8 Natural, Holistic Ways for Preventing the Flu or Cold

During the winter seasons or cold months, you may want to know natural, holistic ways for preventing or fighting the flu or cold.  The first thought may be to address potential symptoms, however, focusing on supporting the natural immune system can help the body stay healthy.  If you notice annoying symptoms, it’s evidence that the immune system is actively fighting against the cold.

Strengthen your immune system instead of focusing on managing symptoms only. Here are 8 natural, holistic ways for preventing the flu or cold.

1. Wash hands thoroughly

   • Washing your hands can reduce the risk of respiratory infections and spreading of germs. Be sure to wash your hands when you come home, especially for kids who go outside to play or go to school.

• • Use natural, essential oil based soaps or hand sanitizers for antimicrobial and antiviral effect. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends using natural soaps and water to clean your hands. Antibacterial soaps contain an antibiotic compound, triclosan, which can contribute to hormone imbalances and making antibiotic resistant bacteria.

2. Gargle with salt water

   • In Japanese culture, people are encouraged to gargle with salt water or gargle medicine to prevent illnesses and infections. Along with washing hands when coming home, gargle with salt water or gargle medicine to get rid of germs.  There are studies that show gargling can reduce upper respiratory tract infections.

3. Increase vitamin A and D3 intake

   • Many people are deficient in vitamin A and vitamin D3, which can weaken the immune system. Especially during the winter months, people have deficient levels of vitamin D3 because of lower sun exposure. Sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D3.   Additionally, vitamin A deficiency can lead to increased risk of severe infections.

• • Vitamin A is known to strengthen the respiratory tract, gut, and immune system. Vitamin D3 is known to be an anti-infective agent and provides a protective effect against microbial pathogens and infections.

• • Supplement your diet with vitamin A and D3 rich foods. Some food sources for vitamin A are dark, green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, chard, amaranth, carrots, squashes, pumpkins (kabocha, Japanese pumpkins), sweet potatoes, papayas, mangoes, breast milk, and eggs.  Aside from sun exposure, vitamin D3 can be obtained from eating oil-rich fish, such as mackerel, salmon, sardines, and tuna.

4. Take homeopathic remedy called Oscillococcinum. (Oscillo)

   • Studies have shown that Oscillo is effective in combating flu-like symptoms and shortens the duration of the flu or cold. At the onset of cold or flu-like symptoms, take Oscillo based on the instructions on the box or by consulting your health care provider.

1. • Typically, Oscillo comes in the form of small pellets that needs to be dissolved in a few ounces of water for consumption.

5. Take elderberry syrup

   • Elderberry syrup has been found to combat the flu and common cold in recent studies. There are elderberry syrups that can be bought at your local health stores or there are plenty of do-it-yourself homemade recipes for creating elderberry syrups. Elderberry syrup is a natural remedy that can be used for boosting and strengthen your immune system.

6. Take Chinese herbs, such as Windbreaker

   • The pharmaceutical effects of herbs have been found to help prevent and treat respiratory infections by inhibiting microbial pathogens and help boost the immunity system’s activity.

7. Take probiotic supplements or eat foods fermented foods that are probiotic-rich.

   • Studies shows that probiotics improve gut health and gut health is associated with a stronger immune system.

• • In order to consume probiotics, you can take probiotic supplements in capsule form or eat probiotic-rich foods, such as kimchi (Korean fermented vegetables), natto (Japanese fermented soybeans), kefir, sauerkraut.

8. Eat Manuka honey

   16. Manuka honey that is derived from a New Zealand flower plant called Leptospermum scoparium, is a powerful antibacterial agent and helps with cellular viability and inflammation. The brand I personally buy is Wedderspoon’s Raw Manuka Honey with a KFactor of 16.

Remember there are very practical ways to strengthen and support your immune system that are well under your own control.  Take these recommended actions or natural remedies to boost your innate healing powers that reside within your own body.  I’ve personally used or taken the natural remedies I recommend here.

Furthermore, these natural remedies are some actionable-items for helping your own children when they are fighting off a cold or flu.

Lastly, if you have other health issues or you don’t seem to be getting better, then consult your health care provider before using these natural remedies.