Colds or Flu – nutritional advice!

What nutrition advice can you give to fight my cold or flu?

It seems to be, at this time of the year, people are particularly susceptible to colds and flu. Firstly, prevention is always better than cure so I will give you some suggestions to build-up your immune system. Secondly, I will give you some tips about what to do at the first sign of an infection.

Building a strong immune system

1. Avoid sugar and refined foods – these foods suppress your immune system allowing bacteria and virus to get out of control
2. Eat a rainbow of vegetables – the different colours in vegetables and fruit represent different nutrients so it is important to eat as much colour and variety as possible.
3. Ensure you have good levels of beneficial bacteria in your gut – this beneficial bacteria controls 70% of your immune system. It can easily be disrupted by a high processed diet, stress and certain drugs. Ideally we should be eating raw fermented vegetables (e.g. sauerkraut) as our ancestors did.  Probiotic capsules will also be beneficial. Make sure you buy them from a reputable company. If you are worried about your digestive health, perhaps you would benefit from a consultation so I can give you individual specific support.
4. Elderberries – elderberries are a very traditional and wonderful way to stimulate your immune system. They are one of the most powerful anti-viral plants available to man. As a Christian, I thank God that He has given us such a wonderful plant at the exact time of the year that we most need it! You will recognise elderberries in the countryside as small black berries hanging in clusters. You will need to get a fork to separate the berries from their twigs. Here is a picture for you. Two tablespoons of black berries daily will give you some great support. These can be put in smoothies, sprinkled on salads or used in any way you want.
5. Vitamin D – shockingly, doctors are reluctant to test for vitamin D levels because they say most people are deficient! Vitamin D is proven at protecting against virus. Sunshine is the best source of vitamin D so it is important to get outside in the summer. Cod liver oil is another wonderful source of vitamin D as well as eating liver.  I can organise an inexpensive vitamin D test if you are concerned that your levels are low.
6. Echinacea – this has been shown to reduce infections by 70% when taken continuously throughout the winter.

What can I do to stop a cold and infection at the first sign of one?

1. Vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbate) – take this to bowel tolerance (until you get loose bowels!). You may need 10-20 grams over the first 2 hours.
2. Natural anti-microbial (anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral) – for a sore throat, find a liquid form, gargle and then swallow it.  Otherwise take it in a tablet or capsule form.  This acts as a natural antibiotic.  Colloidal Silver Spray is  very traditional remedy with strong anti-microbial properties.
3. Stocks and broth – warm soup made from stock or broth is wonderfully warming and healing for our bodies. Add plenty of onions and garlic which are natural anti-microbial’s. Ginger, chilli and turmeric helps to kill bugs.
4. Sweating/raising your body temperature – a fever is your body’s way of naturally killing a virus because virus’s cannot tolerate heat.  In a similar way, an infrared red sauna can be very helpful at killing virus’s.  You can now buy a portable one off the internet!
5. Rest properly, go for a short daily walk, drink plenty of water and make sure you for a daily bowel movement – all these support your immune system.

If you are struggling to shift a cold, have been busy or stressed, you may need to check that your adrenal glands are properly functioning.  It is best to book in for a consultation with me in order to do so.