healthy body tips

With no cure in sight for the cold or the flu, current cold and flu treatments can at best bring symptom relief or shorten the duration of those symptoms. You can take one of a variety of medications that may help relieve your symptoms. Or you can take the natural approach. According to Charles B. Inlander, president of The People's Medical Society, for some home remedies that may help you feel better along the way.

No. 1: Blow Your Nose Often -- and the Right Way
It's important to blow your nose regularly when you have a cold rather than sniffling mucus back into your head. But when you blow hard, pressure can cause an earache. The best way to blow your nose: Press a finger over one nostril while you blow gently to clear the other. Wash your hands after blowing your nose.

No. 2: Stay Rested
Resting when you first come down with a cold or the flu helps your body direct its energy toward the immune battle. This battle taxes the body. So give it a little help by lying down under a blanket.

No. 3: Gargle
Gargling can moisten a sore throat and bring temporary relief. Try a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water, four times daily. To reduce the tickle in your throat, try an astringent gargle -- such as tea that contains tannin -- to tighten the membranes. Or use a thick, viscous gargle made with honey, popular in folk medicine. Steep one tablespoon of raspberry leaves or lemon juice in two cups of hot water; mix with one teaspoon of honey. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before gargling. Honey should never be given to children less than 1 year old.

No. 4: Drink Hot Liquids
Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion, help prevent dehydration, and can soothe the uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat.

No. 5: Take a Steamy Shower
Steamy showers moisturize your nasal passages and relax you. If you're dizzy from the flu, run a steamy shower while you sit on a chair nearby and take a sponge bath.

No. 6: Use a Salve Under Your Nose
A small dab of mentholated salve under your nose can open breathing passages and help soothe the irritated skin at the base of the nose. Menthol, eucalyptus and camphor all have mild numbing ingredients that may help relieve the pain of a nose rubbed raw.

No. 7: Apply Hot or Cold Packs Around Your Congested Sinuses
Either temperature may help you feel more comfortable. You can buy reusable hot or cold packs at a drugstore. Or make your own. Take a damp washcloth and heat it for 55 seconds in a microwave (test the temperature first to make sure it's right for you.) Or take a small bag of frozen peas to use as a cold pack.

No. 8: Sleep With an Extra Pillow Under Your Head
This will help with the drainage of nasal passages. If the angle is too awkward, try placing the pillows between the mattress and the box springs to create a more gradual slope.

No. 9: Don't Fly Unless Necessary
There's no point adding stress to your already stressed-out upper respiratory system, and that's what the change in air pressure will do. Flying with cold or flu congestion can hurt your eardrums as a result of pressure changes during takeoff and landing. If you must fly, use a decongestant and carry a nasal spray with you to use just before takeoff and landing. Chewing gum and swallowing frequently can also help relieve pressure.

Remember, serious conditions can masquerade as the common cold and a mild infection can evolve into something more serious. If you have severe symptoms or are feeling sicker with each passing day, see a doctor.

Along with the beuatiful fall foliage comes an influx of allergies and more incidences of colds and flu. With the kids back in school, adults are more susceptible to the common cold and the seasonal flu. To help prevent the pesky germs treat your body to an easy and simple detox program.

Like Fall cleaning and the preparation for the busy holiday season; a good detox might be the right way to get you ready to face the fall activities and holiday season.

Detoxing generally has all types of negative connotations. What is Detox? Detox essentially means a period of rest for your body; a time of rebooting and the release of toxins from the blood and organs. Detoxing helps allow your body to eliminate toxins and stimulate the body's natural cleansing processes. Toxic overload can cause adrenal burnout, decreased energy levels, reduced stamina, chronic health problems and even some types of cancer. Toxins accumulate in our bodies each day from the environment as well as unhealthy habits such as consuming overprocessed foods, drinking alcohol, smoking and overeating.

When to detox? This is often a question most people ask....if you suffer from symptoms like:
Frequent colds & flu
Disrupted sleep or insomnia
Unexplained blemishes/rashes
Fatigue
Headaches

Detox can also be a supplemental therapy for:

Enhanced healing before and after surgical procedures
Quit smoking
Lifestyle or dietary changes

It may be time for a gentle, mild detox.

From vitamin rich juice fasts to ionized detox foot baths- the options are broad for detoxification. They key is to eat and exercise. Both can support the key organs that aid in the detox: the lymphatic system, kindeys, gallbladder, liver and the colon.

Whatever detox method or approach you take; make sure you include the detox of your emotions and mental thoughts as this will enhance the energy and satisfaction you feel from the detox.