Cold/Flu Season in Full Swing... 9 Things to Do

Cold/Flu/Strep and Flu Vaccine promoting season is in full swing.  Does that mean you have to be one of those that are down for days with whatever new thing is going around?  NO!  There are obviously many things you can do to improve your immune system and prevent any sickness going around.  And yes you may get sick here or there- I just was this past week (but guess what... I just had a little sore throat and congestion but my energy was great).  Here are 9 simple things to do and I will keep thinking of more.

1) Drink LOTS and LOTS of water.  Stay hydrated.  Seems silly and obvious yet we continually drink much less water than our body needs.  I am guilty of it too.  Consciously drink a lot of water.  Flush out those toxins and give your body the proper hydration to kill off any invaders.

2) Eat as much raw garlic as possible.  Some people can chew it... and kudos to those out there who can.  I cut a clove up into 1/4 pieces and swallow it.  You can cut it up smaller or mince it and put in  a little bit of water and drink it fast.  Fresh garlic (not processed or refrigerated) has amazing antibacterial proprieties (and antifungal).  When cooked the garlic looses many of its medicinal properties so its important that it is fresh especially when you are sick.  Take as many as you can handle.  Start with 1-2 a day and work up to 3-6 in times of sickness.  I just took my clove right before doing this. If you just can't even think about doing that there are garlic supplements that we have available which you take instead. 

NOTE: Not all garlic supplements are the same.  The way the garlic is processed and handled is extremely important.  Many companies loose the medicinal value in the processing because it is heated and not protected.  Make sure you use a high quality supplement and if you need any ideas let me know.  We have plenty at the office (and ones you won't burp up... which is a common complaint).

3) Wash your hands.  Obvious- yet very important.

4) Take maintenance doses of elderberry (2-3/day).  Most of you at my office know that the Nature Sunshine version is by far my favorite.  Elderberry Defense has elderberry, olive leaf, and D3 in it.  All of those are extremely beneficial to the immune system.  Let me know if you need help ordering.

5) Drink hot water with lemon.  I say this all the time to patients but it is great for so many things.  It helps with digestion and has a mild cleansing action on the liver.  Lemons are packed with vitamin C and also are anti-mucolytic (break down mucous).  This helps tremendously during times of sickness.  Drink at least 2 cups of hot water with 1/2 lemon in each.

6) Sleep!  When you are tired it is for a reason.  If you were sick and not tired you would keep going and going and going and your body would never get a chance to heal.  You are tired for a reason.  Pay attention and don't push it.

7) Get adjusted.  This is something I haven't talked about much on here.  Every single part of your body- every muscle, organ, tissue, gland- is controlled by your nervous system.  The nervous system is our master control center and protected by your spine.  When you are sick it is essential to get your nervous system checked and make sure it is properly functioning without any restrictions.  There are certain areas in your spine that directly control the nervous system (any chiropractor should know where it is) and that should be specially worked on along with anything else that is restricted.  If you have any questions or concerns let me know.  I do light force adjusting with muscle work (very important!) to help relieve any issues you may have.

8) Don't drink cow's milk (unless its raw).  Most of my patients (hopefully all) already avoid cows milk.  It instantly creates a mucous producing response in the body.  So when you are congested and stopped up... definitely avoid this and all dairy.  You should be avoiding it anyway but that's for another day.  Drink almond milk or coconut milk, but NOT soy.

9) If your sickness isn't going away... please come in and get checked.  It takes me 1-2 minutes and I can see if you are fighting off a bacteria or virus and give you something that will knock it quickly.  The sooner you come in when you are starting to feel sick the better.