You may think that springtime, as temperatures begin to rise, reduces the risk of getting sick. However, allergies and colds are quite common at this time of the year, and they can have you reaching for homeopathic cold remedies. However, getting sick is not a given, and there are things you can do to reduce your chances. The best way is to keep your immune system strong. You can do this by avoiding activities that weaken it and eating foods that boost immunity.
Keep Your Stress in Check
If you want to avoid getting sick and needing a homeopathic remedy for cough and other symptoms, one important aspect is staying as stress free as possible. Emotional and physical stress disrupts the communication between the brain and the immune system. Chronic stress causes hormones to be released, and it also severely depresses the immune system. It is estimated that up to 90% of illnesses are caused by stress because of the immune suppression that results.
A little stress here and there is normal, and it can be good for you. However, ongoing stress is harmful for many reasons. Some things you can do to minimize stress include:
Incorporate Superfoods
Another way to reduce the chances of getting sick is to eat more superfoods to fight colds. Superfoods refer to whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in nutrients. Your immune system depends on numerous vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to build stronger and to function at its best. Some of the key nutrients needed for the immune system, and foods high in them, include:
If your current diet does not contain many of these superfoods, you may want to begin to incorporate more into your diet. You may think that supplements are just as good, but whole foods are almost always a better source. You should also choose organic when available, as they are more nutrient dense than their non-organic counterparts.
Aim to increase your intake of both cooked and raw veggies and fruits. You should also have some protein and good fats at every meal. If eating some of these superfoods is hard for you, incorporate them into soups, pasta sauces, smoothies, and egg dishes. Pureeing veggies or cutting them up really small makes them easier to add to dishes, and it is a good way to sneak them in without your kids knowing they are there.
Getting sick is never fun. Stay healthy this spring by lowering your stress levels and eating nutrient-rich foods.
