Vitamins and Supplements during flu season

The change of season always makes me feel a little worse for wear especially if I have some stress going on in my life. My immune system starts to suffer more than usual so it’s time to make sure I’m taking vitamins and supplements every day.

I grew up around a lot of natural medicine and from an early age was given vitamins every morning with my breakfast. It can be difficult to find the time to prepare all the fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins you need to ingest to provide enough nutrients for your body to stave off illness.

B Vitamins

The first vitamin I want to discuss are B vitamins. B vitamins are the huge tablets I remember taking as a kid that would make me feel nauseous so make sure to eat before you take them and watch your dosage. B vitamins provide you with an extra boost of energy, as well as supporting the immune, cardiovascular and nervous systems. These are also the best vitamin to grab if you’re suffering from a hangover as they will help with metabolizing the alcohol. Also, in general B vitamins will boost your metabolism so they’re great if you’re trying to stay or get lean. I usually go for a super vitamin b-complex that includes a multi vitamin.

Vitamin C

Whenever I am ever feeling like I’m about to get sick I always reach for the Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient and potent antioxidant that promotes immune, bone and cardiovascular health. It’s usually fairly inexpensive and when I’m really not well I might take one or two a few times a day while I’m experiencing symptoms. This usually helps shorten my symptom severity and recovery time.

Zinc

Zinc helps to fight viruses, bacteria and infections. It has also been known to help with wound healing, inflammation and tissue repair.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a great natural remedy for reducing the severity and duration of common cold symptoms.

Natural, helpful flu remedies

Hot water, lemon juice, ginger, honey, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne drink. Combine these ingredients to taste while you’re feeling ordinary as many times as you want during the day / night.

Hot lemon and ginger tea.

Ginger juice shot.

For a dry scratchy throat, try a teaspoon of honey.

Fresh garlic – you might want to make a nice sick person soup with plenty of garlic, green leafy vegetables, carrots, butternut squash, turmeric and chili.

Fresh orange juice.

Water – make sure to drink plenty of it when you aren’t feeling well.

Blueberries and strawberries are also very rich in antioxidants and a good thing to try and eat when you’re sick.