Fight off cold and flue attacks the natural way

About a year ago I decided to not take any medications and only use all natural methods. Having 4 children you can see how expensive it was getting. Not only that but I was noticing that these over the counter medicines were only masking the symptoms, but they were filled with all kinds of things I could not even pronounce. I could not believe how long I was giving my kids these medications. Bad bad mommy. Since then we have used alternative methods to help us get healthy and fight off colds. We have had some ear infections and strep throat that we took our girls into their doctors and was prescribed medications. Now instead of just heading over to the doctor right away, we will try to fix it naturally. We call their doctor and get advise about everything that comes our way. If their doctor wants my girls to come in, we head right on over. But almost 80% of the time we do not have to and our natural methods work. This might not be for everyone but it works for us.

We have saved a ton of money in many ways. The best example is when my twins get a cold. When one gets sick, the other is usually sick too. Its unavoidable. In order to take my twins to the doctor it cost me $40 (2 $20 co pay)just to walk in the door. Yikes! And then there's the medication cost too. Last month I took all 4 of my daughters in to get flu shots and it cost me $80.

There are lots of ways to prevent getting sick. Even with flu shots, you can still get sick. You want to do everything you can to prevent getting sick. That means keeping your hands clean, exercising daily, getting enough sleep, controlling stress, and eating right. While there is no food that can protect you 100% (not even chicken soup! but it can shorten the flu's duration), eating lots of healthy foods can deliver the nutrients to fortify your immune system.

Eat healthy

Vitamin A-Keeps the lining of your nasal and respiratory passages in shape so they can defend against invaders. This vitamin is so important for fighting infection that even a small deficiency boost your risk of respiratory ills. But too much of it can cause birth defects and raise the odds of osteoporosis.

Vitamin A can be found in bright-orange and deep green veggies. Sweet potatoes, winter squash, carrots(super cheap), spinach(fresh if you can), kale and collard greens.

Protein

Protein provides raw materials to manufacture disease busting antibodies. More antibodies means less infection. Many protein heavy foods contain saturated fats so be aware of this.

Steer clear of steak, dark meat poultry and full-fat-cheeses;stick with low fat dairy, skinless white chicken, ground turkey breast, tofu, fish, nuts and beans.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C protects your lungs from flu damage by helping your body crank out protective immune cells known as chemokines and cytokines. These defenders send signals throughout your body, telling it that its infection-fighting time.

Not only drink your OJ but also produce superstars contain vitamin C. Strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes and kiwi also are filled with vitamin C.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D-3 strengthens your immune-fighting capabilities but many of us come up short of this vitamin in winter. If you feel your living outside of the sun belt, head on over to the store and pick up some Vitamin D-3 and get 1,000 IU of it a day. Take with a little fat to help absorption.

Friendly Fats

Healthy fats are found in many nuts. Walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and peanuts have lots of friendly fats in them. Also olive oil and avocados too! They help you absorb vitamins A and D and also decrease inflammation which means you will suffer less with the flu.

Watch your weight

Eating more than you need can weaken your resistance. Researchers have found that too much blubber suppresses your inflammation fighters.

Anyway you look at it, you need to eat healthy and exercise to keep the flu/colds away. Here are a few things you should have around your home that can help with colds/flu

Honey-Do not give honey to an infant under 12 months. "For at least 2700 years, honey has been used to treat a variety of ailments through topical application, but only recently have the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of honey been chemically explained. Wound Gels that contain antibacterial honey and have regulatory approval for wound care are now available to help conventional medicine in the battle against drug resistant strains of bacteria MRSA. As an antimicrobial agent honey may have the potential for treating a variety of ailments. One New Zealand researcher says a particular type of honey may be useful in treating MRSA infections. Antibacterial properties of honey are the result of the low water activity causing osmosis, hydrogen peroxide effect, and high acidity. Honey may also be used to alleviate the effects of a sore throat, by mixing with lemon juice and consumed. The mixture coats the throat alleviating discomfort, and the antibacterial, antiseptic properties are good for the throat as well." (Wikipedia)

For coughs we take 1tsp of honey and lemon juice and slowly let it dissolve in our mouth.

ACV aka Apple Cider Vinegar-Apple Cider Vinegar, that wonderful old-timers home remedy, cures more ailments than any other folk remedy -- we're convinced! From the extensive feedback received from many people over the years, the reported cures from drinking Apple Cider Vinegar are numerous. They include cures for allergies (including pet, food and environmental), sinus infections, acne, high cholesterol, flu, chronic fatigue, candida, acid reflux, sore throats, contact dermatitis, arthritis, and gout. One person reported that a shot of ACV saved him from going to the emergency room for heart pain. Apple Cider Vinegar also breaks down fat and is widely used to lose weight. It has also been reported that a daily dose of apple cider vinegar in water has high blood pressure under control in two weeks!

Apple Cider Vinegar is also wonderful for pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. It helps them with arthritic conditions, controls fleas & barn flies, and gives a beautiful shine to their coats!
If you can get over the taste of apple cider vinegar, you will find it one of the most important natural remedies in healing the body. As a wonderful side effect of drinking apple cider vinegar every day, doctors have discovered that it brings a healthy, rosy glow to one's complexion! This is great news if you suffer from a pale countenance.
When were sick we take 2 tbsp of ACV a day. One in the morning and one in the evening.
Cayenne PepperCayenne Pepper is an herb made from the dried pods of chili peppers. Besides being a very popular spice in cooking, cayenne has also been used medicinally for thousands of years. High in Vitamins A, C, B complex, calcium and potassium, cayenne is a wonderful healing aid for the digestive system since it acts as a catalyst and increases the effectiveness of other foods and herbs when used with them. It is also very healing for the heart and circulatory system. Studies have shown that Cayenne can rebuild the tissue in the stomach and the peristaltic action in the intestines.
Cayenne is traditionally used by herbalists to cure stomach aches, cramping, gas, varicose veins, allergies, and constipation. One of the most amazing healing properties of cayenne is that it has been used successfully time and time again to relieve heart attacks.
When we are sick I try using the cayenne pepper and make spicy meals. Especially with stuffy nose's, this spice does the trick.
I could go on and on about things in your home to help ailments. One amazing site I recommend is http://www.earthclinic.com/. You name it, its there. This is my go to site anytime we have any problems. Readers have the ability to leave suggestions or warn against suggestions. Yea or No letting you know what worked or doesn't work. Bookmark this site and try it out next time you need a cure for any ailment you might have.

Note:I am not a doctor and if you medical advise call your doctor. These are just things that I have tried and we make a personal choice to live our life this way. Each persons body is different so call your doctor and talk to them about any natural method or plan you are planning to try.
Credits-Oregonian, wikipedia, and www.earthclinic.com