The post-holiday viral surge is here, and everywhere you look, friends, family, and coworkers are feeling under the weather.
Holiday gatherings, travel, and the hustle of preparing for the season have left many of us more vulnerable to catching colds or the flu.
When it comes to colds and flu, though, conventional medicine often has limited options for speeding up recovery.
Instead of just waiting it out with over-the-counter medications, there are natural ways to support your immune system, helping you overcome these viruses faster and feel better sooner.
Building up your immune system is the best way not only to prevent catching a cold or flu but also to recover more quickly if you do get sick.
Certain lifestyle changes and simple practices can make your immune system stronger, making it easier to shake off symptoms and bounce back to your usual self.
First, take care to support your immune system through your diet.
Increasing your protein intake can provide essential amino acids that are important for immune function, while reducing added sugars can help prevent your immune system from being compromised.
Adding fresh vegetables, especially garlic and onion, to your meals is another great choice, as these ingredients contain natural antibiotic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties that help your body fight off illness.
Another tip is to listen to what your body needs.
If you’re not feeling hungry, don’t push yourself to eat.
Sometimes, fasting can help your body recover more quickly from a cold.
If you do feel like eating, simple, soothing foods like soups and broths are ideal and easy for your body to process while it’s fighting an infection.
Lowering stress is another critical factor in helping you get over colds and flu more quickly.
The holiday rush often takes a toll on our immune systems, making us more susceptible to seasonal bugs.
Finding ways to slow down, rest, and manage stress can make a real difference, not only for recovering from this illness but also for avoiding the next one.
Detoxifying your body by sweating is also effective for speeding up recovery.
If you have access to a steam room or sauna, spending some time there can help ease your symptoms, reduce stress, and relieve some of the discomforts that come with colds and flu.
Getting plenty of rest is one of the most important actions you can take for a quicker recovery.
Sleep is essential for allowing your immune system to function optimally, and if you’re already sick, extra sleep will provide your body with the energy it needs to fight the virus.
Aim for seven to nine hours each night to ensure your immune system has the support it needs.
Finally, consider adding herbs and spices that can naturally promote healing.
Echinacea, turmeric, and olive leaf are known for their immune-boosting properties and can help ease cold and flu symptoms, promoting a faster recovery.
By incorporating these steps, you can avoid just “waiting out” your cold or flu symptoms and instead take action to support your recovery.
Here’s to feeling better, faster, and supporting your health through the rest of the season.
For more on boosting your immune system, check out this article from Healthline here and learn more about how to manage stress for a healthier immune system on WebMD here.