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12 Holistic Hacks for Not Getting Sick this Winter

by Svetlana Kogan, M.D.

ere are some of my favorite supplements are best taken with food, so the juxtaposition with the
“on the go” ways to keep yourself breakfast items makes sense.
Hand your loved ones healthy this Keep your personal hygiene items clean
winter: Airborne viruses and germs from your bathroom visitors can
Grate a little ginger on your meal contaminate your own toothbrush. So, keep it covered and dip it
Ginger is packed with compounds which into a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution or antiseptic mouthwash
trigger a 30% increase in germ-killing T-cells, solution like Listerine once a week.
plus cut two days off the length of colds, Swish and Spit
researchers say. Add ¼ teaspoon to rice, stir- Swishing with salt twice a day can cut your risk of viral infections
fry, soup, or casserole recipes. by 34%. Water flushes viruses before they can attach to throat cells
Slice up some fruit and salt kills the ones that do hang on. Mix ¼ tsp of salt and
Eating 2 cups of fruit daily could cut your risk of infection 4 ounces of warm water. Gargle in your mouth and throat and spit.
by 85% by providing antioxidants to boost your immune cells. Contrast showers
Brightly colored fruits are the most effective. So, make sure your While hot soaks are great in the evening, as they relax you and
shopping basket contents burst with colors. help you fall asleep, in the mornings I prefer contrast showers, also
Orange-colored snacking known as contrast hydrotherapy. Contrast showers improve your
USDA research found that dried apricots are packed with beta- circulation, boost your immune system, stimulate brain function,
carotene, a phytonutrient which spurs a 33% rise in blood levels of and have a host of extra perks like helping with candidiasis and
virus-fighting T-cells. Other great natural sources of beta-carotene depression. To do: shower in hot water for 3 minutes, then switch
include pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes and carrots. to cool/cold water for 1 minute only, repeat 3 times and make sure
Plain is best to finish with cold water.
When buying yogurt – chose organic (no hormones or And finally: Stay positive and fight stress with gratitude
antibiotics), low fat or fat-free (goodbye cholesterol) and plain. People who think a lot of positive thoughts have the strongest
Plain yogurt has more live probiotic bacteria than sweetened/ immune systems, thanks to their lower output of harmful stress
flavored yogurt, and probiotics are very important for properly- hormones. Mindfulness will also fire up your production of
functioning immune system. immunoglobulin A, one of the body’s first lines of defense against
Go for the garlic the viruses – speeding your recovery time and cutting your risk
Garlic is packed with more than 70 immunity-boosting of getting future infections by 13%. There are so many ways to be
compounds. Just one clove daily could strengthen your ability to grateful: meditate, pray, volunteer, and take care of someone weaker
fend off viruses by 40%. Lightly cook garlic to eliminate the odor than yourself.
or try Kyolic odor-free garlic extract as a supplement. Dr. Kogan is a Concierge Holistic Internal Medicine doctor in Naples.
Keep your supplements by the coffeemaker Her website is CustomLongevity.com
This will remind you to take them daily, which will help you
avoid 17 sick days per year. In addition, most immune-boosting

32 Life in Naples | February 2023