Beat the bug!

Are you sick of getting sick?

Who isn’t, right?  Unfortunately, cold and flu a part of life!  You can’t avoid illness altogether, but you can support your immune system to do its job better.

In the last couple of weeks, as the weather changes and the days get shorter, I’m hearing from lots of patients looking for help boosting immunity against cold and flu.

One of the most frequent questions I am asked is how I personally prevent and treat cold and flu.  So, here is my guide to how to BEAT THE BUG!

What Dr. Kate does:

1. Starting in the fall, I participate in Kew Beach Naturopathic Clinic’s Homeopathic Flu Prevention Program, which involves taking a homeopathic remedy once per month to prevent the flu.
2. As soon as I feel a little under the weather, I do all 4 of my simple steps to beat the bug as listed below and continue until I feel better.
3. I treat myself with my Immune Boost Program, using herbs and/or UNDA remedies specific to my symptoms.

Homeopathic Flu Prevention

Every year, Kew Beach Naturopathic Clinic offers Homeopathic Flu Prevention.  For more details, check out our blog here.

4 simple steps to beat the bug!

How you treat minor illness like cold and flu is an important part of your overall health and immune function.  Before reaching for suppressive medications, support your immune system to prevent illness and get better faster by following the steps below.

1. Avoid sugar

Did you know that sugar suppresses the immune system and increases your susceptibility to infection? If you are feeling under the weather, avoid all sources of sugar immediately and for at least 3 days.

2. Supplement smart

My favourites are vitamin D, probiotics, and zinc all winter.  You can also gargle with a bit of oil of oregano in water if you feel a sore throat coming.  Talk to your Naturopathic Doctor about what supplements and herbs can help prevent illness and are most indicated for you.

3. Hydrotherapy self-treatment

Do all these before bed and you’ll rest well and likely wake up feeling better!

Neti pot:

Dissolve ¼ teaspoon non-iodized salt in 1 cup warm water in a neti pot. Over a sink, nestle spout gently just inside one nostril. Breathe through your mouth as you lean forward, tilt your head up on the side of the neti pot, and pour the liquid into your nostril. A stream of water should come out through the opposite nostril. You can use the entire neti pot in one nostril or just half.  When you have finished on one side, blow your nose and switch sides.

Contrast shower:

I do this every day and it is great for circulation, reducing aches and pains, and improving temperature regulation. Begin shower with 2-3 minutes warm/hot water all over. Switch to cold water for approximately 30 seconds. Repeat steps 1 and 2 at least twice more, for a total of 3 (or more) cycles. Always end with cold water.

Warming socks:

Great for congestion and chronically cold feet. Soak a pair of cotton socks in ice water, then wring out socks and put on. Put on dry wool socks over the wet cotton socks. Avoid walking in the socks as this will cause the wool socks to get damp. Go to bed. Your feet will quickly warm and dry the cotton socks – remove the socks once they are dry.

4. Rest!

Aim for at least 8 hours sleep, more if possible.  Don’t hesitate to call in sick for at least 1 day if necessary – this may be all you need and saves you from a long, drawn out illness!

Immune Boost Program

Do you dread cold and flu season?  Does every sore throat, cough, or stuffy nose linger or progress to a full-blown infection?  While the steps above can help, you also need more personalized immune support to change this pattern.

Get your immune system in shape this year by addressing prevention, symptom relief, self-care techniques, and reducing susceptibility to illness via my Immune Boost Program!

Existing patients can book a follow-up visit to get started.  New patients, please call one of my clinic locations to book and initial visit.