Trying to avoid catching cold and flu this season?

Probably so, if you’re anything like the rest of us. But are there any truly effective cold and flu prevention methods that could keep you well this winter?

Yes, there are - from simple hand washing to taking the right supplement. Here are the general principles most everyone is familiar with:

• Wash your hands often - We all pick up germs and viruses on pencils, doorknobs, computer keyboards, etc. Wash hands often and scrub for at least 30 seconds to wash them away.
• Eat well by eating a balanced diet including plenty of fruits, vegetables, natural fiber and sufficient protein.
• Avoid sweets and processed foods. Eating too many sweets creates imbalances in your body, which make you more succeptible to bugs.
• Stay warm - wear appropriate clothing and shoes to keep warm. Be sure to keep your head and ears covered outdoors.
• Stay fit - exercise to keep your heart and body healthy, in good shape and to burn calories.
• Get enough sleep - your body needs to rest and rejuvenate. Insufficient sleep strains the brain and weakens your immunity.

The above steps are all important and necessary, but they may not be enough. Are there additional steps you can take to increase your chances of avoiding cold and flu? There certainly are. Here are a few:

• When you can’t wash your hands, use a hand purifier. But you don’t want one loaded with chemicals and artificial fragrances that can absorb through your skin. Use a natural product instead. Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier promotes good hygiene without the use of water or toxic ingredients. It’s a great way to get the natural, germ-fighting cleansing power of the antimicrobial essential oil in a handy, carry-with-you-anywhere bottle.
• Bolster your immunity with a nutritional supplement like Inner Defense - the total health system protection that reinforces systemic defenses in the immune system, creates unfriendly terrain for yeast/fungus and promotes healthy respiratory function. Its potent blend of oregano, thyme, and Thieves essential oils are rich in thymol, carvacrol, and eugenol for powerful immune support.
• Diffuse antimicrobial essential oil - Diffusing the right essential oil can not only decrease your exposure to cold and flu bugs in the air, but it can strengthen your immunity to them.

What essential oil is best? Studies conducted at Weber State University show that the Thieves essential oil blend has a 99.96 percent success rate against airborne bacteria. You’ll find more information about Thieves on the diffusing page mentioned above.

There is no need to feel helpless this season - or to spend the season sneezing and coughing. Pay attention to the general principles listed above and try the additional steps for natural and effective cold and flu prevention.