What Spreads Faster Than Office Gossip? The Office Cold!!

Written for The River Current Publication

 

 

 

 

 

What spreads faster than office gossip? The office cold.

A couple of months ago, I situated myself back in the working world.  I now find myself in an unfamiliar environment. Unchartered territory. Something I have never experienced before…cubicle life!  Admittedly, it is has been a huge adjustment for me.  I’m a pretty social gal; so needless to say, sitting in a cubicle by myself for the better part of the day has been a challenge!

And here’s another new challenge.  The office cold!  Seemingly unavoidable.  There’s no way around it, cold and flu season is in full throttle.   With the equation of people, plus close quarters, it will be a true test to see if I can beat the odds and stay healthy during this time of year.  So far I have dodged the bullet.  I would like to think that I have naturally boosted my immunity, simply with the combination of healthy eating and the natural supplements that I take.  Roll your eyes, but I’m not the one at the counter asking for Sudafed this year.

Here are just a few natural immunity boosters to consider:

1. Get plenty of sleep. Potent immune enhancing compounds are released during sleep and many immune system functions are greatly increased by an adequate night’s rest.
2. Drink more water; avoid soft drinks. Many people are chronically dehydrated and this impairs the immune system.
3. Selenium is a nutrient which plays an important role in the immune system. One way selenium performs this function is by “recharging” vitamins C and E, and coenzyme Q-10.
4. A probiotic will fortify your intestinal flora, which are essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. This is key to good health and a strong immune system.
6. Elderberry extract. Elderberry, a relative of the blueberry, has been found to have powerful anti-viral properties.
7. Red Wine. It has been found that those who drink a glass of red wine daily are about 20% less likely to contract the flu. It is believed that this may be related to the vitamins and antioxidants, like resveratrol, present in red wine.
8. Eat raw, freshly-crushed garlic. Garlic has powerful anti-viral, antibiotic and anti-fungal properties and boosts the immune system in general. It also tends to kill parasites in the intestines.
9. Regular exercise is important to support general health and immune function. It stimulates beneficial biochemical processes, promotes healthy circulation of the blood, and drives the lymphatic system.
10. Vitamin C and D.
11. Quercetin, in addition to its powerful antioxidant characteristics, has been found to have immune boosting capabilities, particularly when under stress, and especially when taken with Vitamin C
12. Avoid sugary foods. Sugar can decrease the activity of the immune system for up to five hours.
13. Honey. Although honey contains various sugars, it is also packed with vitamins and nutrients which can enhance the immune system. Raw honey is best.
14. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and an immune stimulant

 

In a gesture of love and support, I recently sent my cube mates a recipe and some nuggets of nutrition info.  (I can’t help myself, it is my nature to take care of others…even from the confines of my cubicle…lol)   

Cold Buster Smoothie

A healthy green smoothie with specific ingredients to kick the cold where it hurts.

Ingredients

•2 cups spinach
•1 cup orange juice
•1/2 orange with peel
•3 baby carrots
•1 banana
•1/2 cup frozen pineapple
•1/2 small apple
•1/2 cup ice

Instructions:

Place the juice, spinach and remaining ingredients in a blender, ending with the ice. Blend until smooth and drink up!