Flu Prevention Strategies

The flu is floating around….let’s talk about how to be proactive without feeling like you have to hide from the world. I’ve compiled some tools, recommendations, resources, and products that I think you’ll find helpful.

1. Shoes OFF

Pathogens can live for DAYS on shoes. Taking shoes off when you enter your home is a simple, FREE and powerful sickness prevention strategy (plus, it keeps your home cleaner too!)

2. Force of Nature Cleaner

This is hands down THE best non toxic cleaning product out there, if you ask me. It kills 99.9% of viruses (including norovirus, RSV, and the viruses that cause the flu). When there’s lots of germs floating around, I am spraying down high touch surfaces often to be proactive….especially counters, doorknobs, fridge handles, remote controls, phones, etc. You can even spray the soles of your shoes as a bonus step from the tip above!

3. Get Sun When You Can

When the weather allows it, try to spend a chunk of time (shoot for 10-30 minutes) outdoors to promote production of Vitamin D.

4. Minimize Sugar Intake

We all know this, but it bears repeating. Sugar consumption decreases white blood cell function by up to 50% for several hours after intake. It also reduces vitamin C absorption, raises blood sugar and inflammation, and disrupts your gut health.

5. Prioritize Nutrient Density

Incorporate sources of:

• Vitamin A: carrots, oranges, sweet potatoes, beef liver, cod liver oil, egg yolks, butter & ghee, goat cheese, cheddar cheese, fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel, tuna), squash

• Vitamin C: oranges, lemons, grapefruit, bell peppers (especially the red ones), strawberries, kiwi, papaya, guava, broccoli, pineapple, mango, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kale

• Vitamin D: fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel, tuna), egg yolk, beef liver, ricotta cheese, butter & ghee, cheddar cheese

• Zinc: pumpkin seeds, (grass-fed) beef, oysters, chickpeas, lentils, cashews, hemp seeds, lamb, chicken, pasture raised eggs, grass-fed dairy

6. Eat Antiviral Foods

How cool would it be if you could neutralize a virus before it ever wreaked havoc on your body, simply by eating foods with antiviral properties?! When you keep any/all of these foods in your diet regularly, they can work as immune support allies before you even know you’ve come in contact with something icky. Here’s a list of foods/herbs with antiviral properties: garlic, ginger, oregano, turmeric, coconut oil, green tea, reishi/shiitake/maitake mushrooms, pomegranate, citrus fruits, thyme, cinnamon, clove, elderberry

Need ideas for making meals with these foods?

• Garlic & ginger salmon stir fry

• Bone broth soup with garlic, onions, veggies, mushrooms etc

• Lentil & chickpea curry with onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric

7. Acupuncture

If you want to focus on improving your immune function so you’re more resilient (and less likely to get sick) when bugs are floating around, acupuncture can help. We often see less frequency and severity of illness as a “side effect” for patients, even when they’re being treated for something else entirely. Less illness, less misery, less missed school/work…..who doesn’t want that?!

With all these tools and resources, you’ll be set to thrive during flu season.