How to Stay Healthy During Flu Season

The flu season is quickly approaching! As fall transitions to winter, the start of flu season becomes an annual occurrence. The flu is a significant threat to our wellness, considering its infectious nature and ability to cause harm to our immune systems.

When discussing making healthy choices during flu season, we should first talk about what Influenza is. The flu is a respiratory infection that can enter your body through your nose or mouth. The flu can be acquired through contaminated surfaces or breathing in airborne particles from someone who has the flu, such as through coughs or sneezes.

When you are battling the flu, you may have a loss of appetite or thirst. However, it is essential to hydrate and obtain the necessary nutrients to recover! Additionally, keeping your immune system strong to fight off the flu is so important. Certain methods, such as washing your produce and hand-washing, getting adequate sleep, maintaining stress, and eating balanced meals, all contribute to keeping your immune system healthy and strong.

For the full list of over 35 flu season must-haves, become a Trash Panda Member and shop our premium grocery list!

When you’re feeling under the weather, a quick trip to the pharmacy often leads to reaching for the most recognizable brand of cough syrup. But before you grab that bright green or cherry-red bottle, it’s worth taking a closer look at the ingredients. Many over-the-counter (OTC) cough syrups, including popular options like NyQuil, contain dyes, artificial flavors, and unnecessary additives that could do more harm than good.

Soothe your throat and support your recovery with Beekeeper's Naturals Cough Syrup, a Trash Panda favorite for flu and cold season! This powerhouse blend combines honey’s natural antibacterial properties and elderberry's immune-boosting antioxidants to keep you feeling your best. Free from artificial additives, this syrup is packed with nutrients like vitamin C and zinc to help your body fight off seasonal bugs naturally. Perfect for tackling pesky coughs while staying aligned with your clean-label lifestyle!

Chicken soup is essential when battling the flu or a cold. Pacific Foods Organic Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a Trash Panda go-to! There are countless nutritional benefits such as vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes in the broth, protein in the chicken, antioxidants in the herbs, vitamins A and C in the vegetables, and antioxidants, various vitamins, and minerals in the wild rice.

Stay energized and hydrated with Trace Minerals Power Paks! Each convenient packet is loaded with essential electrolytes, immune-supporting vitamin C, and over 72 trace minerals to help your body recover and stay resilient. The added magnesium helps combat fatigue, while the clean formula keeps it in line with your health goals. Whether you’re fighting off illness or simply replenishing nutrients, Power Paks are a flavorful and effective way to give your body the boost it needs!

Probiotic-heavy foods, such as yogurt, are a great option when strengthening your immune system. Probiotics are live microorganisms that help improve gut health. Gut health is essential when strengthening immune systems, as most immune cells reside in the gut. Aldi's Nonfat Greek Yogurt is a good option, containing clean ingredients and various probiotics to help keep your immune system healthy. To level up even further, look for a grass-fed organic yogurt.

Gentle relief for little ones starts with Genexa Kid's Cough + Chest Congestion, a Trash Panda-approved solution for cold season! This cleaner formula is made without artificial dyes, flavors, or common allergens, offering safe and effective support for kids. Packed with natural ingredients to help ease chest congestion, it’s a trusted choice for parents looking to keep their kids comfortable and feeling better, naturally.

It's easy to get swept away by products that claim they are organic or have misleading labels. When you're sick with the flu, it's important to read food labels and avoid certain foods to contribute to a healthy immune system! When fighting the flu, it's essential to stay away from alcohol as it causes dehydration, fatty foods as they are hard to digest, and processed foods as they contain fewer nutrients.

Always remember to check ingredients when shopping and to use the Trash Panda app to find healthier alternatives!