The Best Natural Cold Remedy
As a Gut Health Practitioner and Nutritionist, people often ask me… “What do you do when you get a cold?”
Before I tell you… it’s important for you to understand that coming down with the ‘Common cold’ or a ‘Flu’ is not necessarily a sign of weakened immune system. There are SO many types of ‘viruses’ going around at any one time, and when your body is exposed to ‘it’ for the first time there is a ‘reaction’ — that reaction is your symptoms.
The most common ‘reach-for-help’ are over the counter medications that promise to relieve your pain and symptoms. But guess what… they won’t cure your cold or flu — just mask your symptoms. And while they are masking your symptoms they are working AGAINST the health of your Gut Microbiome because their ingredients result in inflammation of the small intestine, loss of microvilli structure and thus reduced nutrient absorption. Eeeek!!
So what to do??
Targeting your GUT.
Because over 80% of your Immune System is located in your Gastrointestinal Tract…. and by taking care of your ‘gut’ you enhance your immune’s system to fight the war quickly and effectively.
How do you do that?
It’s so simple, that most people dismiss it as… “that won’t work”
But it does!
Consume a wide VARIETY of whole plants — even if it’s smoothies or soups — while you’re sick.
The FIBRE feeds your beneficial gut microbes which help you recover while improving resistance to infections. [1]
Here’s some more simple ways to help…
Make MY Super Elixir … a powerful blend of anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant natural ingredients that help support the immune system. I add to my smoothies, and add it to hot water for a warm elixir tea. You can get my SUPER ELIXIR recipe HERE
Nibble on organic Sauerkraut or Kimchi … Fermented foods have Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) microorganisms which play a beneficial role in the function of a healthy immune system. Tip: Get an organic one!
Big veggie soup … Make a big pot of soup with leek, garlic, potato, pumpkin, carrot, celery, veggie stock, split peas, kidney beans, cannellini beans and borlotti beans. These help feed your beneficial gut microbes — and when they get healthy YOU get healthy.
Sun your ‘bum’ … Morning (before 10am) and afternoon (after 4pm) sun for 10-20mins will give you a great natural dose of Vitamin D which plays a huge role in innate and adaptive immunity.
And last… but certainly by all means NOT the least… Make it a HUGE priority to Rest, Rest and then Rest … which includes pj’s, lots of nana naps, cups of ginger tea and watching your favourite series.
With (gut) love, Nat 💚
Gut Health Nutritionist
References
[1] What are the organs of the immune system? Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (2006).
[2] Wilson, D., Nicholson, J. (2016) Gut Microbiome Interactions with Drug Metabolism, Effacacy and Toxicity.