You feel it starting. That tickle in your throat. That tingle in your nose. Then the sneezing starts, you realize you are getting sick. Our typical response is to run to the store and grab the first box of cold and flu medicine, orange juice, and chicken noodle soup. We need to keep going. Staying alert and being productive. Although this process can be helpful, it may not be enough to keep our bodies healthy. If you strengthen your defenses, your body will respond with vitality. Once you learn to work with your immune system as a team, you will have less down time, and an easier way through cold and flu season. There are several different ways to take your immune system to the gym. Probiotics is the first line of defense in your gut, it makes up 80% of your immune system. This is where your body recognizes dangerous bacteria and removes them. Keeping the probiotic population up will assist you on many levels. Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetable fiber will aid your body in the process of eliminating the bacteria that makes us sick. Of course Vitamin C and other supplements are beneficial and will always be on the list for preventative care during the colder months. If you are curious what the best supplement for you is consult your doctor or alternative healer. It is always best to speak with a professional before beginning a new health care regiment. A tried and true immune super booster making its come back is bone broth. Our Grandmother’s old recipe is now gaining popularity as a home remedy. Bone broth bars are even springing up in California. This once common meal base was replaced in favor of MSG. Bone broth disappeared during the industrial revolution, when companies found MSG to be more convenient. Cooking down bones in large vats for days was time consuming and less cost effective. The loss of bone broth took all the added nutrients with it. Bone broths dense nutrients handle an infinite number of chores throughout the body and is high in vitamins and minerals. Absorbing these high levels of nutrients in liquid form allows the digestive system to utilize them much quicker, strengthening the immune system. This is why Grandmas’ chicken noodle soup was given at the first sign of a cold or flu, and is still suggested today. Making it yourself is inexpensive and very easy. All you need is a crock pot and left over chicken, turkey or beef bones. You can also purchase soup bones at your local meat markets. Preventative care will be your best line of defense for your immune system. Stock up in advance and know what works best for you and your family. Different ailments call for different support. Sometimes old home remedies can be the very best help and pretty tasty too. Bone appetite, and happy holiday season.
