Summer swept away and was replaced by gorgeous brisk air, cold nights, and windy afternoons. With fall comes the cold and flu season, that likes to stay not only for fall, but for winter and part of spring. Isn't it wonderful? Not!
Our household has dealt with our fair share of colds in the past few years (another joy of having kids!) and we finally have a system that works to cut the cold short, without drugs.
(well, I'll leave Daddy Mock out of that as he tends to reach for the Theraflu from time to time--but I refuse to buy it for him--poor guy must get it on his own!)
For the Adults:
Acidophilus: We down about a bottle of acidophilus every few days from the moment we feel the tickle in our throats. You know when you start feeling sick... start chucking the acid...seriously, it's a saver...many times we've never gotten sick due to this wonder.
Apple Cider Vinegar (RAW): Take about three shots of this (approx 2 tbsp in a half glass of water) throughout the day. ACV has a ton of health benefits, it purifies and detoxes your body. You really should have this a part of your daily routine, but it tastes horrible, so it's hard to commit! Buuut, when you're sick and tired, it's a life saver. This stuff is amazing for the metabolism as well!
Grape Seed Exctract: Very potent, yet very effective if you feel like you may have an infection coming on (sinus, ear, etc.). Drop about 6 drops in a shot of orange juice and you'll be taking a natural anti-biotic. If you want to double up on the anti-biotics, choose Oregeno as well (in capsules or oil form).
*all found at health food stores
For the Kiddos:
Humidifier: The second I hear the slight sound of congestion, the humidifier is in their room... it is a must-have. It keeps nasal passages clear to breathe and moisture in the air, which is great for the lungs. I add Tea Tree Oil to the top (I use steam humidifiers even though they are "no-no's in the pediatric world due to the potential burn injuries) which even opens up the airways more.
Elevate the mattress: This helps especially for Kid as he is a stay-put sleeper... we don't do it for Bee as he's too squirmy and ends up upside down... this helps drain the head and helps with coughing.
Olive Oil/ Garlic juice: This is specifically for ear infections. Heat up a tsp of olive oil, squeeze some garlic juice into it, mix and drop into the infected ear. It will calm your child immediately, kill the infection and save you from giving them antibiotics!
I've tried to do the ACV, but no matter how I mask it, it's just too potent for them! I do sneak acidophilus in their yogurt or Kefir milk, though... but I also try to limit dairy with them as it is mucous producing and can add to the problem of congestion.
I load them up on fruits and veggies (specifically kiwis and oranges which are high in Vit C).
Eliminate all dairy if possible (unless it's raw goat's milk, which is non-mucous producing).
Liquids, liquids, liquids! They enjoy being "sick" as they get carrot/ orange juice blend in their water all day. That's the good stuff!
Rest. Not too much activity (which is the hardest part around here!).
Fresh air! Get them outside, bundle them up... they need the fresh air. Get them out of your germ-fest house! Also, don't freak out if they don't have an appetite. Don't push food on them, their body is doing what is natural to them, protecting itself...think about you when you're sick, do you have an appetite?
What to avoid:
White Sugar/ Processed Sugars: Seriously, this is the worst thing you can do to your body. If you are fighting an oncoming illness or just getting over one... steer clear--it's like a sick-wish! This includes sodas, sugary drinks, etc..
Staying up late: The hours before midnight are your most theraputic hours for your body. Your body does most of it's healing during this time... go to bed early, you'll be surprised at how fast your body heals!
OTC Drugs: Seriously, these do nothing for you in the long run. Sure they "mask" your symptoms, but don't allow your body to use it's own power to fight off, kill, and build antibodies towards the illness you're dealing with. They also are laced with all kinds of inactive ingredients including food coloring, unnatural flavoring, sugar, sucralose, the list goes on. Don't add that to your system when it's already fighting something!
Anti-bacterial hand gel/sprays/soap: This stuff is NOT good for you. It kills everything on your skin, including all the necessary cells and bacteria that actually protects you. Your best bet is to wash your hands with a non-anti-bacterial soap. The more you use the alcohol-based poison, the more your literally stripping your skin's immune system.
Things to "up" in your diet:
-water
-tea with honey and lemon
-fresh garlic--this clears out your sinus passages
-fruits containing Vitamin C
-sleep
Of course a lot of this is standard for you health-conscious folk... and I'm sure I'm missing more, so if you have any secret remedies, do tell!