Winter Bugs
Ever wonder why there seems to be more sickness and illness in the winter months?
Well, it’s often due to a combination of dropping Vitamin D status (we cover ourselves up more in winter) and also because viruses can survive easier between hosts in cooler weather!
So in order to prepare for the winter viral bugs there are a few things I suggest you do:
- Start brewing your incredible Fire Cider recipe (found in our Natural Mummas Toolkit eBook) that will last for weeks and be ready when you need it.
- Make a concerted effort to keep up your vitamin D levels leading into winter with regular and safe sun exposure. Foods to increase Vitamin D include egg yolk, cod liver oil and mushrooms (especially ones that you chop up and sit in the window sill before eating).
- Stock up on key natural therapies such as Astragalus, Herbal Throat Spray, Manuka Honey, Olive Leaf, Echinacea and a good quality whole food Vitamin C (I love Eden Wild C).
Hygiene is always important - just a simple act of washing hands after you’ve been out in public or just before you eat can reduce the risk of illness by 82%!
The most common digestive complaints that I hear about is simply bloating. Bloating can be a sign of impaired digestion, food sensitivities and intestinal dysbiosis. The most common driver is a disruption of the pH in the stomach - that is needed to breakdown food and to signal the transit time through the system.
The first place to start if you are experiencing bloating is to
-
Slow down, get into a habit of doing 3-5 slow belly breaths when you're eating
- Try to have 5 mls of apple cider vinegar diluted in a little bit of water just before your meals. This can dramatically improve digestive function and get rid of the bloat!
- Keep up your daily intake of Gut Food. Shop Gut Food →
If you're traveling overseas on a plane or have been exposed to someone who is sick, one of the most effective tips I can share is to use a herbal throat spray!
The nasopharyngeal passage is the entry point for nearly all bacteria and viruses. By targeting the back of the throat and tonsils early, you can reduce the likelihood of the pathogen spreading deeper into your system, ultimately lessening the severity of an infection.
You can find brands like BioCeuticals Throat Spray at most chemists, or opt for a Betadine Throat Gargle. If you have access to a natural health practitioner, such as a Naturopath or Clinical Nutritionist, they may recommend other high-quality herbal options from brands like MediHerb or Biocidin.
Or check out our Wellness Store over at The Natural Mumma's Toolkit. Shop Here →
Or check out our Wellness Store over at The Natural Mumma's Toolkit. Shop Here →
