The buzz on the streets in every corner of this country is about health care. Yes, we need big improvements to make the system function better. On every level I believe we do need change. Instead of discussing all the usual problems and solutions, I’m going to talk about a different solution, one that I am not hearing much about. Prevention! Yes, preventative health care. If people knew how to take better care of themselves, then they wouldn’t need to fill so many prescriptions and visit their doctors so frequently.

When I was growing up at the first sign of a sniffle I was ready to take a variety of over the counter drugs and even antibiotics. As I became tired of having  five or six colds/flu a year, I thought maybe there is a better way. Turns out there is: prevent the cold and flu from coming in the first place. There are many ways to do this. For one, stop eating foods that make you congested. Basically, when you are experiencing congestion (ongoing), runny nose, etc., you likely have food allergies. Dairy is a huge culprit. Even if you aren’t allergic, it creates mucus, which is something to avoid when trying to ward of a cold or flu.  Eating fresh veggies and fruit (more veggies than fruit) each day is also helpful. This provides the body with antioxidants and a variety of vitamins and minerals.

If prevention doesn’t work and you still come down with the sniffles, it’s possible to prevent it from becoming worse.  At the first onset, instead of reaching for the over the counter remedies, try taking herbs or medicinal mushrooms. Many mushrooms raise your Natural Killer white blood cells, and these blood cells fight off invaders than enter your body. Limiting sugar is also a smart preventative move since it lowers the Natural Killer cells that the mushrooms are  trying to raise. And no, mushrooms dipped in sugar does not balance out. Load up on zinc and vitamin C as well. In fact, when you are sick your body can handle quite a large amount of vitamin C. I usually recommend 500mg every 1-2 hours. It’s simple and quite effective.

For flu, elderberry is an herb that has been used for thousands of years. Until recently no one knew just why it was so effective at fighting flu. Research has now shown that the phtyo-nutrients (plant nutrients) that give it it’s dark color are also loaded with antioxidants that support the immune system. Elderberry has componds which literally prevent the flu virus from puncturing the cells and getting inside.  It works best at the first onset of symptoms, though it could still help if the virus has already taken hold. My other favorite flu remedy is Oscillococinum. I have been astonished at how well this homepathic remedy works. Not just for seasonal flu, but also for stomach flu. A few years ago I was so ill with stomach flu that I slept for two days. When I woke up I was weak and my body felt like there was broken glass in it. I immediately took the Oscillo and within 10 minutes my 103 degree fever was down to 99 and I felt human again. My partner was also stunned, and he commented that I looked like a different person. It is best to have these remedies on hand so you can take them immediatly when you being to feel ill.

How can you tell if you have a cold or flu? The flu usually starts with fever, chills, and body aches. The cold usually starts with sneezing and a runny nose.

Another issue is genes. Many people say, “Well everyone in my family has diabetes or heart disease,” and they  just resign themselves to that fate. The interesting thing is that genes are simply a blueprint. It does not have to turn into the worst case scenario. Often times when everyone in the family got diabetes or heart disease it was because they ate the same foods. Food is not only fuel, but it also tells our genes what to do. I met a man who had eight brothers who all got heart disease. They lived in the mid-west and ate mainly meat and potatoes and processed foods. This man moved to California 15 years earlier and began eating fresh veggies and cut out processed foods. Guess what? Yes, you guessed it, he did not have heart disease or even high cholesterol. We always have a choice!

So think about  your particular blueprint and avoid the risk factors and increase the foods and lifestyle choices that will further reduce the risk. This is a simple way to avoid a lifetime of doctors offices and medications. Sure it may not be fun to avoid those donuts, but down the road they will be a distant memory as you are not only experiencing more energy and vitality but more in the pocketbook to spend on yummy kale! OK, maybe not just kale, but certainly the money will be in your pocket and not plugged into the system of un-wellness.

Veggies are packed with everything that our body needs to be well–vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, yet many people don’t consume enough. I will share with you this crowd-pleasing recipe for veggies. There are an infinite number of possibilities for this simple dish. You can change the veggies with the season. My favorite is brussels sprouts! Try to include all the colors of the veggie rainbow for maximum nutrient benefits.

sho’s yummy roasted veggies

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3 tbsp lime juice

1-2 tbsp dijon mustard, to taste

1 cup green beans, whole

1-2 yellow summer squash

1/2 head purple cauliflower, pull off  from head into bite-size pieces

1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped

1-2 leeks, cut into rounds

1 red pepper, thin strips

1 cup shitake mushrooms, cut in half

fresh herbs, to taste (oregano, basil, thyme, marjoram)

dried spices, to taste (I use an organic spice blend)

Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Himalayan salt, to taste

directions: Put all cut and washed veggies(except chard) into a baking dish. Add spices and fresh herbs. Mix olive oil, lime juice, and dijon mustard, and pour liquid mixture over veggies. You can pop into the oven right away or let marinate for a few hours or even over night. Cover with foil, and bake on 350 for about 40 minutes (check after 30 minutes as ovens vary). Pull it out of the oven when there are about 5 minutes left and mix in chard. Cover and put back in oven for last 5 minutes.

enjoy!

Second detox4life.net workshop coming soon!