‘Tis the Season for Colds and Flu
With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we become more susceptible to catching a cold or the flu. And yet being sick is the last thing we need with so much to do… or when we finally have time off from work.
I’m going to share my tips for a fast recovery… but first let’s look at why we become more susceptible to viruses.
• Five common causes of lower immune function:
• sugar
• alcohol
• lack of sleep
• exposure to food intolerances (dairy, gluten, eggs, etc)
• stress
Add increased exposure to viruses due to travel and holiday events… and you’ve got a pretty high likelihood of having a virus sneak past your immune defenses.
So what can you do to boost your immune system to prevent catching a virus or to recover faster when a virus catches you?
Immune Boosters:
• Nutrients – Vitamin C, A, zinc and Larch arabinogalactans (ARA)
• Herbs – mushrooms, Andrographis, Scutellaria, and adrenal supportive herbs
• Homeopathics – Triple Flu Defense (TFD), prepares your body for fending off a virus
It’s so hard to be sick. It wipes out your week, and it can make its way to all your family members in your house. One of my best tips, which can give you the best chances of a fast recovery, is to act quickly. As soon as you notice sneezes and a runny nose, take these steps…
Dr. Doni’s Tips for a Fast Recovery:
1. Extra rest – naps and extra sleep
2. Use heat to your advantage – heat kills viruses, so as long as it is not contraindicated for you, a hot shower or bath can help your immune system do it’s job. A fever is a concern over 102 degrees. Be sure to consult a practitioner for help with fevers.
3. Keep fluid moving – blow your nose and take a product, such as HMC, to decrease fluid production. Bacteria love it when liquid stands still, and we want to prevent bacteria from finding a happy home in your body.
4. Salt is your friend – salt kills bacteria, is anti-inflammatory and thins out phlegm. Gargle salt water and do a quick rinse of salt water through your sinuses.
5. Support your immune function with the various nutrients and herbs that research shows to be effective. Have a practitioner help you with appropriate doses.
Natural Medicine Cabinet:
• EHB – Vitamin C and A, zinc, echinacea, garlic and more, all help your immune system to knock out viruses and bacteria.
• HMC – natural anti-histamine, decreases fluid production.
• TFD – a combination of homeopathic remedies for cold and flu symptoms, in a gluten-free and dairy-free liquid form.
Dose your nutrients and herbs frequently – every 3-4 hours. And if you plan to be on an airplane, or around someone who has a cold, then support your body as if you have already caught the virus.
Dr Doni Wilson
