Scene in Detroit: Stay Healthy The Natural Way

 By Amelia Kanan, CBS Detroit Blogger

The drastic change in weather, kids being back in school and a feeling of being rundown can leave you open to a number of sicknesses. Even though I am surrounded by a number of people that have been bitten by a few different kinds of bugs, I have yet to fall prey.

I will knock on wood -- however, I feel it's more than luck that has kept me protected. I'm a big believer in natural remedies and preventions for illness and want to share some with you to keep Detroit healthy!

The Dailies for Cold/Flu Prevention:

-Mangia! Mangia!: Eating a flavorful and healthy menu strengthens and increases production of good cells. Here's a list of minerals and vitamins that provide you with a healthy base to ward off illness: garlic, zinc- with a proven ability to fight colds (Some foods with zinc include: chicken, oysters, beef, almonds, beans), selenium-an antioxidant (found in brown rice, egg yolks, tuna, sunflower seeds, oatmeal, lamb chops) that protects cells from toxins, and Omega-3 fatty acids-increases activity of white blood cells that eat up bacteria (tuna, salmon, flax seed oil).

-Be a Butterfly: OK, not literally but it's a f.a.c.t. that those who socialize regularly are more likely to stay in the clear of infections and viruses. 

-Soak Rays: Getting a healthy amount of Vitamin D is a must and since it isn't found in many foods, your best bet is to get it from le soleil. Even an overcast day emits what we need and the dosage doesn't have to be more than 5-10 minutes per day. Since Vitamin D enters the body best through the windows to our soul, lose the shades.

-Hydrate: Whether it's straight up water or you like to use those flavor packets to jazz it up, drinking water flushes your body of all those toxins that can lead to sickness. 

-Chill Out: It's easier said than done but stress exudes so much of our internal energy that it compromises our immune systems. Since there are some stresses we just have to suck up and manage there are daily rituals we can do to de-stress simply: close your eyes and breathe slowly in and out three times and then smile, talk it out, listen to a song that makes you happy, say "no" or make a list to help you feel in control.

-Don't Touch: Restaurants, grocery stores, public bathrooms, gyms, handrails, elevator buttons, money, menus and ATM machines are just a few things that we are in daily contact with that are infested with germs. You don't need to be a germ freak but by being aware, you naturally will find ways to prevent those germs from hijacking your ship.

 If you are sick:

-Get Spicy: Ever wonder why you crave Indian or Thai food when you have a cold? It's because your body is telling you it wants spicy peppers and spices to break down the congestion.

-Don't Push It: Do what you need to do, however keep in mind that the more you rest, the quicker you'll recover. 

-Prop it Up: Elevating your upper body will keep your respiratory congestion to a minimum.

-Stay Smooth: Drink lots of fluids and put salve under your nose so those bouts with the Kleenex don't show up on your face. 

-Sweat It Out: Taking a nice long shower, inhaling the steam from your tea and sitting in a steam room are all things that help reduce the congestion. 

-Fight Pressure with Pressure: Massaging your own face might sound weird but by kneading your cheeks, temples, neck and jaw line it will loosen the sinus canals and relax you at the same time. 

Amelia Kanan is freelance writer/photographer and a returning native of Detroit. A graduate of Columbia College in Chicago, she wrote for an Emmy nominated sketch comedy show and pursued her passion for documentary filmmaking in Los Angeles. An incomplete list of her loves: books, human rights, improv, the smell of new shoes, talking to strangers, libraries, France, yoga, furniture, music, sociology and pushing the limits.