Cold and Flu Season
Ah…ah…ah…chooooo!!!
With the start of school and passing of Labor Day comes changes to the weather in Chicago. And with changes to the weather comes cold and flu season. After two colds in three weeks, I can say with complete confidence the season is here.
Most years I get through the fall and winter months with a few minor colds and maybe a 24-hour flu bug. I credit my good fortune to a strong immune system created by a healthy diet, exercise and some key herbal supplements.
Throughout cold and flu season, it’s a good idea to stay hydrating with lots of filtered water. The air tends to be dry so you need more water than usual plus it helps flush your system. You also need to make sure you get plenty of sleep. Your body recovers while you sleep, giving your immune system time to restore itself for the next day. Don’t forget to continue daily exercise. It doesn’t need to be a lot but it needs to be something while you’re stuck indoors through the cold, winter months. If you need motivation, just remember that bathing suit season is right around the corner!
So far, nothing but no brainers for good health. But what happens when you’re suddenly surrounded by people coughing and sneezing? You need to increase your immune-boosting vitamins:
- Vitamin C – common in citrus fruits and juices, you can also take as a supplement. Stick with ester-c and look for a time release formula or plan to take several small doses throughout the day. Emergen-C and Halls Defense Vitamin C Drops are other good ways to get extra vitamin C.
- Zinc – much needed in times of stress but also needed anytime your immune system is lowered. Pumpkin seeds provide a good dose of natural zinc but you can also supplement with Cold-eeze drops.
- Echinacea/goldenseal – taken together, these herbal supplement are super immune boosters. You can buy a jar of supplements or take the popular Airborne concoction. Be careful to not take too much though. You should only take echinacea/goldenseal for a week or two and then give your body a break from it.
What about cold medicines? The truth about cold medicines is that they don’t actually help you get better. They only mask your symptoms to help you get through the work day. If this is what you need, by all means, go for it. I’ve been known to use Tylenol Cold when there is a big presentation on the line. In general though, it’s best to avoid such medicines and listen to your body’s needs as it fights off the invading virus. My few exceptions to this rule are the medicines that actually can help you get better:
- Tylenol – acetaminophen can help you break a fever and relieve the achiness that might otherwise be preventing you from sleeping
- Sudafed – decongestants can help get the mucous moving out of your nose
- Mucinex – an expectorant that helps get the phlegm out of your lungs at the end of a cold
In addition to these medicines and supplements, there are some great tools available to help you feel better. If your sinuses are causing you problems, invest in a neti pot and saline solution to flush out the mucous. If your throat is sore and the air is dry, use a humidifier. This is especially helpful if your nose is stuffed up so much that you’re breathing through your mouth.
Finally, a pregnancy lesson: Your body naturally lowers its immune system when you’re pregnant so it doesn’t attack the fetus because it’s a foreign body. If you’re pregnant during the fall and winter months, buy stock in Kleenex. All you can do is drink lots of water, sleep and take in as much vitamin c as possible. Consider all other medicines and supplements prohibited unless approved by your doctor. And carry hand sanitizer. You’ll want to keep your hands as germ free as possible!