​Why I get Excited about Cold & Flu Season!

Hopefully I caught your attention with my counter-intuitive title and got you wondering what kind of person would be excited about colds and flus?!  Well not to fear! I certainly don’t enjoy seeing people feeling down in the dumps, but colds and flus can be a great way for people to get on track with listening to their bodies and improving their overall health.

Not so long ago during my years as a student, every October and December, I would get sick! I would always struggle through midterms and exams with a box of Kleenex, Dayquil and some ibuprofen.  I would somehow make it through after potentially weeks of suffering and chalk it up to “that time of year” – however, Naturopathic Medicine has taught me that it was really much more than that.

Naturopathic Medicine taught me that:

1. I didn’t listen to my body. When you’re tired, exhausted, and stressed, your body is telling you it needs a break. Rather than taking a day to recover, I would push through, and end up being sicker, longer.
2. I wasn’t eating what I needed. A diet of bagels and coffee, not exactly rich in nutrients to help my immune system!
3. I was suppressing my symptoms. Sure, sometimes those over-the-counter cough and cold medicines can be the only thing to get your through the day, but in reality, they’re reducing your body’s natural response to infection. A fever is (generally) a good thing.
4. I didn’t realize the power of stress. Cortisol is the primary hormone responsible for the stress response, and it has been well documented to weaken the immune system. If I had taken the time to exercise, practice mindfulness, or use supplements to support my reaction to stress and overwhelm, I could have avoided a lot of headaches during exam season – literally!

Since learning some of these important concepts, I’m happy to say that I am almost never sick! But if I do get sick, here are a few of my favourite tools for a fast recovery!

• Cut the Sugar: Did you know that sugar can actually impair your immune system function for up to 4-5 hours after consumption.  Try to avoid juices and sweets when fighting off an infection. Natural fruits can be okay in moderation because the fibre and anti-oxidants support the body.

• Take the time to recover: Even if this means a day off, it’ll save you from dealing with this for longer. Listen to what your body wants
• Team up with your body on its mission to recover: Warm soups with garlic and onion for the anti-microbial functions, green tea to help the body’s defence system, ginger to soothe the throat and digestive system, and plenty of herbal teas and water to hydrate your body.  
• Protect your wind gate: Scarf season is about more than fashion! In traditional Chinese Medicine [TCM] the wind gate is used to describe the location on the neck and upper back. According to TCM, external pathogens enter the body through the wind gate, causing those chills, fevers, aches, and runny noses. Essentially we become more susceptible to colds and flus when our necks are exposed. 
• Try wet socks: This is a hydrotherapy technique that helps to improve circulation and increase your immune activity. Just before bed, soak your feet in hot water for 3 minutes. Wet 1 pair of thin cotton ankle socks in cold water and wring out well. Put on the wet socks, and then put on another pair of heavy wool socks then cover well and leave on until the morning. Works great for congestion!
• See your Naturopath: Your ND can help you with more specific, individualized ways to support you and your immune system when you’re sick. They may recommend some botanical herbs like Echinacea, medicinal mushrooms like reishi, or nutritional supplements like green tea extract, zinc, or vitamin C. There are lots of options out there so see someone who can help determine what will work best for you!