Healing Cabbage Soup + Tips To Stay Healthy During Cold & Flu Season | SCD + Paleo

As we head into February, we also head into the heart of the flu and cold season. I always try my best to ward off those awful germs, but we do take a few extra steps during the winter months to ensure that we stay healthy. My oldest son, who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when he was nine years old, takes an immunosuppressant drug (Imuran) to treat his autoimmune disease. With autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the body’s own tissue. Because immunosuppressant drugs weaken the immune system, they suppress this reaction by tricking the body, which in turn reduces the impact of the autoimmune disease on the body. Unfortunately, since immunosuppressant drugs compromise the immune system, my son is constantly at risk of contracting whatever bug is floating around the school, the soccer field, the basketball court and pretty much anywhere we go.

To help prevent sickness we take these few extra steps during the winter months to stay strong and healthy.

Wash Your Hands
I can't say this enough! I encourage the kids to wash their hands during school and the first thing we do when they get home from school, sports and activities is wash their hands. I try to avoid hand sanitizer because it's hard on the skin, but I do carry THIS natural sanitizer with me at all times. Remember to wash your hands for 20 seconds! Even though my kiddos are older, we still single Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and it does the trick.

Wipe Down Your Desk, Doorknobs, Computer, Phone & Steering Wheel
I try to wipe down the items we touch most often at least once a week. You can use disinfecting wipes like THESE or even make your own natural cleaner using essential oils. I'm sure I'm missing a couple on my list, but take a moment to think about what you touch daily. Doorknobs, steering wheels and phones are essential to clean.

Eat the Rainbow
When you incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet you reap the benefits of phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are compounds found in plants that act as powerful defenders of health, both for the plant and the person consuming the plant. Studies have shown that people who eat more plant-based foods have reduced risks of chronic disease, heart disease and cancer. And, these phytonutrients can even help rid the body of toxins, fight inflammation, boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure and help fight disease.

Exercise
Staying active and fit is key. Physical activity may help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways which may reduce your chance of getting a cold, flu, or other illness. Exercise also improves cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, helps control body weight, and protects against a variety of diseases.

Get Enough Sleep
Studies show that people who don't get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as a common cold virus. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick.

Healing Cabbage Soup
Yield: 10 servings
Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free, Dairy-free, SCD, Paleo

INGREDIENTS:
1 small onion, chopped
1 Tbs olive oil or avocado oil
1/2 head cabbage, chopped
4 Tbs ketchup (We used THIS)
5 cups bone broth or chicken stock
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
salt & pepper
10 ounces frozen peas & carrots
10 ounces frozen green beans

DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat a dutch over over medium high heat. Add the oil and onions and sauté until translucent.
2. Add the cabbage and cook until soft.
3. Add the stock, ketchup and spices. Simmer 10 minutes.
4. Add the peas, carrots and green beans and simmer another 10 minutes.
5. Serve in individual bowls and garnish with avocado slices, sliced radish and parsley.