b'DONT LET COLD & FLU SEASON KNOCK YOU DOWNTry These 5 Natural RemediesBy Dan DunkinCold andfluseason are upon usthat time of year when body aches, fever, chills, and nasal congestion combine and can stop you in your tracks, leaving you bedridden for days.Statisticsshowthattheflu annually sickensmillionsof Americans, kills tens of thousands, and results in billions of dollars in medical expenses and sick days.Complicationsarisingfromtheflucanbecomeserious, says Dr. Suhyun An, an expert on regenerative medicine and co-author ofDemystifying Stem Cells: A Real-Life Approach to Regenerative Medicine.If you still have symptoms after 7 to 10 days, be sure to make anappointmentwithyourdoctor.Ifanyofyoursymptoms include difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, or feeling faint, or if you experience other severe symptoms like a high fever, seek immediate medical assistance.Dr.AnsaystherearewaystopreventthesymptomsfromN0 3 |PROBIOTICSreaching that serious point. To feel better and get back onThese are friendly bacteria and yeast found in the body, your feet, she recommends numerous natural cold and flusome foods, and supplements. They can help keep your remedies to alleviate your symptoms: gut and immune system healthy, and they may reduce your chance of getting sick with an upper respiratory N0 1 | VITAMIN C infection, Dr. An says. For a delicious and nutritious Some studies indicate that vitamin C can shorten the lifespansource of helpful bacteria, include probiotic yogurt in of a cold and boost your immune system. The best way to getyour diet.itisthroughyourdietthefresherthefood,thebetter,Dr. An says. Oranges,limes, lemons, grapefruits, leafy greens, and bell peppers are all good sources of vitamin C. Be careful with supplements because they can lead to upset stomach and kidney stones.N0 2 | HONEYHoneyhasnaturalantiviralandantimicrobial properties.Drinkinghoneyinteawithlemon can ease sore throat pain, Dr. An says. Research suggeststhathoneyisaneffective cough suppressant, too. Honey often containsClostridiumbacteria,so never give honey to a child younger than1yearoldbecauseinfants immune systems arent able to fight them off.54GoodLifeFamilyMag.comJANUARY | FEBRUARY 2020'