|
Are You Ready for the Upcoming Cold/Flu Season?
With Autumn officially here, so begins the approach towards the dreaded Cold and Flu season. While this may still seem far away - the change into autumn weather often acts as a tipping point for many North Americans. This results in a heightened occurrence of cold and flu like illnesses. However, temperature changes alone may not be the only factor increasing your risk of being bogged down with these stubborn viruses. Below are my 'Top Tips to Prepare for the Cold and Flu Season':
1. Wash your hands
This is the single most important thing you can do to reduce the likelihood of getting sick. Microbes are EVERYWHERE so it is impossible not to be exposed. However, simply washing your hands before meals and frequently throughout the day will reduce the likelihood of transmission. While anti-septic products are helpful, studies have shown that regular soap and water is all you need!
2. Cut down on sugar
We all eat it. However, many studies are continuing to link refined sugars to almost all chronic diseases. Sugar feeds bacteria and acts as a powerful immunosuppressant, thus reducing our ability to fend off intruding pathogens such as cold and flu viruses. Don't be scared of eating fruit however, it is the refined sugars that are added to processed foods that are the main issue.
3. Optimize your level of Vitamin D
Vitamin D has quickly become a darling in the media, and for good reason. Adequate doses of Vitamin D have been shown to fend of bacteria and viral infections. However, before you rush of to the closest vitamin shop it is important to have these levels tested with a simple blood test. Although difficult to do, getting too much Vitamin D can be dangerous. Always adjust your dose with your primary caregiver in accordance to your levels.
4. Increase your Antioxidants
Antioxidants are vital molecules that quench dangerous levels of free radicals. In excess, free radicals are capable of stressing our immune system by exposing us to daily pathogens. Vitamin C has continuously been a staple for helping prevent and treat colds and flus. Doses between 4000 and 14000 mg a day can help battle a cold, according to two time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling. Lower doses on a daily basis may help prevent infection. With absorption issues rampant in our society, Intravenous vitamin infusions have been a powerful solution to this problem. Vitamin IV's also help those overcome infections of any sort up to 50% quicker than oral supplementation.
5. Get some Sleep!
Optimal levels of sleep are not only imperative for keeping us looking young, and feeling great - they are also necessary to support a healthy immune system. Human growth hormone is a critical immune hormone that is secreted when optimal levels of sleep are achieved. Cortisol is an important stress hormone that can also affect immune system when not in balance.
6. Give Zinc a shot
One of the most exciting natural cold remedies, zinc lozenges, can reduce the average duration of cold symptoms in half, according to several significant studies. Zinc boosts the immune system by interfering with the replication of cold viruses, thus reducing the severity of the common cold. Research suggests lozenges with 20-25 mg of Zinc is an optimal dose for most.
7. Optimize your intestinal bacteria
As one of my favorite professors always said; 'life and death begins in the intestinal tract'. He is absolutely correct, as 80% of our immune system is in the small intestine. Within our digestive tract exists trillions of microbes. These microbes need to remain in a balanced state to keep us healthy and maintain a balanced immune system. Taking a high potency professional level probiotic daily will help keep your levels of health promoting bacteria in check, discouraging unhealthy yeasts and pathogenic bacteria to take root.
FOODSTOCK 2011- Save The Land That Feeds Us Event!
On October 16th, gather in support of Ontario farmland featuring food, music, art, and speakers. Join chef Michael Stadtländer, 70 of Canada's best chefs, and local farmers sharing the local bounty and promoting the security of our local food, water and wider environmental resources at Foodstock. This is a pay-as-you-can public event to celebrate Ontario's bounty in solidarity with the movement to Stop the Mega Quarry; all funds raised will be used in the fight against the proposed destruction of thousands of acres of Ontario farmland. To buy your ticket to Foodstock or make a donation, click here
.
Watch Dr. Dempster on CP24 Wylde on Health, sharing some beauty and health secrets of the Stars. Click here and scroll down to September 16th, part 3 to watch Dr. Dempster discuss detoxification techniques.
If you like what you're reading in our newsletters, be sure to forward them to your friends! They can sign up to receive our free online newsletter on our website www.thedempsterclinic.com.
Yours in good health,
Dr. J. Dempster, HBsc., ND
Be sure to stay updated with Twitter
Find The Dempster Clinic on Facebook
Join our fan page by clicking "Like" to receive personal tips, healthy discoveries, links to thought-provoking expert articles, and the latest clinic news.
DISCLAIMER:
This newsletter is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not to be interpreted as medical advice. The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only. |
Return to Archive
