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The California Association of Naturopathic Physicians
(CANP) recently announced tips on preventing getting a cold or flu this
holiday season. "During this time when Kleenex sales skyrocket and
we carefully edge around those who are sneezing and sniffling, there is
much that can be done to prevent succumbing to the flu or a bad cold,"
said spokesperson and naturopathic physician, Ellen Potthoff, D.C., N.D.
"First, it is helpful to understand exactly why
we get sick," she added. "With the colder weather, we
spend more time indoors with forced air heat. This dry heat
dries out the mucous membranes lining the respiratory tract, nose, mouth
and beyond into the lungs."
She also notes that diets are usually
worse during the holiday season. Over consumption of dairy
foods can promote the overproduction of mucous in the respiratory tract,
which can support the growth of bacteria and viruses. In addition, "Our
fast-paced lifestyles, even more hectic over the holidays, are not at
all conducive to strong immune function," she adds
The CANP offered the following strategies to stay
healthy during this stressful time of the year:
1. At the first sign of illness, slow
down immediately and rest
to prevent the illness from taking hold. It is better to stop activity
in the short term rather than having your activity stop you.
2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Get 8
hours of sleep, relax often, eat moderately, drink plenty
of pure water and decrease consumption of alcohol, coffee, and sugar.
Sugar almost immediately decreases immune
function.
3. Viruses are often passed by touch. Wash
your hands frequently and avoid shaking hands with those
who are already sick.
4. Eat very lightly
at first sign of feeling badly in a non-specific way - it is especially
useful to cut back to only fruits and vegetables. Follow your body's
inclination. If you are hungry, eat more and if not, eat less.
5. Make choices that promote strong immune function.
A few examples include: switching from coffee to tea consumption which
has antibacterial and antiviral action; eating
garlic liberally, for its antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal
activity; and adding yogurt to your diet as it sets up a beneficial
situation in the colon, helping to strengthen this underpinning of good
health.
6. Useful early homeopathic
prevention includes the use of Oscillococcinum or other potentised flu
products or Ferrum phos cell salt for early stages of feverish conditions.
Sometimes these homeopathic medicines can stop an illness in the early
stages.
7. As a prevention measure, take a good high potency
multivitamin-mineral from a health food store, naturopathic physician
or other natural health practitioner, daily, with at least 1000 mg.
vitamin C, 50,000 IU vitamin A (unless pregnant), 400 IU vitamin E,
15 mg. zinc and 25+ mg. of the B vitamins.
8. Drink one
quart of pure water (not
distilled) for every 50 pounds
of body weight. Avoid all other fluids, coffee, tea, and
sodas.
9. Take a long, hot bath with a teaspoon of added
Eucalyptus or Thyme oil (unless you are taking homeopathic medicines).
Towel-dry and then pop into bed for a deep rest.
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