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8 Tips for a Flu-Free Winter Without a Flu Shot
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8 Tips for a Flu-Free Winter Without a Flu Shot
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By: Michelle Schoffro Cook
December 12, 2017
About Michelle
Follow Michelle at @mschoffrocook
No one ever wants to get sick with the flu. The body aches, congestion, fevers, chills and overall agony is just miserable. Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do that can help reduce the chances of getting a flu virus this season. By no means a comprehensive list, here are 8 of my favorite tips to enjoy a flu-free winter:
Eat Sauerkraut
Perhaps Germans have been onto a great flu fighter for years. It turns out that sauerkraut with live cultures usually contains the probiotics Lactobacillus plantarum which has been found in research to have anti-viral effects, making it a potential ally in the prevention or treatment seasonal flu viruses, among other types of viruses. Keep in mind that most of the sauerkraut found in grocery stores has been pasteurized, which kills all of the beneficial probiotics it contains, including L. plantarum. Opt for sauerkraut that is found in the refrigerator section of your health food or grocery store. The package should indicate “live cultures” or “unpasteurized” to ensure the beneficial bacteria are intact. Eat at least a half-cup daily.
Ramp Up Your Garlic Intake
Most people know that garlic is a potent antimicrobial, including anti-viral remedy. Add fresh garlic to your soups, stews, chilis, curries, salad dressings and more to reap the benefits of this potent herb. Fresh is best. Most of the antiviral benefits cannot be found in garlic powder. Ideally, chop garlic fresh and let it sit for 10 minutes before adding to your favorite recipes. Allowing it to come in contact with oxygen for 10 minutes prior to using activates garlic’s natural healing compounds for best results.
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Bring Your Own Pen
Pens and pencils usually contain plentiful numbers of infectious microbes so it’s best to carry your own in your purse or pocket. That way you’ll be able to avoid using viral-coated implements found at banks, work or any other place you’ll need to sign documents.
Eat More Yogurt
Research published in the British Journal of Nutrition shows that regular yogurt consumption can significantly cut your risk of a flu or other respiratory infection. That’s because some yogurt contains the probiotic strain Lactobacillus casei, which has been found to prevent respiratory infections, reduce the duration of one if you get it, and reduce nasal congestion linked to respiratory infection. That spells protection 3 ways. Ideally, be sure that the yogurt you choose contains live cultures and is low in sugar. Better yet, choose vegan yogurt since they don’t contain mucus-forming dairy products. Look for L. casei on the label.
Related: 3 Great Vegan Fermented Foods to Make at Home
Drink Peppermint Tea Daily
Peppermint is naturally antiviral which can help you ward off a flu, so drinking a cup of peppermint tea a few times daily can help ward off whatever flu bugs are going around. But if you still get infected, peppermint offers other help in the form of potent vapors that reduce sinus congestion linked with colds or flu. Use one teaspoon of the dried herb per cup of boiling water.
Exhale Around Coughing or Sneezing People
It’s a simple thing but trying not to breathe in the air that someone who seems sick has just contaminated may be helpful. Of course, it isn’t something you can do for long periods of time or even know whether a flu-infected person came through without your noticing, but it can help reduce your chances of inhaling that immediately-contaminated air.
Pop a Zinc Lozenge
Zinc is a mineral that is needed for a healthy immune system. Taking a zinc lozenge throughout flu season can give your immune system a much-needed boost but also help reduce your chances of any shortfalls of the mineral, like hair loss, having a chronic immune system disorder, having a hard time overcoming infections or getting frequent infections. Choose a zinc lozenge that is free of sugar. Follow package directions.
Eat Lots of Vitamin C-Rich Produce
While the media continues to debate whether vitamin C is really helpful for preventing a flu, here’s some basic nutritional knowledge everyone should know: you can’t have a strong immune system if you’re deficient in vitamin C. So, does the frequently-maligned vitamin actually help you fight off flu infections? It sure does. After all, you can’t fight infections if your immune system isn’t up to par. Some excellent sources of vitamin C include: broccoli, tomatoes, grapefruit, oranges and parsley.
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Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM is the publisher of the free e-news World’s Healthiest News, the Cultured Cook, president of ScentsationalWellness, and an international best-selling and 20-time published book author whose works include: The Cultured Cook: Delicious Fermented Foods with Probiotics to Knock Out Inflammation, Boost Gut Health, Lose Weight & Extend Your Life.
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37 comments
Veronica D
Veronica D15 minutes ago
Thank you so very much.
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Veronica D
Veronica D15 minutes ago
Thank you so very much.
SEND
Veronica D
Veronica D15 minutes ago
Thank you so very much.
SEND
Anne M
Anne M18 minutes ago
No. 9 - wear a scarf,, and if anyone near you sneezes of coughs,, you can cover your mouth and nose for a few minutes, so you don't inhale these air-born germs.. - Also don't touch your eyes/nose/mouth before you get home, and have thoroughly washed your hands.. - I have never had a flu shot in my life, and can't remember the last time I had the flu,, probably 15-20 years ago.. - Have had the odd cold though..
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Wesley Struebing
Wesley Struebing26 minutes ago
They don't, Jamie C. The virus in the flu SHOT is dead, as in there is no way a dead virus can give you the flu. Same as with polio. The shots are DEAD viruses; they also can't give you polio. (now, the flu nose sprays DO use an attenuated form of the virus, and there is a slight possibility of catching it or even getting a very mild infection, so yeah stay away from kids - and as I just read, the nose spray is NOT being used this year, primarily because of that slightly elevated risk) As far as getting a flu shot every year, it is for the reason that flu strains vary from year to year and new strain come into existence - and getting immunized for one strain does NOT protect you from other strains. It's like cancer, almost; one treatemtn will NOT eliminate all different cancers. The MOST effective shot this year, the quadrivalent type (recommended for people in my age category protects against 4 strains. You pick up a strain not included, and you'll most likely get sick. Repeat injections do NOT reduce the effectiveness. That's NOT how your immune system works. The only semi-accurate statement in your two posts is that effectiveness potential this year, and that is a preliminary estimate. Herd immunity can bring that percentage up (but you're right; we're seeing flu strains this year that we were not expecting to see, so, yeah effectiveness is poor right now)
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Michele B
Michele B36 minutes ago
thanx
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Ron Curtis
Ron Curtis36 minutes ago
First - Get the flu shot! It varies from year to year, because the flu virus mutates. It may not be completely effective, but it is the best protection you can give yourself, and any others, especially elderly or children whom you could infect, should you get the flu.
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Bill E
Bill Eabout an hour ago
Good tips, but I would suggest that you get a flu shot as well.
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Jamie Clemons
Jamie Clemonsabout an hour ago
The flu shot was only 10% effective this year. Repeat flu shots can reduce the effectiveness of the flu shot. If it really worked you wouldn't need it every year.
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Jamie Clemons
Jamie Clemonsabout an hour ago
Stay away from people who recently got the flu shot. They claim you can't get the flu from the shot but why do people who get the shot get a mild case of the flu then?
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