"What Can I Do??"
I have heard these exact statements multiple times this week.
So I'm writing this for you...
How to Avoid Catching the "Crud" this Winter... (It is quite simple.)
Every winter I see numerous people in my office with flu/cold-related symptoms. And after 24 years in practice, I have found a great formula to help you avoid the "crud." Ever wonder why the “flu season” is a season at all??
Why only in the winter months?? Do viruses and bacteria only come out of hibernation in the winter?? It sounds like a bad horror movie-- when it gets dark and cold outside, the invisible bugs start to attack you!
In reality, the flu viruses are around us ALL THE TIME, YEAR AROUND, but it is this time of year that we may become more susceptible due to the following four reasons:
1. HIGH SUGAR CONSUMPTION. Candies at Halloween. Lots of desserts for Thanksgiving. Grandma's cookies for Christmas. Cocktails at New Year’s. Delicious treats from customers at work. Chocolates for Valentine's. Just one, you say?? Come on! It's everywhere you turn, and it adds up. It's the only season where friends and family will happily help you sabotage your healthy eating plans with more sugary things! It’s a season of reckless abandon. It's acceptable to indulge freely. (No wonder the average weight gain is 5-10 pounds through the holidays. Yikes!)
2. STRESS. Excited about the obligatory dinner with the in-laws? Love the mandatory gift exchange at work? Sentimental for the good old days? Feeling rushed and stressed about holiday shopping that you have no extra money for and no idea what to buy?? How about driving on icy roads?
3. COLD TEMPERATURES.
4. LACK OF SUNSHINE.
So what's the solution??
The solution to #1. Stop eating sugar. Do you really need another Snickers bar?? More pie and ice cream??
The solution to #2. This one is a bit more troublesome--since everyone can justify the stress they are experiencing--but that doesn't mean it's healthy! In the office, one-on-one, I can make some recommendations. I love using EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), nutrition, Bach Flowers, and other techniques. Let me know if you need ideas and help.
The solution to #3. Wear a scarf and gloves. It sounds ridiculously simple but hugely important. Just wearing a scarf around your neck helps keep the thyroid warm and the major blood vessels going to and from your brain. This is very important. Just do it.
The solution to #4. Take adequate vitamin D. This does not replace the sun, but it helps. Don't take too much (it is a hormone and can be toxic.) We can test your levels and make recommendations.
Additional (impressive) nutritional adjuncts to the above plan: ·
Total V-RX When symptoms first appear, take 3 tablets, 3 to 4 times a day. When you feel things have substantially improved, decrease the dose to 2 or 3 a day and continue for another 3 days. When you are feeling great, keep the remaining bottle in the cupboard for the next time. This supplement works great if you start taking it when you THINK you might be catching something. Start early. Don't wait.
Vitamin C (Food-based, not Ascorbic Acid) Take 2 to 6 daily.
For those using a Neti Pot, Total Bac-T works excellent for sinus congestion. Add 3-4 drops to the Neti Pot and irrigate the sinuses daily. If you don't have a Neti Pot, add 5-10 drops to water and drink 2-3 times a day.
If you still find yourself sick, please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment. Although the above strategy works well much of the time, sometimes we need to be more specific and customized in our approach to supporting your immune system. Everyone is an individual. So don't hesitate to call. Avoid feeling crummy this winter for weeks on end. We can help! Stay Healthy!! Dr. Julie Schleusner
(Click on "Specific Needs" then "Immune Support" in the left column for faster ordering.)
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