In the United States,
it is estimated that each person will experience 3 to 6 episodes per year
of the common cold or flu – fatigue, runny nose, cough, and fever. Upper
respiratory viral infections are among the most common of human diseases,
with children under the age of 6 having the highest rates due to their
frequent exposure and lower immunity.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for the common cold or flu, once you have
the virus you are forced to wait it out. But there are ways you can
aid your body in fighting off the virus, perhaps even preventing it now
and again.
1. Immunizations are important in preventing the most common viruses of
the season. The vaccinations expose the body to the potential enemy,
which the body remembers and learns from, so that when, if ever, the body
is ever re-exposed to that virus, it will know how to counteract it more
effectively.
2. Another really important method of warding off the common cold –
and you’ve heard this a million times before – wash
your hands.
It’s as simple as that. Viruses can survive on surfaces for
several hours, including keyboards, doorknobs, countertops, money, steering
wheels, and of course hands. The more you wash your hands, the better
chance you have of eliminating the virus before you transfer it to your
eyes, mouth, or nose.
3. How about all those cold and flu “remedies” at your
local pharmacy? Well, the truth is, most of these conventional products
merely try to alleviate the symptoms as opposed to actually helping the
body heal itself. And that is where homeopathic treatments step up
to the plate. These natural products work with the body, stimulating
its own natural resources. Look for supplements containing zinc,
echinacea,
vitamin
C, wild
oregano essential oil, and ginseng.
4. And lastly, a healthy diet and lifestyle will not only help you to
prevent the common cold and flu, but will also help you to combat the
effects more quickly. And since you can guarantee that you will be
exposed to some virus at some point this year, why not guarantee that
you will be ready to fight it off?
Diets based on plant food, starches, vegetables and fruits are undeniably
important because they provide you with the essential vitamins, nutrients,
minerals, and anti-oxidants that your body requires anyway.
Dietary fats, animal protein, and cholesterol suppress immune function,
making your body more susceptible to viruses. Low carbohydrate, high-protein
diets also contribute to your body’s susceptibility to the common
cold virus; where as low-fat, high carbohydrate diets enhance the immune
system’s ability to seek and destroy viruses.
References:
Surviving the Cold and Flu Season. (2003, September). The McDougall
Newletter. Online. Available: http://www.nealhendrickson.com/mcdougall/031000pusurvivingthecoldseason.htm
Croatto, Peter. (2003, November). Cold and Flu Remedies Heat Up for
Winter. Vitamin Retailer, 28-32,64.
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