All-Natural Gut Friendly Home Remedy for Cold and Flu Relief

As a Gut Health Practitioner and Nutritionist, people often ask me… “What do you do when you get sick?”

First, it’s important to understand that coming down with the ‘Common cold’ is not necessarily a sign of weakened immune system. There are SO many types of ‘viruses’ that the body only builds up a resistance if exposed to them.

70-80% of our Immune System is in our Gastrointestinal Tract.

Reducing the chance of getting a cold or reducing the duration and severity if you have one, has a lot to do with having a healthy thriving Gut Microbiome How do you do that?? With a wide variety of foods — FIBRE — that feed our beneficial ora, so they can ferment it and produce Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA’s) principally butyrate, that can support healthy immune function and improve resistance to infections such as the common cold. [1].

Even the healthiest person can catch a cold or flu.

But it’s what you do when you get one that makes ALL the difference!! You can opt for over the counter medications that promise to relieve pain and symptoms. But guess what… they won’t cure your cold. But what they can do is work against the health of your Gut Microbiome because the ingredients, when broken down, can result in enhanced toxicity and can also cause inflammation of the small intestine, loss of microvilli structure and result in reduced nutrient absorption. Eeeek!! So what to do?? Go for natural ways to support your immune system to do it’s job and fight the virus.

Here are my go to’s…

Warm cups of Echinacea tea … as it’s known to enhance and modulate the Immune response. It’s also known as a sialagogue – promotes saliva – which is especially good to take any bacteria in the mouth to the stomach where it is killed by stomach acids. Buy loose leaf tea (not tea bags) and try and get Organic. NOTE: If you are allergic to plants from the daisy family you may react to Echinacea.

My Super Elixir … a powerful blend of anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant natural foods that help support the immune system. I take 2 heaped teaspoons daily and also start and end my day with a mix of Super Elixir mixed with warm water. Link to recipe below.

Voi Organic Hand Sanitiser … As I am constantly blowing my nose, I spritz my hands including my mobile phone & computer keyboard regularly. I also spray it onto a handkerchief and use it as an effective nasal congestion reliever!! I keep this little gem in my handbag at ALL times.

Nibble on Sauerkraut … I make my own, but there are heaps of great brands out there. Make sure you choose and organic one that has been naturally fermented and has no additives. Studies show that Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) microorganisms present in Sauerkraut play a beneficial role in the function of a healthy immune system.

Big veggie soup … is my go to. I make a big pot of soup with leek, garlic, potato, pumpkin, carrot, celery, veggie stock and split peas, barley, kidney beans, cannellini beans and borlotti beans. These help feed my beneficial gut ora who then make Short Chain Fatty Acids to help me get better.

When the sun is out … I ‘sun my bum’ to get a good 10-mins of Vitamin D which plays a huge role in innate and adaptive immunity.

And last… but certainly by all means NOT the least… I make it a HUGE priority to Rest, Rest and then Rest … which includes pj’s all day, bouts of sleep, watching your favourite series and my SUPER ELIXIR… recipe HERE

Feel free to share this article so you can help those around you during the cold winter months.

Click HERE to find out more about my Gut Health Programs that are designed to IMPROVE your Gut Health… OR… if you want to eat your way back to health — one meal at a time — check out my Gut Health Recipe Compendium. Nat xx

REFERENCES

[1] What are the organs of the immune system? Institute for Quality and Eciency in Health Care (2006).

[2] Wilson, D., Nicholson, J. (2016) Gut Microbiome Interactions with Drug Metabolism, Ecacy and Toxicity.

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