Tips and Tricks for Cold and Flu from a Naturopathic Physician and Chinese Medical Practitioner

Its that time of year... the holiday's! Along with that it also means that there is a rise in cold and flu. I first started writing this article because a couple people in my life became affected by head colds and sinus infections....and then days later I found I was starting to develop a sore throat.

While the holiday's bring us joy with the gathering of family and friends along with that it can also bring increased stress due to the preparation for guests and traveling. Don't worry this Naturopath has got you covered with the tips and tricks to help prevent and manage cold and flu symptoms.

How can Cold and Flu be Prevented?

Exercise/Movement: Moving the body moves our lymphatic system, and the lymphatic system is one of them main store houses to our immune system. When the lymphatic system is not moved it becomes stagnant, this stagnation allows for stored bacteria and viruses to stay there and become latent. This in turn can lead to chronic fatigue and chronic infections. If those latent bacteria and viruses become reactivated this could potentially lead to autoimmune conditions, like hypothyroidism or arthritis. So its best to keep moving and keeping that immune system healthy on a daily basis.

Healthy Digestion: About 70% of our immune system is found in our digestive tract. Maintaining optimal digestive tract function can be done by; drinking adequate water, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in fiber, and maintaining healthy flora through eating probiotic rich foods, like yoghurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, or miso.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D is being extensively researched these days as it is continuing to prove beneficial for a broad spectrum of health conditions. It is being used for everything from, autoimmune conditions, chronic infections, osteoporosis, cancer, fertility, and even to skin conditions. Vitamin D plays a role our immune system by assisting macrophages in the immune system to mature and multiply, which allows them to do their job of eating and digesting bacteria. Asking your Doctor to check your Vitamin D level at least once per year isn't a bad idea, especially if living in the Pacific Northwest or Canada where we see a lot less sun.

Airline Travel: I swear some of the most potent or virulent pathogens I have been exposed to I have acquired from airplanes! One of my favorite products that I use for cold and flu prevention during air travel or in the office after seeing sick patients is a product made by Herb Pharm called Breath Refresher. It contains spearmint or peppermint essential oil and extracts of cloves, ginger and cinnamon, all of which have potent antiviral & antimicrobial properties that coat your mouth and respiratory passages.

Avoid Exposure to the cold.

When your parent or grandparent told you "put that coat on, it's cold outside", it turns out that this belief has some merit. According to Chinese Medicine, it is commonly thought that the way we acquire cold and flu is by "cold causing pathogens" that enter the body through the back of the neck or through the nose. Therefore, we educate our patients the importance of keeping our necks covered with scarves or a furry hood when entering extreme winter conditions. The same is true for leaving the house with wet hair, it increases your succeptability to getting a chil