Blog

Fight the Flu

22/02/2018

With the start of school season, comes fall, and the start of kids (and adults) getting the flu.

The flu can be miserable and often means being “out of commission” for at least a few days, if not more.

Prescription antiviral drugs may ease symptoms associated with the flu, however being a virus, the flu generally must run its course. Having said that, there are many things you can do at home, naturally, to help relieve the symptoms and start feeling better.

Here are 10 natural remedies for the flu:
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Dehydration is very common with the flu, especially if you are vomiting or having diarrhea. It’s important to get enough fluid in your body. It’s a good idea to drink water, as always. However, at this stage, you can also drink electrolyte drinks (for kids, it’s a good idea to look at kid-friendly electrolyte drinks) such as coconut water, and herbal teas. Stay away from the sports/energy drinks as they contain a lot of sugars and from caffeine, as it can further dehydrate you. Abstain from alcohol while you are sick as well.

Good Ol’ Soup
For generations, caring parents have been serving chicken soup to kids with the flu. There are many studies that have considered this. There does appear to be an association with chicken soup (or broth) helping alleviate symptoms of respiratory tract infections. Whether it is the soup itself, the vapour from the steam, or the nostalgia of it, soup seems to make people feel better.

Listen to your body. If you are feeling sleepy, lethargic, and just low on energy, just take the time to take care of yourself. Stay in bed if need be. Rest supports the body’s immune processes. A good sleep helps the immune system function and fight the infection. So, rest as much as you can.

Breathing moist air helps ease nasal congestion. A good and easy way to do this, is to take a very steamy shower, or just turn on the shower, hot as possible, and sit in the bathroom for a few minutes, inhaling the steam. Another is to use a steam vaporizer or a humidifier. Clean it often to make sure it’s free of mold and mildew.

At Home Steam Facial
Bring a pot of water to a boil and remove it from the heat. Drape a towel over your head, close your eyes and lean over the water. Breathe in deeply through your nose. This allows the vapours to clear your nasal congestion in a direct way. Add peppermint or eucalyptus oil to the water for an extra boost.

Try a warm compress
On the forehead and nose, a warm cloth is a great way to relieve a headache or alleviate sinus pain.

Natural cough drops, zinc lozenges can be very effective at easing coughing and sore throats. The same goes for honey and warm water.

Salt Water Mouth Wash
Gargling with salt water helps get rid of the thick mucus that can collect at the back of the throat, especially after you’ve been lying down.

Neti-pot
Neti-pots can be found in health food stores, and basically are tools of nasal irrigation. You pour salt water into one nostril and let it run out the other nostril. This method clears the nasal passages of thick mucus.

Enlist Help
If a friend or family member offers to help, even if it’s only to stop by and check in on you, count your blessings — and take them up on it. Whether it’s to grab some items so you don’t have to, or make you some soup or tea, having someone help you will allow you to get more rest.

One of the items we stress at Rai Chiropractic is overall wellness. While we cannot always avoid getting sick, it is important to ensure you are taking care of yourself at all times. This may aid in how often you get sick, how quickly you recover, and keep you at optimal health most of the time. Things such as lifestyle, but also ensuring you are listening to your body and getting regular check-ups and chiropractic care are all important to achieve overall health and wellness.

For more tips on health maintenance come visit our clinic in Langley. At Rai Chiropractic, we have a number of healthcare professionals that can help you feel restful, decrease stress, and feel healthy again.

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