Heya, lovely readers! 

I want to talk about something super important to me and also regarding winter and colds. Some of you may have this dragging cold / flu that just won't seem to go away, but you desperately want it to so that you can go back to school, work, see friends and family, go out, and just to generally feel better.

Why are we more likely to get colds / the flu during winter? 

There are a number of reasons to why it's most common in the winter; however one of the most common reason is that the virus is much more stable in cold weather so it hangs and lingers in the air for longer, compared to hot weather, and therefore spreads much more easily.

So what I really want to explain is how to heal quicker and avoid serious complications, including bronchitis and viral or bacterial infections in the chest amongst other serious illnesses. So...

How do you heal quicker? 

There are many things you can do once you've caught the cold or flu. I would like to approach this the all-natural way which means no antibiotics/ medicine (ONLY if you have an infection or desperately need it).

Rest
Very important. If you have to go out to do something or have to go work, then I really do suggest you have naps when you get home or simply sleep for longer periods than what a human body needs (so 9 to 10 hours of sleep instead of the regular 7). Take a break from exercise, house work, and other activities which put strain on your body, for a few days. Do make sure to get some fresh air, though.

Food & Herbs
Without the right foods, you will not get better! Or it will just take much, much longer to recover. My dad is the perfect example; he gets the flu which typically lasts him a month and a half on average. I always tell him the same thing; "dad eat better and you'll get better." and, of course, he never listens.

I could really go on and on about foods that will speed up your healing, but the truth is that I can't as there are too many so I will primarily go through the types that are essential for recovery of colds and viruses:

Vitamin C
This is not only great for recovery, but also for prevention of future viruses. You can get this vitamin from lemons, kiwis, oranges, grapefruits etc.

Fruit and Vegetables
Any fruit in your reach, grab it, eat it. Although scientists have identified most of our needed vitamins, natural foods actually have much more unidentified potential vitamins and minerals. Try to make a small bowl of salad every day until you feel better, mix dark leafs and add a variety of coloured vegetables to it.

Seeds & Nuts
Literally, any seed/nut you find eat it. Our beautiful planet has enriched seeds and nuts with so much nutritional value that we should be eating lots every day. They fill you up, provide you with energy, filled with GOOD fats, and great for fighting viruses and colds off.

Protein
Very important to get protein in your system as your body needs energy and power. Make sure to consume easy to digest protein foods like eggs, chicken, fish, turkey, tofu etc. No steaks/red meats.


Other: Honey, Ginger (grounded for convenience), Ginseng, Cloves (whole/ground), Garlic, probiotic yogurt, olive oil, wholemeal carbs such as seeded brown toast/oats/brown rice/crackers/all unrefined foods, DARK chocolate (70% and higher, low fat and sugar),

You can't smell/taste? Eat spicy foods! It'll awaken your senses.

Liquids
Liquids are essential when you are sick, they help flush out all the toxins that your body is producing while trying to fight for victory. If you have a fever you can also lose a lot of water, so it is important to re-hydrate yourself with the following liquids:

Water
Very essential. Aim for up to 2 litres a day.

Vegetable/fruit juices
These can come ready or if you have enough energy you can make them yourself. If you're going to buy these ready then make sure to check the nutritional value for sugars, salts, fats etc. Try to get a fresh and natural juice - a good way to know this is by looking at the ingredients list and ensuring that all the ingredients are natural and comprehendable.

Soups/Hot drinks
Pure hot water, vegetable and miso broth, chicken soup, no caffeine teas; such as green tea, chamomile tea etc.

How to avoid this in the future? 

I really do urge this to anybody because I feel it's of extreme high importance. Everything I talked about above is a lifestyle choice you should be implementing n order to strengthen your immune system as well as the body in general. We are exposed to germs, bugs, viruses, and all kinds of bacteria everyday that can penetrate through our immune system if it's not strong enough.

Many people presume that eating healthier is only for bettering certain internal organs. But it almost benefits every part of you; especially your mind. Imaging thinking more clearly, positive thinking, and these were very easy to come by? That's what happens when you eat better, because you really are what you eat!

Don't rely on doctors and medicine to cure you; be proactive and be healthy. This will avoid all illnesses you can have.

Humans, animals, foods all come from Earth. We are one, we need each other.. in more ways than one. We all connect, even at times of crisis. <3

There is an answer for everything! Live life to its fullest!

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