The days are getting shorter, the temperature is dropping, the holidays are approaching, and it’s almost cold and flu season. Now is the time to be mindful of our bodies and our health. Most colds and cases of flu are viral in origin, making them untreatable by antibiotics. Antibiotics are useful only when a bacterial infection is present or develops as a result of a cold or flu. For most cold and flu sufferers, this is not the case. So, if antibiotics won’t help, then what will?
Improving the terrain
According to scientist Antoine Beauchamp, the internal strength and balance of an individual is what protects or fails to protect him/her from illness. Naturopaths refer to this as “ individual susceptibility”.
Steps to improve the terrain, boost immunity and decrease individual susceptibility
WE ARE WHAT WE EAT - Our immune system is created from the building blocks that we give it via our food intake:
Eat healthy foods like whole grains, lots of vegetables, and organic grass-fed meats
Increase your daily intake of vegetables - focus on green leafy veggies like spinach and chard; colorful vegetables like beets, squash, carrots, and peppers; immune-supportive herbs like onions, garlic, and red pepper.
Eat more good fat, less bad fat.
Good fats = walnuts, almonds, fish and olive oil
Bad fats = fried food, animal fats, trans fats, and margarine
Eliminate sugar and artificial sweeteners except from fruit sources - for this, you must read labels
Avoid sodas, candy, fast food alcohol, and smoking
Reduce the intake of dairy and bread products
SLEEP - Get 8 hours each night. During sleep is when our body repairs itself and does important work to strengthen our immune system so it can fight off viruses. Get 8 hours of sleep each night consistently all year round, and when you feel a cold coming on- sleep even more.
FLUIDS - You can clear the toxins from a “bug” out of your system with large amounts of filtered water, herb teas, and diluted juices. A rule of thumb for how much - ½ your body weight in ounces. So a 150-pound person will need to drink 75 ounces of filtered water daily.
IMMUNE-BOOSTING SUPPLEMENTS - Take at first sign of a cold or flu, or to prevent one:
Vitamin C : Take 500 mg every 3 hours. Cut back on dosage if stools become loose or you experience gas and cramping
Zinc : Take 30-50 mg once daily with food. Do this for 1-2 weeks maximum.
Bioflavonoids : Take 500mg twice daily
Vitamin A : Take 10,000 iu per day (avoid if pregnant)
Probiotics - For immunity of our mucus membranes and gastrointestinal system : Take acidophilus and bifidus - 10 billion of these a day.
Oscillococcinum - Homeopathic remedy - Take 6 pellets 3 times a day at first sign of cold or flu. Take away from food.
HERBAL IMMUNE ENHANCEMENT - The following herbs are all immune supportive, but will be best used when matched up with the correct symptom picture. Consult your naturopath regarding what specific formula would be right for you and your particular symptoms.
For prevention, before you get sick : Echinacea purpurea, garlic, and onions
Once you already have the cold : Osha root, licorice root, Oregon grape root, Myrrh, garlic, onion
Once you have the flu : Add Elderberry
Dosage of herbs depends on the form in which they are taken
Teas : 3-5 cups a day
Tinctures : 30-60 drops 4-5 times a day
Freeze-dried capsules : 2 caps 4-5 times a day
DECREASE EXPOSURE - Wash hands often, do not share utensils, and wash clothes and bedding often. Viral infections are spread more readily through contact than the air.
HOME HYDROTHERAPY - These treatments increase circulation, decrease inflammation, and increase white blood cell activity.
THROAT OR CHEST COMPRESS - Warm the throat or chest with a warm washcloth or hot shower. Dry the skin thoroughly and apply a thin cotton wrap (to throat) or thin cotton T-shirt (to chest) that has been soaked in cold water and wrung out so that it is not dripping wet. Cover with a wool scarf (throat) or wool sweater (chest). Go to bed. By morning the scarf or T-shirt will be dry. This treatment increases circulation, decreases inflammation, and increases white blood cell activity.