October in the Bay Area is so beautiful that it is always hard to believe that winter is on it’s way. These past few weeks fall allergies have been crazy, as the hot, dry conditions kick up the pollen and dry grass that covers our landscape. However, even with all this heat we are seeing the traditional start of the cold and flu season. I’ve seen enough of you with colds, sinus infections, bronchitis, and other ailments to know that it is time to ramp up the immune support!
I write something almost every year around immune support, and am posting some of my favorite tips below. However, many people get anxious around this time of year and would like more detailed information to be able to adequately support their family, particularly children, through the season. To meet this need, this year I will be teaching TWO classes on Winter Wellness for the Family. The first is Wednesday October 29 at 10 am at our Lafayette office. I will also be teaching this class at Three Stone Hearth in Berkeley on Sunday November 16th at 4:30 pm. In this talk I will share more details about how to support the immune system using a variety of natural therapies — diet, herbs, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and lifestyle changes. We will also go over the best supplies for creating your own home immune kit. While the focus for these talks is on children, we will be discussing therapies that can be used by the entire family.
If you are interested in joining us for any of these dates, please contact the office. The groups are limited in size so that we can be sure to have time to answer questions and address individual concerns. Cost is $20/person ($25 at TSH includes broth bar) and there will be the opportunity to purchase relevant supplements afterwards. Come join us for an informative and lively discussion!!
Top 5 Immune Tips for EVERYONE!!
1. Wash Your Hands. I know it sounds simple, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! You may have heard about the proposed rule the FDA released on Monday, stating that manufacturers of “anti-bacterial” soaps have to prove that they are more effective than soap and water in order to continue to sell them. This rule came about because enough evidence has surfaced for the government to recognize the health risks associated with these products. In any case, HOT water and SOAP are your tools here!!
2. Watch your SUGAR. Did you know that having just two 12oz cans of regular soda can cause a 40% reduction in your immune response for the next five hours? Even natural sweeteners, such as honey or agave, can have similar effects. Try using stevia or xylitol as a substitute for your holiday treats.
3. Probiotics The mucosa of your gut is lined with bacteria that form a natural barrier to prevent the illness-causing bacteria from taking root. By making sure your good bacteria is plentiful, it will strengthen your defenses and reduce the chances of getting ill. This study in the American Journal of Pediatrics found that children taking probiotics had fewer missed days of school, less fever, less runny nose, and less cough than other children. Also if you’ve taken any anti-biotics be sure to supplement with a high potency probiotic supplement to replace those good bacteria that have been killed off by the medication. Connect with your doctor about probiotic supplement that would be right for you.
4. Influenzinum A homeopathic remedy made from the flu vaccine, “Influenzinum” provides a safe and effective alternative to the vaccine. Each year the makers take the current year’s flu vaccine to make up their remedy, so the remedy is designed to match the predicted strains of flu virus. In addition to being used preventively, this remedy can also be used to treat flu symptoms should they appear. For those of us who have concerns about the flu and the flu vaccine, Influenzinum is an excellent non-toxic option, appropriate for both children and adults. We have the 2014-15 version of Influenzinum on it’s way to the office right now!
5. Warming Sock Treatment. No doubt some of you have had me recommend this, and it continues to be a winner in my house! This natural method of stimulating the immune system and zapping a cold or flu involves putting on cold, wet socks and … are you ready for this? … sleeping in them!
It may sound strange, but it works because it rallies the body’s defenses. The body reacts to the damp socks by increasing blood circulation, which also stimulates the immune system. This also decreases congestion in the upper respiratory passages, head and throat, and many patients report that they sleep much better during the treatment. It is best to do this treatment at the first sign of illness, and repeat for at least 3 nights.
Wet sock treatment
Supplies:
1 pair of very thin cotton socks
1 pair of thick wool socks or thick polypropylene socks
1 set of sweats or pajamas
Directions:
1. Take a hot foot bath for 5-10 minutes. THIS PART IS IMPORTANT!! Dry your feet when you are done.
2. Run the thin, cotton socks under cool water. Wring them out so that them remain damp, and are not dripping wet.
3. Place cool wet socks on feet. Then cover with thick wool socks. Put on pajamas and go directly to bed.
5. Wear the socks overnight. You will find that the wet cotton socks will be dry in the morning.