REGARDLESS OF WHERE you live, after the recent nasty winters that have affected even those living in the more southerly regions of the United States, the onset of winter often produces the dreaded thought of colds, flu, and other dangerous viruses floating through the air. They can be deadly: flu is linked to about twenty thousand deaths in the United States annually, and about one hundred thirty thousand people go to a hospital each year with the flu. So it’s no wonder that when people think about the possibilities of colds and flu, they often say, “Yeech!”
As much as we dislike these imbalances and their effects, though, natural medicine practitioners see a cold as your body’s attempt to cleanse itself of toxins, wastes, bacteria, and mucus that have built up to the point of overwhelming the immune system. The same is true with influenza (or flu), which is an acute viral infection of the upper respiratory tract or digestive tract caused by a rhinovirus. The flu can begin with symptoms that resemble the common cold, but the infection is generally more severe, highly contagious, and longer lasting. Besides lingering fatigue and weakness, influenza can make a person more susceptible to pneumonia, sinus problems, bronchitis, and ear infections. People older than sixty can be seriously affected by the flu, which is the fifth-leading cause of death in the elderly.
However, fighting colds and flu starts long before the thermometer plunges. There are many commonsense, natural methods you can take to build your body’s immunity. Prevention starts with eating healthy foods such as mushrooms, vegetables, oats, and peppers, and avoiding bad ones, particularly sugar. Vitamins, minerals, and supplements help supply your body with substances often missing from the modern diet. Good hygiene habits, such as washing your hands regularly and caring for your skin and teeth, will reduce your chances of getting sick. So will getting adequate sleep and rest, reducing stress levels, and incorporating outdoor activity into your lifestyle. Getting outside during good weather provides you with more sunshine-induced vitamin D and puts you in touch with the soil and other healthy aspects of nature. Lowering your weight, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure will also leave you less susceptible to viruses.
Exercise is another preventive measure that will lessen your chances of coming down with colds or flu during bad weather. So will a positive mental outlook. Staying in touch with friends and loved ones, and taking time to laugh (and pray) each day will help you avoid the loneliness and depression that afflict millions in American society. A body weakened by “the blues” is more susceptible to viruses of all kinds, which is why you need to get regular checkups, so you can confide in your doctor about any personal problems that may be affecting your overall health.
Even if all these measures fail and you wind up getting sick, avoid reaching for the nearest over-the-counter medication. There are many natural remedies that can help cure what ails you, without adverse side effects. We have sought to compile a quick reference guide to help you the next time you find yourself concerned about cold and flu season. Hopefully, armed with good information, you will be able to avoid the “yeechs” that sideline too many people.