Last year’s flu season brought the highest number of deaths and health complications since the dawn of modern tracking, so much so, that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is worried that this flu season could result in a pandemic. 

It’s hard to imagine that our medically advanced society would be under threat; however, unpredictable and changing bacteria and viruses can leave our immune systems susceptible to being unfairly compromised.

While flu vaccination has an important role, it’s not the only strategy we should employ when it comes to prevention. Being proactive with your health means eating a healthful diet, getting adequate sleep and regular exercise, managing stress levels and washing hands frequently. 

Beyond lifestyle approaches, consider these holistic remedies to address common winter woes such as cold, flu, stomach aches, and joint discomfort.

Have you ever had stomach cramps, headache, nausea and flushing after a meal and wondered, "Is it something I ate?"

Sensitivities or reactions to food are increasingly common. They can be challenging to deal with, because they can cause a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms that are often difficult to pinpoint. 

The two main types of food reactions are allergies and intolerances. Food allergies involve an immune system reaction to a particular food or component of food, such as the protein in peanuts, eggs or dairy. The immune system reacts inappropriately when faced with the food allergen and mounts a reaction, which can range from minor rash or hives to life threatening anaphylaxis.