EZ Melts Health Blog

Reading Time: 3 minutes Flu season can be a stressful time for everyone, especially in our post-pandemic world, but we have some ways to minimize your chances of getting sick. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus that typically occurs during the fall and winter months. It’s essential to take preventive measures to keep you and your family healthy this flu season, and preparing your home is one of the ways you can keep the virus from spreading. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing some no-brainers to prepare your home for the flu season. We’ll look at how changing air filters, tossing expired meds, loading up on sick day essentials, disinfecting your home, and prioritizing health with a healthy diet and supplements can support your immune system to fight off the flu virus. Changing Air Filters If you have a HEPA air purifier, check the filters! Air filters trap dust, pollen, and other harmful particles in the air. When it gets dirty, it can’t do its job properly, and those particles start circulating in the air in your home. This could irritate your nose and eyes, trigger allergies, respiratory problems, and more. Changing your air filters regularly could improve air quality in your home and reduce exposure to harmful particles that could weaken your immune system.  Toss Expired Meds It’s essential to clear out your medicine cabinet of any expired or unused medications you might have. Keeping these medications around could increase the risk of accidentally taking the wrong medication or dosage. These expired or unused meds could also be a breeding ground for bacteria, which could further spread infections. By tossing these meds, you could reduce the risk of contamination, injury, and illness.   Load Up on Sick-Day Essentials Having flu remedies on hand before the flu season starts could make all the difference if you or someone in your family does get sick. Stock up on items such as cough and cold medicine, tissues, and clear soup broth. Remember to add essentials such as rehydration solutions, fever reducers, and a thermometer in case of a fever. Disinfect Your Home It’s important to disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home to stop the spread of the flu virus. The flu virus spreads when droplets come into contact with your hand and mouth. Disinfect surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, television remotes, computer keyboards, and mobile phones. Get Vaccinated One of the most effective ways to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older and can significantly reduce the risk of getting sick. It's best to get vaccinated before the flu season starts, so you'll have time to build immunity. Moreover, getting vaccinated protects not only yourself, but also the people around you, especially those who are at high risk for complications, such as pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and the elderly.  Prioritize Health Year-Round The flu season is a reminder to prioritize our health, but keeping our immune system strong year-round is important. You can strengthen your immune system by taking care of your physical and mental health.  This includes eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, practicing good hygiene, and managing stress. Also, consider taking supplements such as vitamin C, zinc, and probiotics, which may help support your immune system.  Conclusion It's essential to prepare your home and prioritize your health during flu season. By changing air filters, tossing expired meds, loading up on sick day essentials, disinfecting your home, and prioritizing a healthy diet and supplements that support a healthy immune system, you could reduce the risk of spreading and catching the flu virus. Remember, being proactive with your health is better than being reactive when the flu season hits, so start preparing your home today!

Reading Time: 3 minutes Fall is officially in full swing! With the change of seasons also comes the dreaded cold and flu season. Do you have your immunity protection plan in place? That’s a fancy way of asking, have you thought about how to support your immune system? A strong immune system can help protect you from viruses, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens. In this blog post, we will discuss immune support essentials that you should incorporate into your diet and routine this fall season. Vitamin C This powerful vitamin supports your immune system by stimulating the production and function of white blood cells. Vitamin C ensures that your white blood cells function efficiently, and your body can mount a rapid and effective response to infections. With just one medium-sized orange, you can get more than 70% of your daily recommended amount of vitamin C. Other sources of vitamin C include bell peppers, strawberries, and broccoli. Adding a glass of orange juice or a few slices of lemon to your water can also give you a refreshing vitamin C boost. Vitamin D Fall means less sun exposure, which can lead to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is essential for protecting our innate and adaptive immune responses. Getting enough sunlight, increasing your intake of fortified foods such as milk, cereal, taking supplements, and eating vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, egg yolks, and mushrooms can all help increase vitamin D levels and support your immune system. Zinc  This essential mineral is a vital component of our immune system. It helps to activate enzymes necessary for healthy immune function.  Zinc deficiency can lead to an increased risk of infections. This essential mineral is a vital component of our immune system. It helps to activate enzymes necessary for healthy immune function and is important for wound healing. Zinc helps the immune system to fight viruses and bacteria, reduces inflammation, and supports the growth of new cells.  Probiotics About 70% of our immune system resides in our gut. Probiotics, or good bacteria, help to keep our gut healthy and, in turn, strengthen our overall immunity. You can find probiotics in fermented foods like kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Look for the term "live and active cultures" on food labels. There are also many supplement options available to ensure your taking care of your gut. Sleep While not a vitamin or mineral, sleep is essential for your immune system function. Adequate rest helps our body to replenish and produce vital immune cells.  Getting enough sleep can improve your body's immune function and reduce the risk of sickness. Experts recommend getting at least 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night for optimal health. If you have trouble winding down at night or struggle to stay asleep, consider taking supplements for sleep support.   Conclusion This fall, make sure that you take care of your immune system by incorporating a variety of immune system essentials into your diet and routine. Vitamin C, D, and zinc are crucial for a strong immune system. Probiotics and sleep are non-dietary ways to strengthen your immunity. Make sure to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any supplements.  Getting the flu shot and practicing proper hygiene are also great ways to support your body’s immunity to illness and infection. Most importantly, stay healthy, rest, and enjoy the beautiful, crisp fall season!