AH-CHOO!

It seems like every time I talk to a friend, no matter which part of the country she lives, she is suffering from either serious sinus drainage or a nasty cold. Unfortunately, it is that time of the year when the seasons are changing and our bodies are trying to adapt- we sneeze, cough, our eyes water, all in an attempt to fend from the dust and weather changes. As you prepare for the sinus/allergy season and try to keep your body healthy, it is important you feed your body plenty of vitamins and nutrients to build and support a healthy immune system.

Two things you should never live without are: water and an apple. As you know, water is the best way to hydrate the body and its organs; and it also flushes the body of toxins and pollutants. Water is pure and clean with no sugars, carbonations, or caffeine. When you are feeling under the weather is it advised you keep yourself hydrated. While sports drinks are effective in hydrating your body, they are also filled with sugars and syrups which can be harmful to the body. When you are sick and seeking a speedy recovery, it is important to keep your diet as clean as possible by avoiding foods and drinks with added sugars and fats that have been over-processed.

An apple is a perfect example of a food that requires little to no prep and is jam packed with nutrients and vitamins. Apples are a great immune booster providing almost 15% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C. I like to munch on apples when I am not feeling well because most of the time when I am sick, I don’t have an appetite. Apples are light, sweet, and satisfying and take very little effort to eat. When your energy levels are low, simplicity is best.

Sometimes the sniffles call for you to wrap up and relax. Try to keep your body warm. Cover your feet with a thick pair of socks, put on some sweats, a long-sleeve shirt, and try to keep your body temperature high. The increase in body temperature will help kill whatever virus is lurking in your system and encourage a speedy recovery. Another way to increase your body temperature is to drink hot tea or enjoy some hot soup. If you are looking to break up congestion and icky mucous, take a medium size pot and bring about 2-3 cups of water to a boil. Remove the boiling water from the stove. Take a dry towel and place the towel over your head, slowly put your face close enough to the pot to be able to inhale the steam, but far enough away so you do not burn yourself. Breathe deep for about 20 minutes. The hot steam loosens the congestion and helps dissolve the nasty mucous. Another similar remedy would be to sit in a steam room or sauna for approximately 30 minutes. The excessive heat from the steam room and sauna too will allow the congestion and mucous to break up and increase your body temperature. If you are looking for a more natural healing process, natural heats and steam are definitely the way to go.

While it is important to take good care of yourself while you are sick, it is just as important to implement preventative measures from getting sick. Multi-vitamins are a young girl’s best friend. The nutrients and vitamins found in multi-vitamins help keep your immune system healthy, build strong muscles and bones, healthier hair and nails, and help keep your body flushed of the toxins and pollutants that can actually induce illnesses. Multi-vitamins are meant to be taken on a daily basis. It is very important you take them as directed because by not doing so you decrease the effectiveness of the vitamin. Take for example birth control- birth control is 99.95% effective as a contraceptive, however, if you miss a day or two you decrease the effectiveness of the pill by almost 20%. Vitamins are like most things in life, in order to see the benefits and results you must remain consistent.

I know we are all ready for Spring weather, short shorts, tank tops, and sandals; but we must make sure we are healthy enough to enjoy the light breezes and warm sunshine. Take good care of your body and fend off any sickness which might come your way. Try to remain as active as possible and sweat whenever you can. Avoid the processed foods and sugary drinks because none of these foods support a healthy immune system. Drink plenty of water and orange juice. The water will keep your body hydrated and the orange juice will help build your immune system. If you haven’t invested in a multi-vitamin, I highly recommend you do so. Different body types and personalities respond better to certain types of vitamins. Vitamin stores such as GNC or Vitamin Shoppe have personnel who will be able to tell you which vitamin will work best for your lifestyle. Do not over work yourself. Be conscious of your commitments and the time you have allowed yourself to relax. Your body responds best when it is well rested and refueled.

Here’s to a new season! Goodbye sub zero temperatures, ice, and snow! Hello Spring and Summer!Get those shorts ready for some play time and box those boots up for a while. Life is so much more fun when lived in the sun.

Until next time ladies, peace, love, new seasons, health and beauty.

-Heidi Thomas