Winter Strategies

Colds, flu, and various respiratory illnesses are relatively common this time of year. While dealing with seasonal sickness is never much fun, it often tags along with colder temperatures, reduced humidity, and less sunshine. How to cope with respiratory sickness and what can we do to fight it off and make it as short lived as possible? Our pioneering ancestors would keep a stock pot simmering on the wood stove all winter long. They'd add to the pot as it was eaten. This helped keep their immune systems tip top.

To fight off these seasonal respiratory illnesses, it's crucial to adopt a proactive approach. First and foremost, maintaining good hygiene is important especially during the holidays, but nutrition, sunshine, and home remedies can provide the body with what it needs to stay strong. Do your best to keep your gut healthy. That means limiting the amount of sugary sweets, processed foods, and fast food. All of these foods can be extremely addictive, but avoidance can help the body heal. Maybe decline that extra piece of pie with a mound of whipped topping and drink some of that deliciously rich turkey bone broth you made after Thanksgiving. You did that, right? Bone broth from pastured and grass-fed animal bones are loaded with collagen and gut healing nutrients. If you haven't made it yet, we have the bones and seasonings you need to make the tastiest, most nutritious broths.

When illness does strike, there are several strategies to manage symptoms and support recovery. Rest is essential, as it allows your body to direct its energy towards fighting the infection. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids helps to thin mucus and prevent dehydration. Sunshine might be harder to find, but when it's out, make sure you get some. Sunshine is used by the body to manufacture Vitamin D which works with your immune system to fight off illness. Finally, creating a comfortable environment with a humidifier can ease breathing difficulties by adding moisture to the air. Essential oils like Eucalyptus in the humidifier or mister can help as well. Eucalyptus is used in common over the counter medications. Don't forget a little exercise. The energy might not be there, but a walk outdoors can allow you to get sunshine and a little exercise can help burn out that sickness. Combining these methods can help minimize the duration and severity of seasonal respiratory illnesses, enabling a quicker return to health. 

All the Best,  Team USWM