Say Good-bye to Cold and Flu Season
By Teresa Richter, ND
With cold weather comes cold and flu season. We see it coming every year. The flu is out there circulating, lurking, looking for an opportunity. The common cold and other viruses are also out there circulating, waiting for your immunity to dip. Your best defense against all illness causing viruses and bacteria is to be prepared and to stay healthy. It is much easier to prevent illness than try to shorten its duration once it occurs. The following are some simple, yet essential things to keep you and your family strong and healthy.
Intake as many nutrients as possible. Eating many fresh fruits and vegetables in as many colors as possible daily will help ensure that you are getting a wide variety of nutrients to keep you healthy. Try to “Eat a Rainbow” of nutrients daily.
Eat dark berries of many colors. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries are all very high in antioxidants and fiber that can help keep your immune system strong.
Eating seasonal orange and yellow vegetables such as pumpkin and squash can give you many flavonoids and beta-carotene that will also help to boost your immunity.
Keep your intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates low. Sugar lowers your body’s immune defenses leaving your more vulnerable to viruses and bacteria.
Sleep, Sleep, Sleep! Keeping on schedule with your bedtime or even going to bed earlier will not only help with daily repair, but will also keep your immune system running strong.
Stress management and play time. Try to take time out of each day to relieve stress and have fun. Play time is as essential to adults as it is to children. Stress wreaks havoc on the immune system so allowing yourself some fun time every day will also keep your immunity strong. Laughing has been shown to increase Natural Killer Cells, Antibodies, and T-Cells (our bodies important immune cells).
Keep nasal passages and sinuses clear. Even if you are not prone to allergy or sinus issues, this little step can go a long way in prevention of illness. Many bacteria live in our nasal passages. The nostrils is often one of the first points of entry for viruses. Using a NETI pot daily can help keep things clear and nasal passages healthy.
Only use immune boosting herbs short term. Herbs like Echinacea and Goldenseal are great for short term use, but can hamper immunity if used long term. Always consult a professional before using these herbs.
Daily Vitamins. Daily vitamins can ensure that your body has everything it needs to stay healthy. Some especially important vitamins for the coming season include Vitamin C and Vitamin D. Please consult your Naturopathic Doctor on the correct amount to take.
Visit your Naturopathic Doctor for a checkup. You don’t need to be sick to go to the doctor. It is easier to keep you healthy, and prevent illness than it is to treat it once it occurs. Go see your doctor for a wellness checkup and make sure everything is up to par before you get sick. If you get sick, try seeing your Naturopathic Doctor before you rush off for antibiotics. There may be natural alternatives that can help get you through it and make you stronger for next year.
If you do get sick, STAY HOME! It is very important to prevent the spread of illness. Not to mention, your body needs to rest and heal. Often times you are most contagious at the onset of symptoms.
With these easy suggestions, you can help protect the health of yourself and your family for the next few months. The more prepared you are, the less likely it is that you will come down with something.
