Like most blokes I suffer from the dreaded man-flu from time to time, in fact I just did a bit of a clean out last week. And given how rarely I actually come down with something and how mild it usually is, I am probably even more pathetic than most. But I thought you might be interested to read what I actually do when I or one of my family come down with a cold.
Having said that, avoiding coughs and colds all together is not the aim here. In fact firing up your immune system on a regular basis is actually quite a good thing (even if it doesn't always feel like it). So much so that research is currently being conducted into how raising the body's temperature to that experienced during a flu may help kill cancer cells. So avoiding a cold or flu all together is not the answer and we are now discovering that flu vaccines and medications aren't as safe or effective as we had previously been led to believe (especially for our kids), with both having been withdrawn from the market in recent times. So what can do I do when me or one of my family members does a cold or flu?
1. Get an adjustment - The first port of call for us is always a chiropractic adjustment. We know that having a healthy nervous system is the key to having a healthy immune system and that a body free from nerve interference heals better.
2. Rest - So often in our modern lives we just don't get enough rest. We go and go and don't give our bodies the time they need to rest and recover. I must admit that this is the one I am worst at, but I am working on it.
3. Vitamin C - Vitamin C is still an important nutrient for helping your body fight and recover from a cold. One mistake people often make here though is consuming their vitamin C along with a big lump of sugar. Colds and flus feed on sugar, so I eat an orange rather than squeezing orange juice or taking a sugar-filled tablet.
4. Sunshine - Getting enough sunshine (and hence Vitamin D) is vitally important for firing up your immune system whether it is fighting off a flu or fighting cancer. When I am feeling a bit off I always make sure I spend a little time each day with my sleeves rolled up catching some rays.
5. Fruits and Veggies - There is nothing better than fruits and in particular vegetables for making sure that you are getting the nutrients you need to fight back. I am always pretty good with my fruits and veg, but when I feel a cold coming on, I double my efforts and really make sure I am fuelling the fire of my immune system. Remember: eat more vegetables than fruit, as fruit is still pretty full of sugar.
6. Omega 3s - Omega 3 oils are really important to the functioning of your immune system, so when I am doing a bit of a clean out I always try and get some fish in my diet.
7. Steam - The humidity of your nasal passage in particular is really important in terms of its ability to protect you from and eliminate a cold or flu. So often in our modern homes and work places we are surrounded by air conditioning that totally dries us out. If I am feeling a bit congested I will do a steam inhalation with either gum leaves and mint leaves from the garden or eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils from the cupboard. It is also nice to add the essential oils to an oil burner and have it burning in the house or next to your desk.
8. Drink lots of water - Water is essential to virtually every process that goes on in your body and your immune system is no exception. When I have a cold or flu I make sure that I am only drinking water so that I am hydrating my body in a healthy way and avoiding extra sugars that may slow the healing process.
9. Listen to your body - Your body does stuff for a reason. A great example is a fever - most often a healthy response from your body to create an inopportune environment for the bugs to grow. So if my body is telling me to rug up and sweat it out, I just go with it; if my body is telling me to rest, I listen and if I am feeling hungry, I eat (something healthy).
All in all, it is important to understand that a cold is a normal bodily function. Yes, that's right, it is something your body does - not something that is done to you. So prepare your body well, look after it whilst you ride it out and remember: your body knows how to deal with a cold or flu.
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