In spite of our best efforts to look after ourselves, it is inevitable we will fall ill at some stage. When we’re ill, we need to make getting healthy a priority and avoid adopting the “she’ll be right” approach.

If you ignore being sick and keep working away, you take the risk of making yourself sicker, or ensuring that the illness will last for weeks or months, instead of days or a week.

Most often supporting the body itself is the best approach for a fast recovery from a cold or flu. You just need to give your body the right ‘tools’ for getting healthy, some of which are mentioned below.

If you do find that you are getting sick regularly or that you can’t shake that cold or flu, or you simply have symptoms that are not ‘normal’ please do not hesitate to see your doctor.

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• Make sure you rest and get plenty of sleep. This is the best tip for getting healthy of all.
• Drink plenty of water and fluids. A fever, lots of mucous or a running nose can quickly leave you dehydrated. Try herbal teas, warm water with lemon juice and ginger tea.
• Do not smoke and avoid passive smoking. This irritates your airways and makes it harder for your body to recover.
• Keep yourself warm and away from draughts. A warm hat, warm socks and a blanket work a treat.
• Avoid alcohol and coffee. They tax your body and make recovery that little bit harder.
• Consume mild foods, such as soups, broths, vegetables and foods high in vitamin C like citrus fruits, green capsicum and tomatoes. Also broccoli, garlic, chilli, ginger, onions, parsley, thyme and basil are helpful. Try and eat small and regular meals so to not overly stress the digestive system.
• Try Manuka honey slowly dissolved in the mouth for a sore throat. It has antibacterial properties. Zinc lozenges can help also.
• Avoid high intakes of sugar as this depresses your immunity. Eat food that you know is good for you. Even though you may crave them, fatty, highly processed and sugary foods do not help with a fast recovery and more than likely feeds the virus. Good food tends to have a high nutrient value which supports the immune system.
• Minimise or avoid exercise until you are well enough. Save your energy for the recovery process.
• If you don’t mind taking supplements, consider taking a B complex, Zinc and Vitamin C. Or find a good multivitamin/mineral. Garlic and echinacea are also good supplements. For doses contact a competent health care or nutrition professional.

So look after yourself if you get sick and you will be back living and working at 100% in no time.

Note: The information in this article should not replace the advice of a competent health care or nutrition professional, and it is only intended for information purposes only.