Once again, winter is upon us and so are the usual tribulations: chapped, dry skin; cough; colds and flus. Despite all our best efforts, sometimes we come down with that annoying cough, sneeze and scratchy throat. What can be done to shorten the length and intensity of such seasonal illness?

This article will examine several ways in which you can take natural steps to protect yourself and your family against these troublesome bugs.

Remember though, the key to cutting the duration and severity of the bug is to catch it early. If you wait until symptoms become more severe, that will mean more suffering, doctor bills and expensive medications.

Zinc

Zinc is a great immune booster and will likely help build your immune system up so that you can recover from that bug. It is also great for wound healing Try starting out with a low dose of. Remember though, before starting any new supplements check with your MD for any possible drug interactions with any of your current medications.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is helpful in shortening the cold and is a powerful antioxidant that will help boost your immune system so as to recover from an infection. Try to consume foods that are high in vitamin C. Also, take supplements, such as Acerola, to get the most power for your immune system.

Probiotics

Probiotics are great in helping to restore the good bacteria in the gut. Many times, due to over consumption of sugar and white flour products, the bacteria balance in the gut can get thrown off. Remember that the immune system starts in the gut. Probiotics will help the good bacteria grow and thrive thereby helping your immune system get a jump-start to fight that bug.

Avoid Stress

Try relaxation techniques such as visualization, prayer, sleep, exercising and taking up a new hobby. Thinking positive definitely has its benefits in terms of healing and recovering from ere and debilitating illness. All of these techniques are great in helping bust out severe stress which causes many illnesses.

Mushrooms

Try adding mushrooms to the diet; they have amazing properties that can aid the body in overcoming an infection. Their properties include: detoxification, digestion, and improving the gut flora. One mushroom that is a health powerhouse is shiitake.

Exercise

Exercise helps rid the body of toxins, is good for the heart and mind and helps destroy microorganisms.

These points should help get you off in the right direction by shortening that cold.