Falling sick this cold and flu season may seem inevitable given the lack of sunlight and unavoidable exposure to a variety of bacterial and viral infections – but you can significantly reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of a cold or flu by supporting your immune system. In my experience, natural prevention strategies go a long way. Here are some tips to help you and your family feel prepared.
Step One: Tweak your diet
- Alkalize: Start your day off right by drinking some lemon water. Lemon is ideal for restoring you pH so that your internal environment supports healthy bacteria instead of harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Eat the Rainbow (Not Skittles): A sugar-free diet will improve your every levels, weight distribution, mental clarity, and above all will improve your immunity. Snacking on a variety of fruits and veggies instead will provide your body with the nutrients your body needs to build a strong immune system.
- Boost Protein: Protein is a building block for a healthy body, mind, and immune system. Diets low in protein tend to be high in carbohydrates which convert readily to glucose, spiking blood sugar and stressing the pancreas and the immune system. Choose healthy sources of protein such as beans, lentils, hemp seed hearts, fresh water fish, organic free-range eggs, organic chicken, and grass fed beef (lean cuts).
Step Two: Get Outside
- Bundle the entire family up and spend some time out in the cold daily if possible. Most of us spend 90% of our lives indoors, inhaling filtered air and other people’s germs, so take every opportunity to get outside. Time spent outdoors in the cold also stimulates the thyroid gland, and exercise will release your happy hormones.
Step Three: Prophylaxis Protocols
- Homeopathic prophylaxis offers a safe, gentle and effective way to prevent colds and influenza. Homepathics are easy for even the youngest family member because they come either in liquid form or on sweet-tasting balls that dissolve in the mouth.
- Influenzinum is an influenza prevention strategy. Every fall five doses are taken over 7 weeks. The formula is based on this years predicted flu strains, much like the flu shot.
- Oscillococcinum is an excellent immune boosting remedy for those who work with young children or in healthcare and are exposed on a daily basis. One weekly dose is taken to gear you up for the week.
- Pascoleucyn is a liquid remedy to be used on weekdays for prevention of colds and the flu. It can also be used acutely for the treatment for cold symptoms such as sore throat, fever, stuffy nose and headache.
Step Four: Supplement with Key natural health products. 
- Keeping these key supplements on hand during the winter months will go a long way in helping to boost your immune system naturally.
- Probiotics replenish the healthy gut flora which is responsible for 70% of your immune system function. Studies indicate the reduction of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections with supplementation.
- Elderberry Syrup or Echinacea both enhance immune function and dry up mucus.
- Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin that is also an effective antimicrobial and immune boosting agent. Supplementation has shown to reduce the risk of influenza A.
Should you contract a nasty bug this winter and require extra support don’t hesitate to book 30minute Acute Homeopathic Consultation with myself for more individualized homeopathic treatment. Wishing you a happy and healthy November!
Andrea Hauser, Homeopath & Darkfield Microscopist
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