Cold and Flu season has most definitely arrived!!! Unfortunately, cold and flu viruses spread easily, and even the strongest immune systems can succumb to infection. Yuck!!
If you do get sick, think of me as an alternative to your usual trip to the Pharmacy. Natural medicines can help you recover faster by supporting your immune defences, and when taken long-term, can even reduce your risk of getting sick again.
Should I take Antibiotics for a Viral Infection?
Viruses and bacteria are completely different animals. Antibiotics are designed to destroy bacteria, so viruses are totally unaffected by them. Since antibiotic medications can come with side effects, such as disrupting the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut, it’s worth speaking with your Doctor about whether or not you really need them.
Do Cold and Flu Tablets Cure Viral Infections?
In a word, NO. They contain decongestants, cough suppressants and analgesics which may provide relief of symptoms, however, it’s important to understand that Cold and Flu Medication do not help you recover from infection.
Can Taking Natural Medicines Help Speed Up My Recovery?
YES!!! The major advantage of natural medicines is that they reduce uncomfortable cold and flu symptoms while also helping your immune system fight off viruses faster and more effectively. Taking Natural Medicines at the first sign of infection means fewer days spent feeling miserable, fewer days off work or school, and more time to enjoy the things you love! When taken on an ongoing basis, many nutrients and herbs can even reduce your risk of getting sick in the first place – good news for those of you who get sick regularly.
I have had two incidences this Winter where I have felt the first signs of a Cold coming on. I immediately treated myself with Zinc, VC and liquid herbs and the symptoms did not progress past that point. I recommend that families think about this as the cooler months approach and have some strategies in place. Don’t wait until it is too late!!
What Supplements Would You Recommend?
The benefit of seeing a Naturopath for acute conditions is that we can taylor the supplements to your individual needs and symptoms. Sometimes a herbal tincture can contain 3-4 different liquid herbs all working hard for you on different levels. Some work as a cough suppressant, others work to break down mucous whilst others work to stimulate the Immune System to help you recover faster.
Some of the Key Players Include:
Andrographis: A herb used in traditionally in Ayurvedic Medicine to treat respiratory diseases, fever and sore throat, reduces symptoms of the common cold and other URTIs.
Zinc: When taken within 24 hours of the first symptoms of infection, Zinc reduces the severity and duration of colds. If you get sick often, taking Zinc daily for five months may reduce the occurrence of infection and sickness-related absences from work.
Vitamin C: An important nutrient for the immune system, Vitamin C reduces symptom severity and duration of the common cold by an average of 23%, cutting the number of days spent feeling unwell by almost a quarter!
Medicinal Mushrooms: The combination of Cordyceps, Coriolus, Reishi and Shiitake Mushrooms reduces common cold symptoms by enhancing immune strength and function, preventing viruses from entering cells, stimulating WBC activity, and helping your immune system recognise and fight infection more effectively in the future.
Lets not forget about Elderberry, Echinacea and Astragalus!!!! The list goes on and on!!
What Else Can I Do To Get Better Quickly?
Heaps!!
Start your natural medicine regime as soon as you start to feel yourself getting sick – the quicker you get on top of the infection the better you will feel!
Get plenty of rest and sleep, taking as much time away from work or school as possible. (Sorry parents, I know this is not always possible for working families.)
Eat nourishing whole foods with plenty of vegetables and easily digested proteins, such as fish or eggs.
Consume plenty of fluids such as filtered water, herbal tea and homemade chicken and vegetable broth.
Consume plenty of garlic (bonus points for raw!) as well as onion as they help boost immune function.
Try steam inhalations to reduce congestion. (This one is a family favourite!)
What Should I do if I Keep Getting Sick?
If you suffer from recurrent colds and flus, prevention is better than cure. Book an appointment to come and see me and we can pop you on a Natural Care Plan to help you boost your immunity so you can get on with your life. We all get sick but with a little preparation, together we can reduce symptoms, severity and frequency.
Natural treatments are personalised and nourishing for the body. They will not strip your gut of good bacteria like OTC medication. Natural medicine is safe for the whole family and can be stored in advance for instant, in-house convenience.
So, I have my germ mask ready. Give me a call and book your Acute Consultation now: 0414 819 339.
Cold/FluSeason!
Snot is the WORST!! Let me help you and your family navigate better health options this Winter.
Perri Church Naturopathy. Suite 1.2.2. Level 1. Riverside Tower Office Suites. 69A Central Coast Highway. West Gosford. 2250. pH: 0414 819 339.