The people who are exposed to germs from flu and colds on a daily basis, such as flight attendants, doctors, teachers, etc. probably know quite a few easy tips on how to avoid catching and even preventing the germs spread from a sneezing child in the classroom or a sick passenger on the flight – many will suggest that you strengthen your immune system to prevent the bug from taking hold of you.
Here are some top tips to boost your immune system from those who are exposed to colds and flu on a daily basis:
Always wash your hands.
I’m sure we’re all tired of hearing it, however if you are coming into contact with people who are contagious to you and you will need to wash your hands over and over again. Even when you are out, and you touch the elevators, the lifts, door handles, you are coming into contact with dangerous germs. It sounds so simple but in fact, soap and water are doctors and nurses around–the–clock companions.
Try and use hand sanitizers that are alcohol based because if you are not near any soap and water, the sanitizer can kill off the flu and cold germs. That means not getting too close to people who are sick, like not shaking hands.
Strengthen your immune system by keeping your space around you clean.
If you are sick, it is better for you to stay at home. Your job is to heal and not to pass on the germs to other people, particularly if you are really sick.
Live a healthy lifestyle to boost your immune system, as it is important to look after your health.
That means getting enough rest and nutrition. Many think these are just old wives tales, but it is really important to get good nutritional food into your system, not to smoke and to keep allergies under control. If you don’t, your upper respiratory tract could become inflamed. This makes you more vulnerable to get a virus.
Boost your immune system by repairing your gut, because your gut is the gateway to health.
Nearly 80% of your immune system is situated in the gut. That means it needs to be in peak condition. Take a top quality probiotic to keep up good levels of bacteria to fight off infection.
Go slow on alcohol and sugar consumption because when you consume too much, you suppress the immune system, causing leaky gut. Just moderate alcohol consumption can suppress your central nervous system too which is part of your important immune system.
Reduce stress because stress suppresses the immune system.
Consider things like acupuncture, or yoga, or medication to reduce stress.
Take an immune booster which contains proteins and immunoglobulins which will boost your body’s line of defense.
Take supplements of glutathione and turmeric because they are antioxidants, important for the right functioning of the immune function. Glutathione is the main antioxidant in the body and is responsible for enhancing the immune system as well as assisting the liver with detoxification. Turmeric improves cardiovascular function and joint health.
Optimize on Vitamin D, which is a powerful immune system booster as it fights off infections. Pair your vitamin D supplement with vitamin K to ensure the vitamin D is well absorbed.
Drink a bone broth.
Maybe you remember your mother or grandmother giving you chicken broth when you were sick and how it made you feel so much better. It’s not just folklore – bone broth does actually benefit your immune system. Studies show that when you eat chicken soup during respiratory infection times, you quell inflammation.
It’s so easy to make – you boil turkey or chicken bones and vegetable pieces roughly for around 8 hours. Add some collagen or gelatin to the bone broth to optimize on strengthening your immune system and supporting a healthy gut to protect your body against invasive pathogens.
Keep up these tips in the flu and cold seasons and you will not only prevent flu and colds from invading your body, but will keep your body on the path to achieving optimal health.
The Immune Defense Summit brings together 40 experts in integrative medicine and science (including top physicians specializing in the treatment of COVID-19) to discuss the strengthening of your immune system to help protect from all types of diseases, viruses, common pathogens and drug-resistant “superbugs.”
Incorporate Eucalyptus Oil Into Your Life
Enhancing mental balance and well-being, the fresh, clean, and woodsy scent of eucalyptus essential oil will make you feel as though you’re out in the deep forest breathing natural air. The great eucalyptus offers applications in bug repellant, warding off infections, supporting the healing of wounds, and strengthening the respiratory system.
The oil also offers effective immune strengthening properties and is fabulous during the cold and flu season. Together with peppermint, rosemary, pine, myrrh, and frankincense, eucalyptus fortifies this Respiratory Blend with its expectorant properties and its immune supportive nature.
All of the oils used in this blend complement each other because they create a beautiful synergy of anti-inflammatory expectorant, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. This helps to combat respiratory infections, reduce mucus, and relieve coughing. It is wonderful as well for respiratory conditions such as asthma.
I am including an infographic from Positive Health & Wellness on using essential oils for a sore throat. Enjoy!
Respiratory Blend
Ingredients For This Blend:
- 2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
- 3 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
- 3 drops Pine Essential Oil
- 6 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- 8 drops Myrrh Essential Oil
- 8 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
- 30 ml Jojoba Oil
Directions for Use:
Breathe easy by blending all oils in a small glass jar until well combined. Use as needed, applying topically to the chest and throat, as well as over the reflex points. Breathe in the scent slowly and deeply while you apply. Alternatively, you might also diffuse the blend throughout the room. Store in a dark glass bottle.
This is great information! I use essential oils from time to time and having the breakdown of what they are meant to do is really helpful!
Thank you Harmony 🙂 I’m glad you found it to be useful.
Sometimes things show up when they are supposed to. I really needed this article, I love essential oils and I’ve been having respiratory issues. I’m going to try it right now. I also pinned your article so others who need to see this can!
It works wonderfully for my family! Thank you so much for pinning, I really appreciate it!
I don’t nearly use essential oils as much as I should. I could totally use this, especially now that it’s allergy season.
I may be biased, but this blend really does work very well 🙂
I’m so glad I came across this. I think I have my first summer cold already. Womp womp..
Ouch! My daughter got a cold yesterday. That said, it is snowing here today… maybe she was prepping early 😉
I love eucalyptus and peppermint! Thanks for sharing this blend.