Instead of focusing on the impending “flu season”, we should all be thinking about prevention, keeping our immune system strong and healthy. Most flu like symptoms, like coughing, sneezing, and aches, are not bacterial but viral. These symptoms are the body’s way of expressing discomfort when trying to eliminate toxins. Stifling these symptoms with pharmaceutical drugs is NOT the answer. Rather, we should allow the body to continue doing what it does best – eliminate these foreign attackers we call a virus. A viral infection cannot be cured with medication. It is up to the body’s immune system to clear out the infection. Unfortunately, when an immune system is weak, symptoms can linger, sometimes for weeks!

Bacterial infections such as strep throat or bronchitis will respond to prescription medication, such as an antibiotic. However, as a Naturopath, I do not support antibiotic treatments.

Instead I approach infections through:

• Investigation
• Detoxification
• Prevention

I investigate the cause of the problem and deal with the issue with detoxification. Once you’ve identified why an illness has occurred you can avoid the recurrence of these infections. It is a known fact that antibiotics weaken the immune system; and antibiotics cannot guarantee that the problem will not happen again. I have found great success with detoxification and deep cleansing, as opposed to antibiotics usage.

Typically, when the seasons change, mostly in fall and winter, people begin to worry about getting a cold. Getting enough sleep and taking charge of your diet will help ward off bad bacteria. If you are consuming a lot of refined sugars and processed foods, you are not doing your body any favors. Sugar is “fertilizer” for bacteria, yeast, and fungi that create an environment for a respiratory virus. Eighty percent of your immune system lies in your “GUT”.

The best ways to protect yourself from getting a cold are to:

• Limit your sugar intake
• Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables
• Eat fermented foods
• Stay in sync with your circadian rhythm
• Exercise

Exercising regularly is a powerful way to reduce cold/flu like symptoms. The more your immune cells circulate in your blood through exercise, the more efficient your immune system will be. Using consistent and intense exercise as “medicine” will help to keep you healthy.

TOP FIVE NATUROPATHIC RECOMMENDATIONS TO AVOID GETTING SICK

1. Wash your hands regularly (especially after a handshake).
2. NEVER use anti-bacterial products. They are loaded with synthetic chemicals.
3. Take herbal immune boosters such as pine bark powder, cayenne powder, tumeric powder
4. Stay well hydrated (especially when travelling).
5. We all know chicken soup helps some people feel better. But, I have an even better, proven recipe to really help drain the mucous when you get a cold:

Slice 30 pieces of ginger very thinly
8 garlic cloves
10 cups of water
Bring to a boil and let simmer for 45 minutes. When cool, add the juice of a lemon.
Drink 2 cups per day as long as symptoms last.

Keep this in mind …. “Life is a gift. Health is a practice.”

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Anti Biotik

Anti Biotik is my newest product designed to clear mucous and infection from the body. The combination of powerful organic barks and powders has the ability to strongly drain and eliminate stagnation including mucous, and inflammation coming from infection. These include the bronchial areas, chest, and sinus congestion.

My clients are blown away by the results, and some even drink it daily as they enjoy the freshness of these powders and how it makes them feel.

Q: I have been suffering from acne on and off and can't seem to get rid of it. My dermatologist prescribed a topical cream which has only made it worse. It seemed to be working at first, but now I'm suffering. What's going on?

It's not what you put on your skin that will help this situation, it's actually what you're ingesting. Beauty comes from the inside -out. Many teenagers and adults suffer from acne and sadly all those creams and potions that promise great results are just powerful marketing ploys. What you really need to do is address the root cause. 

The biggest reason for skin-related issues is the consumption of too much dairy and sugar (i.e. Any type of refined carbohydrate like bread, cereals, pasta, cookies, bagels, etc...) This type of diet drives inflammation in the gut and destroys the gut microbiome. Processed foods along with antibiotic use, and environmental toxins all lead to imbalances in the gut flora that drive inflammation to the rest of the body and can cause skin issues. 

The first step to a healthier, clear complexion is to eliminate dairy, complex refined sugars, and flour, and consume more fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Stress is also a big factor as it raises cortisol and can affect your hormones, so try your best to reduce your stress levels. 

It's important to note that any drug you take to try to clear your skin will often cause other problems in the body and may have harsh effects on your vital organs. 

One size does not fit all when it comes to gut health improvement, but there is always a solution. Book your FREE 30-minute Discovery Call to begin your health journey.