What exactly is cold and flu season and when is it? The season tends to start in October and ends in May. According to the CDC, “the flu season begins when certain key flu indicators…rise and remain elevated for a number of consecutive weeks.“ Research shows us that only 20% of these “influenza-like illnesses“ are actually the flu, with the rest either being pneumonia or simply virual infections with flu-like symptoms without actually having the flu.
The reason that cold weather months lead to so many of these flu symptoms is mainly due to the low humidity. High humidity in the summer leads to mold and influences those susceptible to allergies. The low humidity of the winter will dry out the mucosal layers in our body (particularly in the throat and lungs) that serve as natural barriers to disease, and thus will make us more susceptible. So, what can we do?
The most powerful force to take advantage of when opposing the flu and related symptoms is none other than your immune system! Naturally, even those who actually have influenza will recover on their own before two weeks time. It is the people with compromised immune systems and / or poor food lifestyles that develop more serious complications.
Our immune system exists to fight every single negative thing that could enter our body, no matter what strain we are exposed to. There are some simple tips and lifestyle choices that can help to strengthen your immune system, naturally:
- Wash your hands and practice proper hygiene
- Avoid hospitals unless you have serious symptoms, as these can be a breeding ground for all sorts of diseases
- Manage your stress which orevents cortisol spikes and get plenty of sleep – stress and high cortisol puts a strain on your body and draws focus away from daily processes
- Use natural immune supports which we can teach you about
- Make sure your Vitamin D tests at or near an 80.
- Avoid heavily processed, starchy or sugary foods to avoid placing extra work on your immune system – many people lean towards these to keep them feeling warm in the winter but they are actually counter intuitive
- Avoid eating foods your body is intolerant of, if you are not sure of your intolerances contact our office to learn how to find out
If you have more specific questions about how you can alter your lifestyle to stay healthy this season, we would love to see you in our office. We can give you a inidividualized, tailored to you protocol to support optimal health and wellness for your immune system this season. Each individual has their own health challenges, whether it be food allergies, autoimmune diseases, genetic histories, or general immune challenges. We can help keep your immune system strong so you don’t get as sick, or even don’t get sick at all!
Nutritionally Yours has a Naturopath, Medical Doctor, Counselor and a great customer service staff. We are here to help you feel your best. We offer health supportive consultations in office, over the phone or via facetime for people not able to visit our clinic.
We are located in Roswell GA, just 45 minutes north of Atlanta, GA.
Email: alanepnd@aol.com
Website: Nutritionallyyours.net
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Alane Palmer, Naturopath, CNC
Medical disclaimer: Testing cannot be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All test results are to be used as educational materials and as a guide to help support your overall health and wellness. Always discuss health concerns with your medical doctor.
References
Jenkins, Kerry-Ann. “7-Day Menu For Cold And Flu Season”. WebMD. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 Jan. 2016.
Mercola,. “Effects Of Low Humidity On Your Health”. Mercola.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 Jan. 2016.
Mercola,. “Natural Ways To Help Fight Flu | Flu Season”. Mercola.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 Jan. 2016.
By Alane Palmer, Naturopath, CNC
www.NutritionallyYours.net
