Cold And Flu Season Is Here. Are You Ready?

Cold and flu season is here again in the U.S. Flu season in the U.S. is considered October through May. Flu season in Australia is considered May to October. Flu seasons also exist in the tropics and subtropics, but are usually less sharply defined.

Most uncomplicated colds will last between eight and nine days. Up to 25% of colds will last about two weeks or more, and about 5-10% can last up to three weeks.

Colds and flu symptoms can make us feel so uncomfortable that many of us will need to take some time off school and work.

According to a report by the CDC in 2011, approximately 38 million school days are lost annually in U.S. because of seasonal flu, and 22 million school days are lost annually in U.S. because of colds. Additionally, up to 111 million workdays are lost in U.S. because of seasonal flu.

During cold and flu season it is especially important to optimize our immune system to help protect against these infections. Some of the ways that we can do this are:

1. Increase your Vitamin D levels through healthy sun exposure.

2. Limit sugar intake.

3. Keep your gut flora in balance.

4. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables.

5. Get between 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

6. Exercise with care.

7. Avoid emotional stressors.

I have included for your viewing pleasure a wonderful video from Dr. Mercola called "First Thing To Do When a Cold or Flu Strikes", in which he discusses many important tips on what to do when a cold or flu strikes, and how to optimize our immune system during cold and flu season.

How do you take care of yourself during cold and flu season? What are some of the ways that you optimize your immune system?

The Amazing Benefits of Coconut Oil

The coconut palm from which we get coconut oil, is grown in more than 80 countries of the world, however the eighteen members of the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC), of which India is a member, produces 90% of the world’s coconut oil production.

Coconut trees have been cultivated for over 4,000 years in India.  This fact leads most botanists to believe that the species originated somewhere around the Indian Ocean.

Almost every part of the coconut palm can be used by humans in some way, and has some significant economic value. It is thought to be one of the most useful trees in the world with a reported 360 uses, half of which are for food.   

Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the kernel of mature coconuts that have been harvested from the coconut palm. Coconut oil has been used in cooking and as a health and beauty aid for many thousands of years.

Turmeric: The Powerful Golden Spice

Turmeric. What do we know about this powerful herb? What are its benefits? Why should we use it?  

Turmeric is a plant related to ginger, and it’s grown throughout India, other parts of Asia, and Africa. It’s used in cooking, in holistic medicine, and in Hinduism, it has great spiritual significance. 

The use of Turmeric dates back to approximately 4,000 years to the Vedic culture in India. Ayurveda, the Indian system of holistic medicine, uses mainly plant-based medicines, or formulations to treat various ailments. Turmeric is taken by mouth in the form of capsules, teas, or liquid extracts. Turmeric can also be made into a paste and be applied directly to the skin for eczema and wound healing.