Why is it
that some people are more susceptible to catching a cold and others breeze through
the flu season without even a sniffle? The answer to this is the strength of
our immune systems capability.
The immune
system is the body’s defence force that protects the body against unwanted
pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. Cold and flu symptoms such as mucous
and fever are the result of the body trying to reduce the survival time of a
virus or bacteria. (4)
For the
immune system to function optimally it must have the right ingredients to
optimise its fighting power. Nutritional co-factors such as vitamins and
minerals have been proven to support immune system function. Herbal medicines
are equally as effective to help fend off cold and flu symptoms as well as
boost immune competence.
Symptoms
associated with colds & Flu:
§ Fever
(hot and cold chills)
§ Sore
throat
§ Cough
(dry and chesty)
§ Runny
or stuffy nose
§ Headaches
§ Muscle
aches and pains (more specific to flu symptoms)
§ Fatigue
(extreme fatigue is more indicative of flu)
Immune
Booster Recommendations:
§ Flaxseed
or Fish oil: Polyunsaturated fatty acids found in flaxseed and fish oil help to
reduce inflammation and increase immune function. (5)
§ Vitamin
C increases anti-viral and anti-bacterial activity in your body; it also
stimulates white blood cell response to destroy unwanted micro-organisms.
§ Zinc
is very important in restoring immune function. It is a vital component of
white blood cell activity; it destroys pathogens and protects the body from
toxicity.
§ Vitamin
A can help to provide a protective surface barrier of the respiratory and
gastrointestinal tracts, therefore preventing microorganisms from entering the
body. It has also demonstrated increased antibody response and stimulates white
blood cell activity.
§ The
herb Echinacea was and is traditionally used by the native people of Northern
America. It is used to enhance the body’s natural resistance to viral and
bacterial infection. Echinacea currently has the most evidence based data than
any other herb in Western herbal medicine. It has a particular affinity to
prevent and alleviate upper respiratory infections such as tonsillitis, mucous
production and sinus infections. (4, 5)
§ Olive
leaf helps to fight against viral and bacterial infections, and has shown to be
highly beneficial when fending off the common cold and flu.
§ The
homeopathic remedy Allium cepa 6C can
be used to treat symptoms such as persistent sneezing, runny nose and a
tickling cough. (2)
§ Homeopathic
Natrum muriaticum 6C is useful when
treating a runny nose with clear to white mucous, sinus congestion and
sneezing. (2)
§ Homeopathic
Kali sulphuricum 6C can be used to
treat colds that have yellow nasal discharge. (4)
§ Aromatherapy:
Essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Menthol can be used as an
inhalant to relief nasal congestion. Add a few drops of each to hot water and
inhale. (4)
§ Herbal
teas are great to sooth a sore throat and warm the body. Try ginger, lemon and
honey. (1)
§ Cooking
with horseradish or eating small amounts of wasabi (Japanese condiment) will
help to alleviate sinus congestion. If you find spicy food unbearable
supplementing with a tablet may be a better option. (4)
§ Cook
with Reishi or Shiitake mushrooms.
§ Soups
are an excellent nutritive healing food. The hot liquid helps to ease
congestion and warm the soul. Add plenty of garlic to activate natural
antibiotic properties. (1)
§ Wash
your hands frequently and avoid rubbing your eyes. This will help to prevent
recontamination
Speak to a
qualified Naturopath, Herbalist or Nutritionist to have an individual treatment
plan made up for you. Herbal mixtures can be made up to suit your symptoms,
immune system capability and other associated factors.
References:
1.
Davis,
C. and Speer, S. (2006). Foods & News
that Fight Colds and Flu. Canadian Journal of Health & Nutrition; Alive
Publishing , Canada
2.
Duelli,
N. (2005). It’s Sniffle Season. Treat
Colds and Sinus Congestion with Homeopathy. Canadian Journal of Health
& Nutrition; Alive Publishing ,
Canada
3.
La
Valle, J. and Hawkins, E. (1998). Colds
and Flu: A Natural Approach. Drug Store News, Vol. 20 (20).
4.
Sahelian,
R. and Toews, V. (1999). Give Colds the
Shoulder. Better Nutrition, Vol. 61 (10).
5.
Starbuck,
J. (1998). Team Up with Natural Immune
Boosters. Better Nutrition, Vol. 60 (11).
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