Natural Prevention for Colds and Flu

If it's not cold & flu season, so why are there so many people getting sick lately?  There seems to be a potent little virus "going around", so it is best to be prepared.  Here are some obvious and some not-so-obvious tips on the topic:

The Obvious:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.  Be especially sure that you wash your hands before touching your eyes or face.
• Get plenty of sleep and a moderate amount of exercise to keep your immune system up.
• Eat your fruits and veggies and keep dietary intake of refined sugar low.  Keep in mind that refined carbohydrates (like breads) act in the same way as white sugar in your body.  When blood sugar goes up in an uncontrolled manner your immune system does not function as effectively.

The Less Obvious:

• Don't share drinks with others.  Even during healthy times, people carry a whole host of viruses with them.  This is completely normal as most of these latent viruses are not causing illness, meaning the body has developed immunity from their effects.  In the US, our social standard is that friends and family are automatically "safe" to share drinks with; This is only true, however, if your friends and family have identical immune systems and antibodies as you do.
• Even in the summer, you may be hit by some chilly air.  A blast of cold air could come in the form of air conditioning or a evening temperature drop.  In either case, when body temperature drops immune response drops as well.  Consider carrying a light jacket or scarf with you if you think there's a chance of a cold blast coming your way.
• Incorporate some form of "active relaxation" into your daily life.  This could be a yoga or meditation practice or just taking some time to breath and listen (watching TV doesn't count as "active relaxation"!).

Chinese Medicine Help:

If you feel like you are starting to get sick, it is always best to act quickly.  A hot tea made with fresh ginger, mint and honey is a good start.  In addition, you may consult your herbalist to get an herbal formula that is best for you based on your current symptoms.  There are a variety of herbal formulas available for colds and flu, so it is important to select the best one for each specific case.

Lastly, If you get hit by every cold & flu bug that comes around, this may indicate a lowered immune system.  If adhering to the tips given above does not seem to change the pattern then you may benefit from an herbal and/or acupuncture approach.  There are a variety of natural herbs and time-tested herbal formulas that are effective to keep the immune system functioning at optimal levels.  Acupuncture also improves immune response if done regularly.