Happy Thanksgiving from Get Well Natural!

Chances are, you're checking off your Turkey Day to-do list and looking forward to some much needed time off. Unfortunately, the cold and flu are common this time of year. Don't let a stuffy nose and sore throat put a damper on your holidays. We'll show you how to support your immune system the natural way.*

First Line of Defense
Have you ever visited the doctor after experiencing cold or flu symptoms only to be told to drink water and get plenty of rest? That would have been nice to know before you got out of bed, right? Doctors (and grandmothers) everywhere often give this advice for good reason: adequate rest and fluids can strengthen your immune system. Your immune system is remarkably resilient to disease-causing microorganisms. WebMD describes the immune system as "a balanced network of cells and organs that work together to defend you against disease." As the first line of defense when your body gets hit with germs, it pays to keep your immune system in good shape. According to a special report from Harvard Health Publications, the immune system "requires balance and harmony" to function well and there are many healthy-living strategies you can take to improve your health. For example:

• Avoid smoking, including second-hand smoke
• Eat plenty of fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains and limit your saturated fat intake
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Control your blood pressure
• Only drink alcohol in moderation
• Get enough sleep each night
• Wash your hands frequently*

The Immune System: An Eastern Medicine Point of View
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu is a serious contagious disease. Surprisingly, more than 36,000 people die each year in the U.S. from seasonal flu complications. Luckily, our bodies welcome natural, preventative measures. Dr. Graeme Shaw often sees patients who are looking for relief from cold or flu symptoms, as well as ways to boost their immunity. In his article "Immune Enhancement During the Cold and Flu Season," he reviews some of the body's natural immune functions that can protect you from viral attacks and offers some pointers to enhance your health the natural way.*

Use Aromatherapy to Improve Your Health
An Examiner article notes that essential oils can help strengthen the immune system. In fact, Discovery Health touts the benefits of bergamot, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, myrrh, rosemary, tea tree and thyme essential oils. According to the article, certain scents are believed to stimulate the production of white corpuscles, which play a role in the body's defense against disease. Other essential oil fragrances may promote new cell growth and result in faster healing. Plus, many oils harbor regenerative properties that improve your skin's suppleness and tone. One specific way to use aromatherapy to help boost your immune system is with a lymphatic massage you can do at home. Your lymph nodes are found in various places on your body, including your throat, collarbone and underarms. Massaging these points with some essential oils could lower stress, improve sleep and stimulate your immune system.*

A Thanksgiving Feast Fit for Royalty
Without the right nutrients, our immune system weakens over time. This is even more of a problem when we eat processed, preservative-rich and sugary foods. To accelerate our immune system during cold and flu season, eat plenty of dark leafy greens (kale, swiss chard), protein-rich legumes (lentils, kidney beans), whole grains (quinoa, barley) and other colorful fruits and veggies (persimmons, bell peppers). And don't forget that mom really did know what's best when she fed you chicken noodle soup for what ailed you.  But instead of sodium-laden canned soup, make a big pot of chicken and vegetable soup and enjoy flavorful leftovers all week. Here are some more immunity-boosting dishes your whole family can enjoy this Thanksgiving:*

• Herb Roasted Turkey
• High Protein Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Garlic Pumpkin Knots
• Pumpkin Gingerbread with Spiced Buttercream

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