes

4. Get enough sleep, to reduce cortisol level & HYDRATE! Minimum of 64 fl oz/day.  Take your body weight, divide by 2 and that is the # of fl oz water you should drink daily.  Water helps flush out toxins from your body making sure your immune system is able to function optimally.

Vaccinations are available in most pharmacies!

5. Get Vaccinated! $16 at Costco NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED! 

For those of you who are already sick, here are some tips to help you get well soon :)

• Get enough REST! it is so important for you to let your body recover! For those of you who are working out, I know it is hard.  But trying to workout through a sickness will just be a set back for you!
• Eat extra calories.  Your body needs fuel to begin the healing and recovery process! No I do not mean go get a doughnut, I mean foods that are nutrient dense! Avoid refined sugars and alcohol! Shakeology is a great option especially with all the superfoods in it ;) 
•  Stay positive! The more you think of how sick you are the sicker you will be! The human psychology plays a GREAT role in immunity! 
• Keep active.  Unless you are absolutely in the brink of death, I suggest you take a walk, clean your room, cook or so something to move around.  Laying in bed all day will just leave you feeling groggy and worse!
• Reduce stress. Maybe an epsom soak bath? ;) Stress will cause your muscles to tense up which will make you achy!