Sunset Chiropractic Clinic

Back Issues

DO'S AND DON'TS FOR COLDS AND FLU

It starts with that familiar sore throat and you know if you don't do something fast the plugged sinuses, headaches and cough are soon to follow. What can you do to stop the seeming inevitability of a cold once the process starts?

First of all , if you do nothing else, immediately cut out all sugar, chocolate, nuts, and dairy products from your diet. Eating sugar lowers your ability to fight off infections by 60%!! Chocolate and nuts have amino acids in them that help viruses reproduce. And dairy (milk) products irritate the lining of your nose, throat and lungs, adding to the misery of the situation.

There are two over-the-counter herbs that you can take to greatly increase your immunity when you feel like you're getting sick or if you already are sick. Siberian Ginseng works as an antiviral and antibacterial agent. Echinacea with Golden Seal Root stimulates your own natural immune system to fight off those bad germs. I suggest that every one keep some of these on hand for immediate response when those unwelcome cold symptoms start coming on. (Pregnant or nursing women should talk to me first!)

I recommend that an adult take two capsules of each herb 3-4 times per day until they are feeling better or for up to two weeks. Again, these should only be taken when you are feeling ill, not all the time. If you use these herbs too frequently, they become less effective. You can buy these herbs at Fred Meyer in the nutrition center or at Nature's.