It’s approaching that time of year—cooler weather, busy holiday schedules, less sleep, and a little extra sugar and alcohol makes the perfect recipe for…
You guessed it! Cold and flu season.

Personally I prefer to be proactive rather than take my chances. Even though it takes some effort, in the long run it’s always easier, cheaper (and much more desirable) to stay well.

Are you with me? Let’s get this party started!

Think of the list below as your immune toolkit. Sure, you will get an immune boost by doing just one of the items on this list, but if you do all of them you’ll be in the best shape possible.

Cover your neck

This old wives tale is really true. In Chinese medicine, the back of the neck is sensitive to cold and windy weather. Exposure may cause one to “catch” a cold. Pay attention to feeling chilly or vulnerable outside, and keep your neck covered up. Scarves and hoodies come in handy!

Get Acupuncture

Acupuncture regulates the immune system and helps increase white blood cells and T fighter cells. It can be used effectively to boost the immune system to help ward of colds and flu, as well as lessen duration and intensity once a cold/flu has already started.

To keep your immune system in full gear and help prevent colds and flu, get monthly treatments throughout the winter months. You may require more frequent treatments if you are especially stressed, tired or in the initial stages of a cold.

Sleep

During sleep, all of your internal organs restore themselves, including your immune system. When we get rundown and are lacking on sleep, the opposite occurs and our immune system is weakened, exposing to us to colds and flu. Listen to your body. If you’re feeling fatigued, get some extra sleep. It might be those extra couple of hours that allow your immune system to recoup enough to fight off a virus or bacteria.

Wash your hands

Hand washing is one of the simplest ways to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. Make a point to wash your hands more frequently.

Minimize sugar

Sugar suppresses the immune system. In fact studies have shown that eating just 75-100 g of a sugar solution reduces the ability of white blood cells to overpower and destroy bacteria. It’s a bummer for drinkers since alcohol is high in sugar too (sorry guys). When using your own sweetner, substitute sugar for low glycemic sweeteners like Xylitol or Stevia, or use local raw honey.

Keep stress in check

If you can’t seem to regulate stress in your life, simply try doing less. Prioritize what you truly need to do, and what you don’t. Eliminate anything you can, and use that time to support your own health and wellbeing instead.

Chronic stress causes the body to release flows of the hormones cortisol and adrenaline which make the body more vulnerable to illness. Practices like meditation, yoga, acupuncture, regular exercise and having a good laugh all help to regulate stress.

Take immune supporting supplements

Effectiveness of supplements depending greatly on their quality. For recommendations and dosages consult your acupuncturist.

  • Lipospheric Vitamin C
  • Micellized Vitamin D3
  • Micellized Vitamin A
  • Zinc
  • Probiotics
  • Immune Mushroom Complex
    Herbs like Reishi, Cordyceps and Astragalus have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. They also help to increase white blood cell count and improve immune function.

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