7 Natural, Easy Ways to Stay Healthy This Fall (And Always)
Suddenly, autumn is upon us. A cool, crisp breeze is in the air, and the inevitable cold and flu season is looming. As we say goodbye to summer and transition into the fall season, it’s a great time to...
Suddenly, autumn is upon us. A cool, crisp breeze is in the air, and the inevitable cold and flu season is looming. As we say goodbye to summer and transition into the fall season, it’s a great time to boost your immune system so you can stay healthy.
We can’t control the changing of the seasons, but we can take control of our health. And while we can’t always avoid coming into contact with germs, we can certainly keep our shields up to reduce our amount of sick days this season.
While there are many many natural ways to help you stay healthy, this list features wellness tips that are all simple and straightforward. You’ll learn about each one, how to approach it, and the science-backed research that supports it.
Read on for seven not-so-typical, yet highly effective methods of combating colds and avoiding flus. These tips to stay healthy are easy to implement into your routine and help you stay out of the doctor’s office.
Use These 7 Tips to Stay Healthy This Fall (And Always):
While these tips are great for supporting a strong immune system throughout the fall season, they can also support your wellness throughout the year. Whether you stick to your favorite wellness tip or try them all, these tips will help you stay healthy.
1. Reach For the Noni Fruit
Morinda Citrifolia, otherwise known as Noni, is a fruit native to the unspoiled islands of Tahiti and Hawaii. South Pacific islanders have used Noni for over 2,000 years for its pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show that noni fruit supports and strengthens the immune system.
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Noni fruit also detoxifies the liver and digestive system, aiding in the absorption of nutrients so you have more energy and stamina. You can eat it raw or cooked, drink Noni juice, or take it in supplement form.
2. Add Turmeric
Used in India for thousands of years as a spice and health remedy, turmeric is believed to be one of the world’s most effective nutritional supplements. Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, it is used to prevent and help with a broad range of medical issues including Alzheimer’s, depression, arthritis, and even cancer.
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The high level of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in turmeric help combat colds and keep the body’s immune system running strong. You can use turmeric as a spice in the kitchen, and/or take it in supplement form. Make sure the Turmeric you use has Curcumin in it, which helps your body better absorb it.
3. Neti Pot
One of my favorite ways to stay healthy in the fall and natural defenses against sinus congestion: the neti pot. Neti pots rinse out your sinuses (known as nasal irrigation). I’ll admit the term ‘nasal irrigation’ is about as pleasant-sounding as it is to actually use the neti pot, BUT the results speak for themselves.
Neti pots help reduce allergies, and flush out the nasal passages (great for colds and sinus infections).
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Neti pots originated in the Ayurvedic and yogic traditions, and are typically made out of ceramic, glass, metal or plastic (I recommend ceramic or glass, and this starter kit is a great option). A saline solution mixed in warm water works with gravity and head positioning to rinse the sinuses.
The neti pot helps thin mucus with its saline solution, and the warm water flushes it out of the nasal passage.
Be sure to use clean, filtered water (that’s ideally been boiled first) and the proper saline solution. Do your research first and follow the directions to ensure you’re using your neti pot safely.
4. Get a Massage
Getting a massage doesn’t just feel good – it’s also good for your immune system. As an active yogi and yoga teacher, I’ve gotten regular massages for years and have always heard this from massage therapists. Studies show that this is in fact the case.
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Massage stimulates the lymphatic system which helps rid the body of toxins, and also decreases levels of cortisol – the stress hormone that can compromise immune system function. Be sure to hydrate after a massage (bonus points for coconut water!) to replenish your body.
5. Wheatgrass Shots, Anyone?
A superfood is defined as a nutrient-rich food especially beneficial for health and well-being. Wheatgrass is at the top of the superfood list, named as one of the most potent leafy greens on earth!
Packed with key vitamins and minerals, wheatgrass supports the immune system and aids the body’s detoxification process. It also supports body alkalinity, and promises a daily serving of vegetables.
You can grab a wheatgrass shot (a quick way to get a healthy boost) from places like Whole Foods or juice bars, or in powder form (which you can add to smoothies etc).
6. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine practice used to help with an impressively broad range of health issues. Recently, acupuncture has gained popularity in the Western world for its holistic healing effects.
Acupuncture stimulates circulation throughout the body, and creates a balance amongst the body’s systems. My acupuncturist always tells me to see him if I’m not feeling well, since acupuncture is preventative and also helps the body overcome ailments quicker.
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Studies show that acupuncture can boost immunity to help prevent getting sick, and also reduce cold and flu symptoms.
7. Tea Time!
There is a lot to be said for the power of herbal teas. Sipping hot tea is soothing, and also helps relieve cold symptoms like congestion. I have a few personal tea favorites for staying healthy.
First, echinacea tea. Echinacea is an herb that has been traditionally used by Native American tribes to prevent and treat infections because it stimulates the immune system.
Ginger tea is another great choice – ginger is calming, warming, and packs a range of health benefits which includes (of course) immune support. Finally, Gypsy Cold Care tea is one of my favorite teas to sip this season. It tastes amazing and my body craves it, especially when I’m feeling a bit under the weather.
Use These Tips to Stay Healthy This Fall and All Year!
The end of summer doesn’t have to mean the start of cold and flu season. With these simple yet effective remedies, you can reduce the likelihood of getting sick in the first place, and continue on your path to a healthier, happier, more empowered you!
The best part? You can use these tips all year round to keep your immune system fortified for a healthier y.o.u.! Take control of your health and embrace a natural, wellness-based lifestyle to stay healthy all year long.
All included information is not intended to treat or diagnose. The views expressed are those of the author and should be attributed solely to the author. For medical questions, please consult your healthcare provider.
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