Winterize Yourself Against Colds and Flu This Year!
November 5, 2007
Fall and winter blow in a horde of new flu strains, not to mention the common cold and the so-called "stomach flu." What's the best way to protect yourself and your family against this year's onslaught? Winterize—or strengthen—your immune systems by following a healthy lifestyle that includes the right nourishment, regular exercise, enough sleep, healthy stress management, and targeted nutrients and herbs.
Cold and Flu Basics
Colds are minor infections of the nose and throat caused by several viruses. Colds can last a week, but some last longer, especially in children, the elderly, and those in poor health. According to the American Lung Association, adults in the United States get an average of two to four colds per year, mostly between September and May. Symptoms can include:
* Runny nose
* Congestion
* Sneezing
* Weakened senses of taste and smell
* Scratchy throat
* Cough
The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory infection caused by many viruses that pass through the air and enter your body through your nose or mouth. Between 5% to 20% of the U.S. population gets the flu each year. The flu can be serious for elderly people, newborn babies, and people with certain chronic illnesses. Symptoms come on suddenly and are worse than cold symptoms. They may include:
* Body or muscle aches
* Chills
* Cough
* Fever
* Headache
* Sore throat
The "stomach flu" may be gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasite.
How to Help Prevent Colds and the Flu
While science hasn't yet discovered a magic bullet to prevent all the viruses your family may be exposed to, bolstering your immune system with the right nutrients may significantly reduce your risk. Consider the following daily recommendations:
* Take a high quality, buffered vitamin C.
* Make sure you're getting enough zinc; half the people in the U.S. don't. Zinc supports the integrity of your stomach lining and helps boost immune function.
* Take medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, shiitake, and maitake to provide aggressive support for a healthy immune response.
* Add selenium for additional immune system support.
Other Lifestyle Factors that Aid Prevention
* Whenever possible, avoid close contact with someone who's infected.
* Wash your hands frequently, particularly if you've come in contact with an infected person or have touched an object they've touched.
* Avoid touching your nose and eyes, which serve as easy pathways for virus particles to get into your body.
* Put up a second hand towel in the bathroom for healthy people to use.
* Monitor the humidity in your room so your sinuses don't dry out.
* If you do come down with a cold or the flu, avoid contact with others.
If you are like most people and have concerns about staying healthy through the fall and winter seasons, please stop by my office. We can discuss an easy-to-follow nutritional and lifestyle program that is tailored to your individual health needs.
Laureli's personal note: something I've taken for years now and find very helpful. "Vita Biotic" it is made by Eclectic Institute. It is a vitamin, mineral and botanical combination. it is has been very effective to stave off the nasty cold for me. you can find it online or at central market and probably other health stores.
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