What flu season??
The flu season brings dozens of new viruses to be exposed to our immune system every year. These viruses can spread like wild fire through schools, work, and those germ factories known as day cares! Kids' immune systems are getting exposed to these viruses for the first time, so it's normal for them to bring home a few colds every year as they build up their natural immunity. However, it doesn't hurt to be proactive in your home and workplace to help reduce the number of colds you contract and the severity of the symptoms. Nobody likes being sick! Cold and flu season is the time to focus on strengthening your body’s natural defence systems by boosting the immune system.
One of our most effective treatments is a formula given as an injection or a drinkable dose in the office in less than 5 minutes. It contains a unique combination of herbal and homeopathic medicines, including Echinacea, to stimulate the body’s immune system so it can fight off those pesky germs and help make it more effective against future infections. It's not suitable for all patients, so of course we check in to make sure it's the right treatment for you first.
Unfortunately, no medication or natural treatment can give you 100% guaranteed protection from all of the many cold and flu viruses out there. Everyone should follow the common-sense guidelines below to increase your chances of fighting off germs more quickly this winter:
Top 6 Naturopathic Tips for Preventing a Cold or Flu:
1. Wash your hands frequently with hot soapy water, especially after being in contact with a sick person, before meals, and before touching your face.
Avoid using antibacterial soap constantly, it disrupts our natural friendly bacteria which actually help our immune systems.
2. Get enough sleep. Much like babies, adults function better when they have a regular bed time and waking time. That means staying consistent even on weekends.
If you have trouble sleeping, try instituting a 'no screen time' policy 1 hour before bed to avoid the stimulating blue light of electronics.
3. Exercise. Now that the weather is cooling, it's important to make an effort to stay active and not hibernate - we're not bears!
Get outside whenever you can! Soak in the fresh crisp air and enjoy the dwindling sunshine as the days get shorter.
4. Eat real food - the more colourful the better. When a cold is going around your friends or family, make sure to avoid sugar and bump up the broccoli.
Check out our post on healthy lunchbox tips for ideas to keep kids (and grown ups!) eating healthy food throughout the day.
5. Relax. (Always easier said than done!) Even when you're going through a stressful time at work or home, it's important to set quiet time aside to rest by taking a bath, reading a book, or having a cup of tea.
High cortisol levels produced when you're under stress impairs the function of the immune system and can lead to more frequent or longer lasting colds.
6. Talk to us about the right supplements to support your immune system all winter - it might be vitamin D, our immune boosting injection, or herbal medicines, depending on your own health picture.
