Tips to Avoid Becoming Cold or Flu Victim This Season

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Tips to Avoid Becoming Cold or Flu Victim This Season

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.