Our top flu tips: start now

Ah yes, it’s that time of year: starts with runny noses, coughs, sore throats, and then builds up to chest congestion, headaches, and maybe even a fever… we’re here to tell you that having a cold and even having a flu is not something to fear, and it’s often preventable! 

Rather than immediately viewing every cough or runny nose as something that needs to be suppressed, there is value in listening to what the body is asking for.

Here are 10 of our most favourite tips for combatting the flu, Harmova Health style!

1. You must SLOW DOWN

The body is incredible: it will quickly signal when it needs help: typically it begins with a headache, fatigue, thirst or added hunger. When you feel it coming on, listening to it and slowing down is key. Stress has been long studied as the number one cause for over 85% of illnesses.

2. Don’t automatically suppress every fever

A fever is a part of the body’s immune response rather than something that must immediately be brought down. The body naturally increases core temperature to fight infection and “burn off” parasites that don’t belong. The focus should be on comfort, hydration and monitoring rather than treating the number on the thermometer alone. 

3. Hydration is more than drinking water

During the flu, fever, sweating, rapid breathing and reduced food intake are all your body’s ways of clearing out toxins and focusing on healing. We also recommend rotating water with mineral-rich bone broths, herbal teas and electrolyte-containing fluids rather than relying exclusively on plain water. 

4. Eat less, but nourish more

There is a long tradition in holistic medicine of not forcing large meals when someone has little appetite. If you cannot extend your nighttime fasting by a few more hours, then small portions of nutrient-dense foods such as broth, cooked vegetables, soups and easily digested protein can provide nourishment without making someone eat a heavy meal. There’s a reason our forefathers used to say “starve a fever”: because IT WORKS. Fasting, resting, taking in fluids and sweating are your best friends right now, because they help your body get rid of old cells and toxins, and fast-track new cell production!

5. Support the gut before flu season arrives

Rather than waiting until someone becomes sick, we suggest focusing on the gut microbiome throughout the year. Fermented foods, fibre-rich vegetables and a diverse whole-food diet are often emphasized because the gut and immune system are closely connected. Don’t wait until you’re in the thick of illness to take a basic dose of ivermectin either! As soon as you feel it coming on it’s when it’ll be most effective.

6. Nature heals. Get outside NOW!

We are part of nature, and as such, our bodies respond favourably to the outdoors, connected with nature. Five minutes here, thirty minutes there, it all helps ground the body and balance negative and positive ions for immune response. Getting natural vitamin D on the body is the most bioavailable (and cheapest) form of immune boosting protection. If you “don’t have time” to spend at least 30 minutes outdoors daily, rethink your routine.

7. Sugar is hurting you

Cold season also arrives alongside a season of dietary indulgence. Halloween is an obvious example. Children can go from their usual routine to an extraordinary intake of candy, chocolate and other highly refined foods in a very short period of time. One teaspoon of sugar can shut down the immune system for 5 hours. Skip the sugary treats and load up on fresh, natural, unprocessed foods.

8. Prioritize sleep and mindless activity

We frequently talk about the relationship between stress, sleep and immune resilience. There is lots of research behind this perspective. A study found that participants assigned to mindfulness meditation experienced fewer days of acute respiratory illness and shorter illnesses. Sometimes doing “nothing” can be very rewarding for the body! Don’t feel you need to always be doing something… sleep is when the body heals!

9. Go back to old school activities

Whatever happened to making puzzles, reading books, and doing crafts? These  old school activities need to be brought back into the limelight because what’s healing for the mind, is healing for the body. Unplug from electronic and revisit some hobbies you enjoy, for the benefit of your whole family’s immunity.

10. Ivermectin: stock up before you get sick!

Perhaps the most distinct way we suggest protecting your body is by taking ivermectin. As an illness prevention tool, for most people, one 12mg tablet per day is sufficient. Ivermectin is an excellent anti-parasitic with extraordinary immune boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits. And with every purchase we include our basic dosage chart calculator. Whether you’re shopping for ivermectin in Canada or in the US, we got you covered. 

Prevention comes first! The goal is not to suddenly “boost” the immune system with a dozen supplements, but to support a body that has already been adequately protected, nourished and rested.