Don’t Let the Flu Season Get You Down
by Dr. Brett Phillips
With flu season on the horizon there are many things you can do naturopathically to protect yourself
from being one of the casualties. After all, prevention is the best cure! The basics apply here: cover
your mouth and nose when coughing, wash hands regularly, avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose. But if your
immune system is compromised, the avoidance strategy is most likely not enough. You should begin boosting
your immune system now!
When it comes to boosting your immune system, healthy eating habits and daily activity are absolute musts.
Your diet should include at least five vegetables and three fruit per day, healthy sources of omega-3 fats
and whole grains. You should be drinking at least 1.5 litres of water per day (add one glass of water for every
caffeinated or alcoholic beverage). Freshly minced garlic is a powerful antimicrobial that can be sprinkled on
almost any food. Limit your intake of saturated “bad” fats and sources of refined sugar. Refined sugar suppresses
the immune system and feeds infections. Regular exercise should include at least 60 minutes of combined cardio
and strength training. Exercise not only boosts the immune system but reduces overall stress.
Stress is another big factor in poor immunity. What are your sources of stress and how do you deal with them?
Learning to deal with stress effectively will not only improve your mental emotional well-being, but will support
healthy immune function and optimal health. As a general recommendation I suggest at least five minutes twice a
day of belly breathing and positive affirmations.
Several vitamins, herbal medicines and homeopathics can prepare the body to fight off invading organisms.
You can never go wrong with Vitamin C. This is the body’s number one anti-oxidant and at high doses stimulates
the reproduction of immune cells. Echinacea is probably the most well-known herbal remedy and is also effective
for supporting a healthy immune system. Complex homeopathics also have a powerful preventative and therapeutic
efficacy. The key is to start taking these remedies prior to getting sick. The idea is to be proactive – not reactive.
For those who are high risk or do contract the flu, I recommend Intravenous Nutrient therapy. Various nutrients,
some of which I mentioned above, are introduced into the body directly into the blood at mega doses and in
synergistic rations to optimize health and healing.
Dr. Philips practices in Kelowna, BC and is a member of the Naturopathic Academy of Therapeutic Injection.
For more information contact his office t (250) 860-8855 or explore his web site at
www.drbrettphillips.com.