The cold season is upon us and what better time of the year to be thinking of ways to stop colds from getting a hold or nipping one in the bud.
Six lifestyle habits as a preventative measure:
Cut down on sugary/sweet foods( chocolate, cake and biscuits, sugary energy drinks) as excess sugar suppresses the immune system. Use a protein snack of nuts, fish or cheese to ward off the 2-3pm sugar slump!
Too much alcohol damages liver cells - 1 glass of alcohol as day and 1 alcohol free day is best.
Constant physical and emotional stress with lack of sleep - produces a tense uptight nervous system and consequently a suppressed immune system. Meditation, tai chi, massage, yoga, herbs and seeing a councillor can all help here.
Prolonged use of non- steroidal anti inflammatories - Long term use can cause damage to the mucous membranes of the GIT and as a result ulcers, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion etc can occur. As 70% of our immune system is in the GIT we need to keep the walls of the GIT in a healthy condition.
Frequent travel, jet lag, lack of sleep - we get very run down . How do you change your lifestyle here?
Hygiene at home and/or when out - washing hands, covering mouth when you cough, alcohol wipes on door handles etc
Herbs to help nip a cold in the bud:
Echinaceae - All year round as a preventative and higher doses if a cold begins. I also have a protocol if you are going overseas which you begin 2 weeks before departure.
Andrographis for initial symptoms too.
PCIP - a homeopathic tablet when you get a red edged tongue and sore throat.
Zinc tablets and vit D if levels low.
A probiotic
If you want more tailored advice please give me a call.
This edition will look at three topics :
calf and foot cramps with ideas on how to treat this common affliction
Colds and flu and ways to strengthen the immune system
And a couple of weeks of closure of the clinic from Sat 17 June to reopen ion Tuesday 4 July
Also, as of 15 June I will no longer have a business land line - 9436 0306. Instead please use my mobile number to contact me and make appointments. 04247192436