When it comes to natural health,
if it feels good - do it.
Now, there are some guidelines to that motto. It definitely does not apply to blood sugar cravings (or anything harmful)!
However, if it’s truly healthy and you love it or it tastes like ambrosia to you, then it might just be what your body needs.
When it’s cold and damp outside, my body definitely gravitates to warming, hot and spicy foods. The good news is that many warming, hot and comforting foods are precisely what we need to boost our immunity and fight off viruses.
Hot tea, homemade soup, anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric, cayenne and cumin, spicy chilly peppers, ginger, garlic and onions all help to fight infection and relieve cold and flu-like symptoms. So load up on your favourite warming foods!
Traditionally chicken soup has been used as a home remedy. With all the chemicals in regular store-bought meat many people are steering clear of chicken. So here is my version of healthy chicken-less soup. Shiitake mushrooms replace the meaty bits, give the soup a great rich flavour, and are also a great immune boosting longevity food.
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped vegetables (I used cauliflower and broccoli)
- 1/4 cup chopped shiitake mushrooms (use any mushrooms in place of this)
- 1/4 cup lentils, sprouted or dried
- 1/4 cup small whole grain pasta (I used Eden Organic’s Vegetable Alphabets)
- Oil and sea salt to taste, fresh sprouts to garnish
Bring 2 cups of water to boil in a pot, cook the dried lentils on high for 5 mins. Add the shiitake mushrooms, onion and carrots. Chop the broccoli and other vegetables while cooking, then add those, the pasta, and add the lentil sprouts if using sprouted lentils. Simmer until the pasta is cooked and the vegetables are soft. Add olive oil and sea salt to taste. Serve and garnish with fresh sprouts if you like. Then enjoy your perfect comforting soup that hits the spot.
Flu Shot? I Think Not
Now about a topic that is slightly controversial. Ever year at around this time our doctors urge us that we should be getting the flu shot. It seems so natural and so routine every year, that millions of people “just do it.” Maybe it’s time to start re-thinking that mentality.
The reality is that yes we are more susceptible to bugs this time of year. But can we tough it out, face what our body is trying to tell us and fight it naturally? We certainly can. Strengthen your immunity naturally all winter long, it’s easy and there is nothing to fear.
When you really weigh the pro’s and con’s of getting a flu shot or not – it’s a no-brainer! Have you ever wondered what’s in a flu shot?
“Millions voluntarily take annual flu shots not knowing their harmful ingredients. With variations by producer, they contain numerous stabilizers, neutralizers, carrying agents, and preservatives, including:
- 25 micrograms of mercury (thimerosal), a known neurotoxin; one microgram is considered toxic; according to the NIH, “mercury and all of its compounds are toxic;
- aluminum hydroxide and phosphate, known to be linked to some neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease;
- formaldehyde, a known carcinogen according to the National Cancer Institute; it’s also linked to upper respiratory tract problems and effects on lymphatic and hematopoietic systems;
- gelatin, polysorbate 80 and resin – ingredients causing severe allergic reactions;
- ammonium sulfate, a suspected gastrointestinal, liver, and respiratory toxicant and neurotoxicant;
- sorbitol, a suspected gastrointestinal and liver toxicant;
- phenoxyethanol (antifreeze), a suspected developmental and reproductive toxicant;
- beta-propiolactone, a known carcinogen and suspected gastrointestinal, liver, respiratory, skin and sense organ toxicant;
- gentamycin, an antibiotic;
- triton X100, a strong detergent;
- animal tissues and fluids, including potentially contaminated horse blood, rabbit brain, dog kidney, monkey kidney, chick embryo, chicken egg, duck egg, pig blood, and porcine (pig) protein/tissue;
- calf and fetal bovine serum;
- macerated cancer cells;
- diploid cells from aborted fetal tissue; and/or - other ingredients varying by producer.”
- Source: “Ineffectiveness and Dangers of Flu Shots” Global Research (read more…)
Consider this – what does your doctor have to gain by recommending it? What does someone like me have to gain from it…. ?
Tips to Fight off Colds and Sickness Naturally
- On the onset of a runny nose, sneezing, headaches or any cold-like symptoms, start taking care of yourself.
- Get to sleep when you need to. You are much more productive when you’r healthy, so don’t even try to plough through it or it only gets worse.
- Keep your intake of sugars to a minimum, and try not to consume any refined sugar products.
- Drink hot tea with lemon, hot herbal tea, hot tea with lemon and ginger, Meredith’s Ginger Elixir, or the throat soother recipe posted below.
-
Our cold and flu medication: garden fresh melons
As always, try to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables to keep those antioxidant levels high. Berries, mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, squash, melons, lemons, ginger, garlic, raw honey and raw apple cider vinegar are all antioxidant power house foods that boost the immune system.
Throat Soother
- 1 tsp raw honey
- 1 tsp raw apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup warm-hot water
My Secret Weapon
A triple threat – ginger, lemon and raw honey provide antioxidants, enzymes, and are anti-microbial and anti-viral.
Meredith’s Ginger Elixir is a high purity extract of ginger, lemon and raw honey (from Meredith’s own happy bees!). I’m giving away a free bottle to one lucky Canadian! Free shipping included.
Sign up for the Antioxidant Buzz newsletter and you’ll be entered for the draw here. Leave a comment about it below. Contest ends November 20, 2011.
Nutritional Info: 
