Tackle the 2008 Cold and Flu Season Naturally!

Winter is upon us! This means cozy fires, flannel pajamas, runny noses, watery eyes and scratchy throats. Can this season be different?  Can we remain HEALTHY?  The answer is YES… and we don’t even have to move to Florida to avoid colds and the flu!  The real question is, “What do we have to DO?”

Few answers are found in the pharmacy. One recent study concluded “Neither an antibiotic nor a topical steroid alone or in combination was effective as a treatment for acute sinusitis.”1 “There is no clinical evidence that over-the-counter cough expectorants or suppressants actually relieve cough,” says pulmonary specialist Richard D. Irwin, MD.2 Another study showed that taking aspirin and Tylenol (acetaminophen) suppresses the body's ability to produce antibodies used to destroy the cold virus.3

Fortunately, many natural solutions exist that help prevent illness or speed the recovery.   Here are the basics for avoiding the winter ills:

  1. Eat healthfully by including many fruits and vegetables in your diet.
  2. Reduce stress (follow the techniques described in the article From Pain to Peace in A Split Second found at RosenthalChiropractic.com).
  3. Have an adequate amount of sleep.

Below are other self-care strategies for quickly regaining or staying healthy in the winter months. If symptoms are severe and/or persistent or you are unsure, pregnant or planning on using any of the information in this article for children, consultation with your natural or medical health care provider is recommended prior to using any of the outlined strategies. 

Regular use of a Neti Pot

Saline sprays do not have nearly the same effect. The Neti Pot is more like a power-washer and the saline spray is like a glass cleaner in a pump bottle. The Neti Pot is a small spouted cup resembling a genie lamp. It is filled with warm water and a small amount of salt. The spout is inserted just inside the nostril and the water pours out of the other side. It is repeated on the other side.  The nasal passages are cleansed of unwanted visitors and mucous build-up. When a cold exists, the Neti Pot may be used several times per day. Once every day or two is recommended for prevention. 

Good Ole’ Hand Washing

Wash with soap and water on a regular basis.  Pay attention to the nails, the spaces between the fingers, backs of the hands and around the wrists.  Use hot water (warm for children) for at least 20 seconds.  Hand sanitizers are effective and should contain at least 60% alcohol.  Rub the hands until they are dry. Supervise children when using a sanitizer, and store sanitizers safely away from little hands.

Tongue Cleaning

Simply brushing the tongue with a toothbrush is not enough.  Invest in a tongue cleaner (usually about $5).  Use on a regular basis and more often when illness exists. 

Humidify

It is recommended to use a whole house unit and a smaller unit to run in the bedroom.  Moist air helps prevent the cracking of the mucous membranes that is caused by dry winter air and heater use.  Cracked membranes offer viruses and bacteria easy access into our bodies.

Nutritional Supplements

Take high quality multivitamins, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils (speak to your doctor if you are on blood thinners or allergic to fish prior to taking any fish oils), and probiotics (the good bacteria that live in your gastrointestinal tract) on a regular basis. 

If sick, extra vitamin C may also be helpful.  You may take 500-1,000 mg every 1-2 hours. If the dosage is too high for your body, one possible side effect may be loose stools. If this happens, decrease the amount until bowel function normalizes. Researchers have shown zinc lozenges reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms, particularly a sore throat. It is believed that zinc is toxic to the virus and stimulates the production of antibodies that kill the virus. You can suck on one-quarter of a zinc lozenge every thirty minutes. If nausea is experienced, stop taking the zinc immediately. Only use zinc for under one week.

Ask your chiropractor or other natural health provider about the numerous vitamins, herbal supplements and homeopathic remedies that aid the immune system in fending off the cold and flu bugs.

Additional Vital Strategies

Limit Sugar.  Laugh often. Exercise. Get as much sunlight as possible. Open the windows, and allow fresh air to enter the house daily. Drink plenty of water (sip warm water throughout the day). Exercise more. Do not overeat.  STAY POSITIVE! 

You don’t have to sell the farm and head south of the Delaware border to stay healthy. Take the preventive measures, and act quickly at the first sign of illness. Winter CAN be a healthy time of the year! 

1 JAMA. 2007;298(21):2487-2496
2 http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,181128,00.html
3 J Infect Dis Dec 1990