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With the weather cooling off in some parts of the world there is an increasing concern with the spread of the H1N1 flu.
Don't let colds and the flu beat your immune system. Maintain a healthy diet low in processed sugars and replete with essential vitamins and minerals. Focus on healthy protein sources to give your immune system the support it needs.
COLDS & THE FLU
The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar flu-like symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry coughs are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations.
Influenza (also known as the "Flu") is a common respiratory illness that affects millions each year. The typical flu season occurs between November and April. The flu is a very contagious infection caused by a virus. The good news is that there are ways to decrease the chance of getting or spreading the flu virus. This includes having your naturopathic flu shot, as well as practicing good personal hygiene such as regular hand washing.
Common plants and herbs that target the immune system include Echinacea, Mushrooms, Astragalus, Garlic and Onions. These can be included in your diet as teas, soups, fresh or dried herbs in cooking, or as supplements.
IMMUNE-BOOSTING TEA:
- 1 inch / 2.5 cm piece ginger root, peeled
- 4 cups cold water
- 1/2 t cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 2 T lemon juice
- Sweetener to taste (agave or honey or whatever you prefer)
- 1-2 cloves garlic, mashed (optional, but I really encourage it)
- Grate peeled ginger root. Put it in a pot with 4 cups of cold water, bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer 15 minutes.
- It will boil down a bit.
- Add cayenne pepper (more or less to taste) and simmer 1 minute more. Remove from heat.
- Add fresh lemon juice, sweetener to taste, and mashed garlic. Let cool slightly, and strain if desired.
Dr. Mubina Jiwa is a member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and the director of Essence of Health. Dr. Jiwa is also an Assistant Professor at The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.
W: www.essenceofhealth.ca
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