As we enter the cold and flu season, it is important to take preventive measures to reduce illness. Eliminating refined carbohydrates, including sugar and other processed foods, optimizing water intake (1/2 body weight in ounces daily), maximizing daily servings of fresh fruits and vegetables to alkalinize pH, and ensuring optimal intake of immune supporting nutrients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Omega 3 fatty acids, iodine, and other antioxidents, will help to boost immune function.
At the first signs of illness, the following immune boosting measures can be taken:
1. Increase Vitamin C intake up to 1000mg per hour or to bowel tolerance.
2. Increase Vitamin D3 intake to twice the usual dose for three days. (30 times body weight is an acceptable daily dose per Dr. Joseph Mercola)
3. Avoid all refined sugar.
4. Reduce or avoid altogether dairy and flour foods, including crackers and breads, as these tend to promote mucous production.
5. Increase fluids, including water, vegetable broth, herbal tea, and fresh lemonade (see 'Recipes')
6. Use essential oils on soles of feet and/or chest area, making sure to dilute with a
carrier vegetable oil as per directions of manufacturer. (See 'Young Living' link for specific effective oils.)
7. Use homeopathic remedies to assist the body in fighting infection and minimizing symptoms. We offer several homeopathic remedies specific to various strains of flu and viral pathogens through our office.
8. Warm foot or whole-body baths can stimulate the immune response and therefore assist the body in fighting infection.
9. Follow instructions for 'Sinus Cleanse' to reduce inflammation and cleanse sinus tissues.This is a powerful tool for preventing major sinus infections.
10. Adequate rest and stress reduction are imperative for optimal immune function. Stress contributes greatly to an acidic pH, which provides an opportune environment for micro-organisms to flourish.
At the first signs of illness, the following immune boosting measures can be taken:
1. Increase Vitamin C intake up to 1000mg per hour or to bowel tolerance.
2. Increase Vitamin D3 intake to twice the usual dose for three days. (30 times body weight is an acceptable daily dose per Dr. Joseph Mercola)
3. Avoid all refined sugar.
4. Reduce or avoid altogether dairy and flour foods, including crackers and breads, as these tend to promote mucous production.
5. Increase fluids, including water, vegetable broth, herbal tea, and fresh lemonade (see 'Recipes')
6. Use essential oils on soles of feet and/or chest area, making sure to dilute with a
carrier vegetable oil as per directions of manufacturer. (See 'Young Living' link for specific effective oils.)
7. Use homeopathic remedies to assist the body in fighting infection and minimizing symptoms. We offer several homeopathic remedies specific to various strains of flu and viral pathogens through our office.
8. Warm foot or whole-body baths can stimulate the immune response and therefore assist the body in fighting infection.
9. Follow instructions for 'Sinus Cleanse' to reduce inflammation and cleanse sinus tissues.This is a powerful tool for preventing major sinus infections.
10. Adequate rest and stress reduction are imperative for optimal immune function. Stress contributes greatly to an acidic pH, which provides an opportune environment for micro-organisms to flourish.