Fight Cold Season Blues

The cold weather we have been experiencing these past few days expose 

the elderly to dryness, body pains, lethargy, coughs, flu and even dangerous pneumonia.
As we become less physically active these days, we crave for more food. To stop 
possible weight gain that can lead to serious illness, here are  the ideas 
you can do while we're still in “brrr” season.

• Drink 6 to 10 cups of warm liquids and herbal teas to prevent dehydration.

• Wear natural fiber clothes to keep you warm. 

• Boost your fiber intake to keep bowels clean.

• Give yourself a daily sesame oil massage to moisten dry skin in this dry season to calm your nerves.  It is rich in fatty acids to help repair dry skin making it soft and smooth.

• Stay away from refined sugar which weakens the immune system. 

• Use healthy sweeteners like honey which will strengthen the immune system, Molasses full of iron and other minerals and coconut sugar with its low glycemic index

• As much as possible get some direct sunlight.

• Avoid foods like dairy, eggs and wheat especially if you are prone to colds and flues.

• Get rid of refined oils and include cold pressed healthy fats as coconut, olive and almond oil.

• Eat well-prepared  fresh and warm food to enhance good circulation and increase warmth in your body. 

• Add warming vegetables to your meals like avocados, beets, brussels sprouts,carrots, pumpkins, winter squash, sweet potatoes, cabbage, onions and Mungbeans.

• Avoid tomatoes, cucumbers and leafy lettuce because these are cooling summer foods.

• Get enough sleep.

• Avoid cold foods and iced drinks.