Nothing is more annoying than waking up on a Sunday morning feeling as though a train has run over your body. That’s exactly what happened to me because the flu virus multiplied and infected my system to the point of smashing me with symptoms out of nowhere.
Frustratingly, I could have avoided it. I know I could have.
My father was the first to get it and in that week, rather than take precautions and dial it in with my diet, I took on the opposite approach. My diet was pathetic, my supplementation plan took a back seat and my overall bedtime shifted from 10 pm all the way back to 12 am.
All these things significantly weakened my immune system to the point of catching the flu. It absolutely sucked!
Fever, dizziness, sinus issues, sore throat, headache and a nagging cough plagued me all the way until Tuesday night.
However, today, I feel as if I’m almost healed. What’s surprising is that I didn’t go onto a course of antibiotics. I did, however, take about 3 pain killers in that time but that was it in terms of medication.
I believe it was a combination of the remedies discussed below that helped me kick the flu in the butt and recover in just 4 days.
1. 5 CUPS OF GREEN TEA PER DAY
Ask me about Green Tea and I’ll harp on and on about all the wonderful effects this green elixir has had on my body.
From it’s anti-inflammatory effects to its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Green tea is a must have in every kitchen!
Apparently, researchers have discovered that EGCG has the ability to inhibit the influenza A virus endonuclease making green tea a possibly effective remedy for flu prevention and treatment.
I started downing 5 cups of Green Tea throughout the day in 2 – 3hour intervals and it literally made a huge difference in how I felt. It sorted out my sore throat within 2 days which blew my mind because that’s usually the last symptom to leave my system.
2. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR 3 TIMES A DAY
The next best antifungal and antiviral drink would have to be apple cider vinegar. This fermented drink has been used for centuries and with good reason. I try to drink at least a tablespoon of ACV a day but this past weekend, I decided to up the dosage and drink about 3 tablespoons before each meal. Here’s the trick though, dilute it with water. That should dull the taste significantly!
As far as possible, stick with organic apple cider vinegar that also has the ‘mother’ or ‘scoby’ present. But, if you don’t have that on hand, use regular apple cider vinegar.
3. 1 – 2 LITRES OF CARROT, BEETROOT, AND APPLE JUICE
When sick, the last thing you want to do is starve your body of vital vitamins and nutrients.
It’s going to need it to fight off the flu and all the associated symptoms. But, as you probably know, not everyone can stomach eating food when literally tossing around in bed with pain and fever.
Which is why I opted to juice carrot, beetroot and apples for a taste, nutritionally dense and super healthy drink to aid my system.
4. BONE BROTH
Packed with branch chain amino acids like L-glutamine, bone broth is a must have regardless of whether you’re sick or not. During this sickly weekend, I made it a priority to sip on bone broth throughout the entire day to soothe and nourish my gut.
Alternatively, prepare a regular pot of fresh chicken soup with lots of root vegetables and herbs. It’s just as nourishing as bone broth that is gentle on the gut.
5. VITAMIN C AND OMEGA 3 SUPPLEMENTATION
Vitamin C is scientifically known to boost the immune system, lower hyper tension, promote elasticity in the skin and so much more.
It makes sense to supplement with Vitamin C to give your immune system that well needed boost to fight off the flu virus. Vitamin C or as some would like to call it, Ascorbic Acid, should come from a healthy nutrition plan but that doesn’t mean you’re getting enough. Sometimes, supplementing with 500 – 1000iu of Vitamin C may just become essential during the cold season.
Omega 3 fish oil is a fatty acid that is incredibly anti-inflammatory. If you’re taking traditional medications that tend to exacerbate inflammation in your body (or if you suffer from a chronic inflammatory disease), Omega 3 supplementation is epic for you! Start off with 500 – 1000iu per day and increase the amount if needed.
6. TURMERIC, GINGER AND HONEY MILK
It is no secret that turmeric, aka curcumin, is known for its wonderful healing antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties but it also happens to be the secret ingredient to this healing, soothing and rejuvenating golden drink.
Turmeric tea (aka haldi milk) is a staple in our house and we swear by it for all symptoms flu related. Be careful though, you want to use all organic products and avoid cows milk in this particular case. Throw in some black pepper and a few chopped almonds for maximum benefits of and a delicious tasting drink.
7. PEPPERMINT OIL IN HOT WATER TO CLEAR SINUSES
Struggling with a stuffy nose? Can’t get your airways to clear up so that you can sleep peacefully through the night? No problem, in a bowl, mix a few drops of peppermint oil in steaming hot water, cover your head with a towel (if you can manage too) and inhale the peppermint steam through your nose as best you can.
I guarantee that within 5 minutes, your nasal passages will be clearer and breathing through your nose will be much easier!
WHAT SHOULDN’T YOU DO WHEN SICK?
Look, as much as we may want to get as much done as possible and keep up with all our habits, it’s not always wise to push ourselves too hard when recovering from illness. Don’t engage in strenuous exercises, avoid all junk food, try not to sleep late at all and don’t exhaust yourself by staring at a computer screen all day and night.
It’s just a few days of sacrifice before you can resume normal activities but until you’re better, focus on recovery over performance or else you’ll just extend the time needed to fully heal.