Colds and flu’s can strike at any time, not just the dreaded winter season. Some people are more susceptible to catching them, and here’s to understanding why:
Why Do We Get Colds & Flu’s?
If you regularly catch colds and flu’s, you may have an imbalance in your immune system which may make you more susceptible to infections. A poor diet, nutritional deficiencies, stress, adrenal fatigue and/or a lack of exercise can all lead to imbalances in your immune system. A strong immune system can help to protect you from potentially harmful invaders, such as viruses and bacteria, by recognising and responding to them as a threat.
In Chinese Medicine, a weak immune system can often be a sign of lung deficiency. The Lungs are seen as a guard protecting external pathogens from entering your body. If this organ system is weak from hereditary factors, smoking, overworking, or chronic emotional issues, the Lungs’ ability to fight off sickness is compromised and you can have frequent colds or flu’s, or the type of sickness which lingers for weeks and never really goes away; the body tries to fight the virus but there is not enough strength behind it.
Viruses Can Cause Colds and Flu’s
Contrary to popular belief, viruses cause colds and flu’s – not bacteria. Viruses are minute infectious agents which invade and hijack your cells. The immune system recognises viruses as invaders and attempts to destroy them before they can invade your cells. If your immune system is weak, however, it may not have the ability to destroy viruses and viral infections can occur.
What Can You Do?
If your immune system is struggling to defend you, don’t despair – natural medicines can help! There are many herbs and nutrients which help manage acute symptoms of colds and flu’s such as andrographis, echinacae and vitamin C. Also, there are supplements available which boost underlying deficiencies and strengthen your immune system so you don’t get sick as much. Acupuncture also helps to boost the immune.
The best way to understand your frequent sickness is to get to the bottom of why it is that you are sick all the time. Do you have heavy metal toxicity? Are you deficient in certain nutrients? Do you have a food intolerance to something you are consuming on a daily basis? We have a wide range of testing options which can rule out potential causes of your frequent colds and flu’s, and we have treatment strategies to overcome the problem.
Diet & Lifestyle Suggestions
- Eat a well balanced diet including fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, fish, eggs, legumes and lean red meat.
- Reduce your intake of mucous forming foods like dairy
- Avoid foods low in good quality nutrients like sugar, white flour products and alcohol; they suppress the nervous system
- Drink at least 2 litres of filtered water every day
- Exercise regularly
- Ensure you are getting enough sleep
Say Goodbye To Colds & Flu’s
By making some simple changes to your diet and lifestyle and by using appropriate supplements and therapies, you can reduce your risk of catching colds and flu’s. Speak to us today about further testing we can do, and about the best way to strengthen your immune system naturally.
07 3368 3802
12/261 Given Tce, Paddington, Brisbane 4064
