Holiday flu.... boo...

The PK's are back from a week in the sun, and unfortunately I have picked up some snotty germs on the plane - urgh.

Whilst no one likes having a cough or a cold, it does give me the opportunity to start cooking up lots of immune boosting treats, which I wanted to share with you all - so here are my top tips for fighting off that pesky cough, or cold.

1. Turmeric Tonic

I must confess I drink this most days anyway - it is so delicious and boosts your body and mind in so many ways.

But, what is a tonic? Firstly let's just say it is not only something that goes well with gin - It is also a ‘medicinal substance taken to give a feeling of vigor or well-being.’ (taken from the online dictionary!)This turmeric-ginger-lemon variety has so many health benefits, and is my go to for when I am feeling run down, poorly or just want a cosy warming drink.

So what makes this tonic healing? Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which boasts amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that has been known to aid digestion and relieve nausea. Lemon is naturally detoxifying and alkalizing in the body, aids in healthy bowel movements, and boasts plenty of Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and Manuka honey is one of the strongest natural antibiotics around. So get brewing and prepare to kick that cold right out of your system.

So how do you make it? Simple - Slice up the lemon, ginger, turmeric and steep in hot water - stir in a teaspoon of honey and tadaaahh - delicious, warming, healthy, detoxifying golden liquid ready to heal you. YUM.

2. Soup

Soup heals your soul - fact.

There is something so comforting about tucking into a big bowl of soup that immediately satiates your heart hunger and puts you on the road to recovery. I know people swear by chicken soup in these situations, but for us veggies, that doesn't really hit the spot. So what can we have instead... how about the best spicy lentil soup enriched with nutritious gems like garlic, onions, turmeric, vitamin C and much more flu busting deliciousness that will make you glow from head to toe. This recipe I use a staple is from Oh She Glows - Glowing spiced lentil soup - but I always add more veggies and lots of chilli flakes to it. You can find the link HERE. This, to me is the ultimate soul healing, heart warming soup, which I love to serve with a big chunk of Oat bread or Rye... happiness....

3. Fermented foods

I am sure you will remember my previous post on the benefits of these foods, but when you are feeling under the weather it is even more important to pack in as many probiotics as you can. The likelihood is you will be taking paracetamol or lemsip which taken over a prolonged period of time, can upset your tummy. Keep this at bay by starting your day with Kefir, or a live yogurt to help soothe your tummy and kick start your immune system.

4. Eggs

Who doesn't love to start their day with eggs?? Whenever I have a cold I never feel much like eating, but scrambled eggs are a great food to have when you are feeling under the weather. Easy to eat and digest, they are also full of zinc and studies have shown that when zinc is consumed in the first 24 hours of a cold it can reduce its severity. If you can add some mushrooms into it all the better, as these immunity powerhouses increase the effectiveness of white blood cells, the front line of our immune system.

5. Relax and Rest

Make sure to take some time to let your body heal. Rest, repair, and try to relax. Make sure to get enough sleep, wrap up warm and let yourself get better. I never used to hear the warning signs and push my body even when I was feeling poorly, this will only make the illness last longer. Try to drop what you can from your schedule, take it easy at the gym, or give yourself some time off and I promise you will come back stronger and refreshed. Do something that makes you feel happy, start a new book, or watch a new show or get your nails done - something just for you. Positivity will help you feel better too! Your body will tell you what it needs, you just need to listen.

So, I am off to drink a Turmeric Tonic ...............