Flu Season

The NHS are predicting that this is going to be the worst flu season we've had since 2009. That means that we're going to have doctors with no appointments left and hospitals with no beds left, and the word on the street is that the flu vaccine isn't going to be particularly effective.

With that in mind, here's my guide to make sure you are as well as possible so that you don't succumb to the virus with the majority.

Eat Good Food

Nourishing your body and ensuring its full of powerful antioxidants is one of the best ways to support your body in the fight against pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

On top of that, the more fresh fruits and vegetables you cram in, the less likely you are to be eating junk that causes inflammation and suppresses the immune system.

I highly recommend getting a juicer. A blender is not the same thing. A nutri-bullet is a blender. Juicing allows you to eat huge amounts of nutrition, and more antioxidants than you would manage to eat in the same amount of time. I recommend drinking a juice each morning to ensure you've got a good dose of fruit and veg.

And no, store bought juice doesn't count.

Get Oily

Good quality essential oil blends like OnGuard are great for supporting your immune system, and amongst other products it comes in easy to take beadlets or capsules, whilst Breathe is great for supporting respiratory function. I highly recommend the vapour stick as an alternative to the synthetic Vicks version.

Using anti-bacterial hand gels that contain endocrine disrupters are not only bad for your general health, but also ruin the microbiome on your skin, like antibiotics. Plant-based hand gels are a much better solution to take to school and offices.

Whatever you do, you need really good quality oils. Don't be tempted to buy cheap oils, as these can have a more inflammatory effect as the pesticides are concentrated during the distillation process. The only essential oils I am currently recommending are DoTERRA and you can purchase them through me by setting up an account here.

Stay Hydrated

Nothing increases inflammation as much as getting dehydrated. We all think about water in the summer, but now it's getting colder and we're putting our central heating on, we actually need to be even more conscious of hydrating our bodies.

Urine is one of the most effective way our bodies has of getting rid of waste products and toxins, but producing urine takes water. Make sure you keep your body clean and functioning optimally by drinking your body weight (in lbs) divided by two (in fl oz) of water or herbal teas each day. More if you're drinking tea/coffee/alcohol. Make sure you buy the good tea. The ones with 'flavourings' (even if they say they are natural) are hiding something, and often it is something that causes inflammation and suppresses the immune system. Pukka and Tea pigs are two of my favourite brands.

Be Kind to Yourself

Moderate exercise is good for you, and getting out in the sun, even when it's cold, is great for your body. Wrap up warm and go for a brisk walk, or continue to run if that's what you're used to.

Don't over do it though. This isn't a season to be putting a lot of stress on your body. Endurance events can leave you run down.

The danish word "Hygge" describes cosiness, comfort and rest. Christmas can be a time of business and parties in work, they're fun, but late nights, alcohol and sugary food will leave you feeling run down. Plan in some hygge time, early nights, cosied up with a good book and a cup of tea; and making sure you balance your exercise with plenty of rest to balance it out.