Today, I'm going to share some tips from Dr. Doni (http://www.doctordoni.com) for a fast recovery...but first let’s look at why we become more susceptible to viruses. I went to Doni Wilson years ago when she was nearby. She was a great help to me at the time for the ailments I was suffering from. Here's what Doni has to say about colds and flu:
Five common causes of lower immune function:
- sugar - one of the worst offenders for colds and flu and many other diseases including cancer
- alcohol - limit it during cold and flu season or better yet, eliminate it (if you dare)
- lack of sleep - if your body is not well-rested, it will not have the capacity to fight any infection you are exposed to
- exposure to food intolerances (dairy, gluten, eggs, etc) - cut these out if you have bad reactions to them. This does not only pertain to the winter months - LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!
- stress - always, always, always do whatever you can to relieve stress. IGM Acupressure is one of the best stress relievers I've found over the years - set up an appointment to add to your arsenal of cold and flu fighters
So, how many of the above causes pertain to you?
Along with these causes, exposure to viruses due to travel and just plain old being around people at work and your personal life and you've got a pretty high likelihood of having a virus sneak past your immune defenses.
So what can you do to boost your immune system to prevent catching a virus or to recover faster when a virus catches you?
Immune Boosters - Homeopathic remedies, herbs and vitamins have been shown to support the immune system in fighting off viruses.
Nutrients - Vitamin C, A, zinc and Larch arabinogalactans (ARA)
Herbs - mushrooms, Andrographis, Scutellaria, and adrenal supportive herbs
White thyme oil - for fighting bacterial and viral infections when inhaled. The best way to utilize the oil is with a vaporizer.
Homeopathics - Triple Flu Defense (TFD), prepares your body for fending off a virus
It's so hard to be sick. It wipes out your week, and it can make its way to all the family members in your house. In your workplace and even out and about at stores, open doors with a handkerchief or tissue, push elevator buttons with your elbow, try to avoid touching things with your hands as much as possible. If you do, then be sure to wash them.
One of the best tips, which can give you the best chances of a fast recovery, is to act quickly. As soon as you notice sneezes and a runny nose, take these steps...
- Extra rest - naps and extra sleep
- Use heat to your advantage - heat kills viruses, so as long as it is not contraindicated for you, a hot shower or bath can help your immune system do it’s job. A fever is a concern over 102 degrees. Be sure to consult a practitioner for help with fevers.
- Keep fluid moving - blow your nose and take a product, such as HMC (Hesperidin) which is a natural anti-histamine and it decreases fluid production. Bacteria love it when liquid stands still, and we want to prevent bacteria from finding a happy home in your body.
- Salt is your friend - salt kills bacteria, is anti-inflammatory and thins out phlegm. Gargle salt water and do a quick rinse of salt water through your sinuses. Have a nasal rinse handy just in case. You can buy them at your local drug store.
- Support your immune function with the various nutrients and herbs (listed below) which research shows to be effective. Have a practitioner help you with appropriate doses.
Natural Medicine Cabinet:
Vitamin C
Vitamin A
Zinc
Echinacea
Garlic
These all help your immune system to knock out viruses and bacteria.
Dose your nutrients and herbs frequently - every 3-4 hours. And if you plan to be on an airplane, or around someone who has a cold, then support your body as if you have already caught the virus.