Last Updated on November 13, 2023 by Cathy
The cold and flu season is just around the corner. No one likes getting the cold or flu but when you have multiple sclerosis (MS) it’s a bigger threat. When you have MS a cold or flu can make your symptoms get worse, or you could have a relapse.
It’s been years since I had the flu but when I did it caused my legs to become paralyzed. I wouldn’t even be able to roll over in bed and needed my husband to help me sit up. This happened due to a fever which caused a rise in body temperature. Fortunately, that hasn’t happened in a long time and I owe it to my lifestyle.
Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices boosts your immune system. They have antioxidants, fiber, minerals, phytonutrients, and vitamins that benefit your body. It gives your body a chance to fight off pathogens like the cold and the flu.
If you take one of the MS medications that suppresses your immune system. Then it’s more important for you to take extra measures to protect yourself.
Protect Yourself
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Colds and flu happen mostly in the fall and winter, but they can happen at any time of the year. That’s why it’s important to take protective steps year-round. To stay healthy during cold and flu season, develop good habits that boost your immune system. This will help reduce your risk of getting sick.
Here are some effective natural ways to protect yourself:
1. Hand Hygiene
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Especially after being in public places, touching surfaces, or coughing/sneezing. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer. Instead of buying hand sanitizers, try using natural alternatives such as essential oils. For example, you can dilute tea tree oil or lavender oil in carrier oils. These can help kill bacteria and viruses without irritating the skin. This is the hand sanitizer I take with me everywhere I go: Dr. Bronner’s – Organic Hand Sanitizer Spray.
2. Be Mindful
Be mindful of what you touch. You get germs from pushing shopping carts, opening doors, and shaking hands. Don’t touch your eyes, face, mouth, and nose where germs can enter your body. Carry a hand sanitizer and always wash your hands after being out in public.
3. Respiratory Hygiene
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of tissues properly, and wash your hands immediately.
4. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining the body’s defenses. Hot herbal teas, warm water with lemon and honey, or clear broths are soothing and hydrating. I like drinking lemon water because it contains electrolytes which include essential minerals.
5. Healthy Diet
Eat a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. They contain nutrients that boost our immune systems, like vitamin C and antioxidants. Mushrooms, such as shiitake and maitake, contain compounds that enhance the immune system. Incorporate these into your diet. Both garlic and onions have immune-boosting properties. Add them to a wide range of dishes for flavor and health benefits. They contain allicin, a compound known for its antimicrobial and immune-enhancing effects.
Used herbs like echinacea to help the immune system. Maintain a healthy gut by consuming lots of fruits and vegetables. A balanced gut microbiome is crucial for a healthy digestive system. Studies found people with MS have more bad gut bacteria than people without MS.
6. Get Enough Sleep
Prioritize your sleep! When you don’t get enough sleep it can weaken your immune system. Plus, your body heals while you’re sleeping.
7. Stress Management
Stress increases inflammation making it easier to catch a cold and flu. To boost your immune system, try calming activities like meditation or deep breathing. Spend time in nature, it’s peaceful and lowers your stress. Try elevating your mood with the Mood Booster.
8. Regular Exercise
Engage in regular exercise to boost your immune system and overall health. Aim for at least 20-30 minutes of exercise each day. This is extremely important for people with MS. It helps to keep you strong and mobile. I like using an online gym for MS called OptimalBody Personal Fitness. The owner also has MS so he knows from experience what works. The exercises are for any level of MS including for those in a wheelchair.
Don’t stop moving! When you’re living with MS if you stop moving it can cause more disease progression. Even if you’re in a wheelchair – stay active.
9. Vitamin Supplements
Consider vitamin and mineral supplements to help boost your immune system. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking supplements. Supplements can interfere with certain medications.
10. Avoid Close Contact
If someone in your household is sick, minimize close contact. It can be hard when you have young children but do the best you can. Take precautions like wearing a mask and maintaining good hygiene.
Load Up On Anti-viral Foods
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A 20-year study found Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the main cause of MS. Which means the cause of MS is due to a viral infection. Colds, flu, and EBV are all viruses. You need to eat a diet that is high in foods that kill viruses.
Foods and herbs that fight colds and viruses include:
- Broccoli
- Cat’s claw
- Cinnamon
- Citrus fruits
- Echinacea
- Elderberry
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Leafy greens
- Lemon balm
- Licorice root
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Oregano
- Oregano oil
- Peppermint tea
- Raw honey
- Rose hips tea, it’s extremely high in vitamin C
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Turmeric
- Wild blueberries
When you’re not feeling well, drinking herbal teas can also help make you feel better. Try herbal teas like chamomile, echinacea, or ginger. Homemade chicken or vegetable broths can also be nourishing and hydrating.
Natural Ways to Protect Yourself from the Cold and Flu Season
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To avoid colds and the flu, take a holistic approach to boost your immune system and stay healthy. This will lower your chances of getting sick. To stay healthy all year, remember prevention is important. Use natural methods and good hygiene. Stay well and enjoy the benefits of a strong and resilient immune system.
Natural prevention methods for colds and flu are simple and effective. Prioritize a healthy lifestyle, nourish your body, and practice good hygiene. These habits can go a long way in keeping you well during the season. Stay healthy and take care!
Here are some other ways to stay healthy:
- Avoid Crowds. In colder weather, people tend to spend more time indoors in close proximity to one another. This increased indoor crowding provides more opportunities for viruses to spread from person to person. Schools often start in the fall, bringing together large groups of children in close contact. Children can easily transmit viruses to each other and to their families. Take extra precautions and teach your children to wash their hands to stop the spread of germs. Keep yourself informed about local outbreaks. If needed, stay home.
- Stay Active Outdoors. Cold weather can discourage outdoor activities, try to spend time outdoors when possible. Getting sunlight and fresh air helps regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle. It also promotes good health. Just be sure to dress warmly and watch out for icy areas to prevent falls.
- Humidify Indoor Air. Using a humidifier in your home can help maintain optimal humidity levels in the winter. This helps stop infections and keep your nose and throat from getting dry.
- Steam Inhalation. If you breathe in steam from hot water, it can relieve congestion and make cold symptoms milder. You can add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint for added relief.
- Stay Connected Socially. Staying away from sick friends and family is important. You can fight loneliness and feel better by talking to loved ones on video or social media.
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