Miss Out on Cold and Flu Season

November and Autumn. A time to honor our veterans,

celebrate world peace, and express

gratitude on Thanksgiving Day.

Who has time for the cold and flu?

-Lona

Natural Defense for Cold and Flu Season

An autumn checkup is a wonderful way to determine if your immune system is working efficiently. With the change of seasons and temperature fluctuations there is an increased prevalence of cold and flus.

Signs and symptoms of a cold or flu may include fatigue, nasal congestion, headache, sore throat, fever, chills and muscle aches. A strong immune system is the best prevention for avoiding colds and flus.

Thankfully, there are MANY natural supports we can use to enhance our wellness. Here are some of my favorites:

Get adequate, sound rest. Turn off the screens, dial down the lighting at home, take a nice bath or shower, then hop in bed with a great book (that isn’t scary, too exciting or requires too much of your brain’s bandwidth!)—or take this time to journal. It should be quiet, cool and dark in your space, and give yourself at least 7 hours of good rest, if not 8.

Forego the sugars! In this season of making merry, it is easy to indulge in treats of all shapes and sizes. If you do partake, do so of a small amount, directly following a meal so that your blood sugar and insulin are not heavily spiked (this includes alcohol, too—another sugar!). Eat plenty of yellow, orange, red and purple fruits and vegetables, increase intake of purified water. Half of your body weight in ounces of purified water each day is a minimum!

Get out in the sunshine every day. The body loves some direct sunlight, so allow yourself at least a few minutes a day. Time outside in the sun is a great stress reducer and stress weakens the immune system.

Use Immune boosting herbs and homeopathic formulas for prevention and reduction of symptoms. Homeopathic remedies work by helping the body to cure itself -- not simply suppressing symptoms.

Here are a few of my favorites:

INFLUAFORCE PLUS is used for:

♦ Relief of minor Aches and Pains in Muscles and Joints

♦ Fever

♦ Dry Cough

♦ Fatigue with Headache

Consider ordering Influaforce Plus from BioActive Nutritionals to act as a homeopathic way to prevent the flu. It’s used instead of flu shots for those of you that recognize the dangers of vaccines. The homeopathic remedy from Texas Biological Medicine, Inc. has added formulation for this flu season.

A weekly dose is recommended for prevention but it is also effective in relieving flu symptoms.

This can be used for temporary relief of minor aches and pains in muscles and joints, fever with dryness of mucous membranes and dry cough, muscular soreness, and fatigue with headache. Providing months of extra protection this formula comes in a glass bottle with dropper so it’s super easy to use.

BAMBOO EXTRACT is used for:

♦ Acute and chronic throat and lung conditions

♦ Cough

♦ Phlegm

♦ Sore Throat

♦ Runny Nose

♦ Ear Irritation in Children

♦ Bronchitis

Bamboo Extract has both antiviral and antibacterial properties. In fact, it was traditionally used for respiratory bacterial infections. It is most effective among the population who are most likely to have compromised immunity and is effective against long-term infections.

Bamboo Extract works very quickly for acute respiratory problems, especially in children and young adults. It is recommended for any upper respiratory infections caused by a virus or bacteria.

It is important to note that Bamboo Extract should not be used instead of antibiotics for severe infections. However, it can be used in conjunction with antibiotics for better and faster results.

Click here to get the video by Dr. Chi

He explains How Bamboo Extract Works During Flu Season.

SINUS CHI is used for:

♦ Relieves colds

♦ Muscle spasms

♦ Sinus Congestion, Headaches and Fever

♦ Runny Nose

♦ Sneezing

♦ Chills

Sinus Chi can block histamine release and consequently relieve runny nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling and other allergy symptoms. It adjusts immunity and relieves colds, muscle spasms, headaches, pain and fever.

In a study on 367 patients with allergic rhinitis, improvement of symptoms was observed in 57.2% of the patients while complete elimination of symptoms was experienced by 22.9% of the patients.

If preventative strategies are not started soon enough then we can also treat your cold and flu symptoms with natural remedies. The key is to seek treatment immediately. We offer a variety of treatment options which are safe and effective. Properly selected treatments will not only relieve your symptoms but often will also shorten the duration of your illness.

Here is a Facebook post about Vitamin D and how it is instrumental in cold and flu prevention. Click here.

At Texas Biological Medicine, Inc., we would like to provide you and your family with the tools you need to stay healthy this cold and flu season.

Call our office at 972-233-8339 to discuss a customized treatment plan.

Foods To Eat

Everything in life becomes more difficult when you are sick. Food included. You might consider eating the following:

Broth. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or vegetable, broth is one of the best things you can eat when you have the flu. Broth is an excellent source of hydration. Many stores such as Sprouts now organic bone broth.

Chicken soup. Recommended as a remedy for the common cold for hundreds of years. Research suggests that enjoying a bowl of chicken soup with vegetables can slow the movement of neutrophils in your body. The study found that chicken soup was effective for reducing the symptoms of upper respiratory infections in particular. It carries great nutritional value and helps keep you hydrated. Recipe included future down this blog.

Garlic contains the compound allicin, which may have antimicrobial properties. Broth with celery, carrots and garlic tastes good and is healthy for your body. Adding a garlic supplement to your diet might reduce the severity of cold symptoms.

Hot tea with honey. Manukah Honey has a variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Drinking honey in tea with lemon can ease sore throat pain. Research suggests that honey is an effective cough suppressant, too. In one study, researchers found that giving children 10 grams of honey at bedtime reduced the severity of their cough symptoms. The children reportedly slept more soundly, which also helps reduce cold symptoms. We have a special brew called Booth's Brews, its an artisian kombucha of elderberry concentrate which has elderberry, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, all organic. Take a tablespoon a day to keeps the flu away. For children 1 teaspoon a day keeps the flu away.

You should never give honey to a child younger than 1 years old, as it often contains botulinum spores. While they’re usually harmless to older children and adults, an infants’ immune systems isn’t able to fight them off.

Ginger. The health benefits of ginger root have been touted for centuries, but now we have scientific proof of its curative properties. A few slices of raw ginger root boiled in water may help soothe a cough or sore throat. Research suggests that it can also ward off the feelings of nausea.

Spicy foods. Hot sauce can help clear up that stuffy nose. The kick in Tabasco has been used by many people to clear up their sinuses during bad colds. To spice things up, take honey, boiled water, lemon and, of course, and a few drops of Tabasco -- or more if you want it hotter. This will clear your sinus. Don’t try this if you have a sore throat. Our office prefers ginger tea.

Probiotics. Probiotics, the friendly bacteria, helps keep your gut and immune system healthy. Research indicates that probiotics may reduce your chance of getting sick with an upper respiratory infection. CocoYo is a good non-dairy probiotic. Remember Dairy creates mucous, so if you are feeling under the weather avoid Dairy.

Ice chips help when you have trouble keeping fluids down. Try sucking on ice chips to help re-hydrate.

Ever heard of the BRAT diet: BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. If you baby yourself, you won’t turn into a brat even if you only eat these foods.

Oatmeal. Oatmeal boosts the immune system and helps prevent and fight symptoms of the common cold because it contains beta glucan, zinc and selenium. It is easy to swallow when your throat hurts and has nutritional value.

The No-No's during cold and flu season: No dairy, no gluten, no sugar.

We want to help you relax. Call our office at 972-233-8339 to schedule your massage session with Tricia today. She has expanded her appointments at your request and will now be available on Friday November 2, 9 and 16th.

Ever drink a hot toddy for a sore throat or cold? Next time stick to the hot water, lemon and honey. Alcohol suppresses the immune system. our body is already fighting a battle with that bug that infected you. Why add alcohol?

Salt Water. Gargling with salt water may help prevent upper respiratory infections. It may also decrease the severity of cold symptoms. Gargling with salt water reduces and loosens mucus, which contains bacteria and allergens. To try this remedy at home, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a full glass of water. Swish it around your mouth and throat. Then spit it out.

Ingest Vitamin C. Instead of drinking sugary juices, consider eating whole fruits. They contain less sugar, more water, and lots of fiber. Oranges, limes and lemons are a good source of vitamin C. Adding fresh lemon juice to hot tea with honey may reduce phlegm when you’re sick. Drinking hot or cold lemonade may also help.

Drink clear liquids. Staying hydrated when you have the flu is key. Your body needs to re-hydrate from losing fluids. Give your overworked stomach and intestines a break — clear liquids help ease discomfort and give them the rest they need.

When you hydrate, make sure to take small, frequent sips every 10 to 15 minutes. Drinking too much at once may cause vomiting — so don’t rush it. Items such as coffee, black tea, and soda can make you more dehydrated.

If you vomit for a long period of time, try to drink something other than water to replenish the vitamins and nutrients you’ve lost. Crystal Geyser and Dasani are good waters to re-hydrate. And don't forget to take NADH two times per day to assist the kidneys with hydration.

Eat Real Food. Processed food from a fast food joint or made from a box has fewer nutrients. Your body is trying to heal itself so it’s important to support the process with whole, nutritious foods.

Humidify. Influenza thrives and spreads more easily in dry environments. Creating more humidity in your home may reduce your exposure. Increased humidity reduces nasal inflammation, making it easier to breathe when you’re sick. Temporarily adding a cool mist humidifier to your bedroom may help you feel more comfortable. This is especially true in winter, when dry indoor heat can exacerbate your symptoms. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil from a reputable source might stimulate breathing. You can also boil the essential oil on the stove top or purchase a diffuser.

Click here for good information on how to use Essential Oils when you have a cold or the flu.

Warm baths and washcloths. Sometimes you can reduce a child’s fever by giving them a warm sponge bath. Warm baths can also reduce cold and flu symptoms in adults. Adding Epsom salt and baking soda to the water can reduce body aches. Adding a few drops of essential oil may also have a soothing effect. The above article talks about how to use essential oils appropriately.

This Office Reads. These books can help you let go of fear and find ways to heal that may be the exact remedy you've been looking for.

Lona recommends:

Dr. Rau's Success Diet by Thomas Rau, M.D. This book is so new, it isn't on the market yet. Lona is in the process of acquiring a few for you to purchase if you want a quick and simple explanation to eating for your heath. There are also numerous recipes included.

Tricia recommends:

Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. by Brene Brown. In her #1 New York Times bestsellers. This book talks about what it means to dare greatly, rise strong, and brave the wilderness. Based on new research conducted with leaders, change makers, and culture shifters, Brene Brown shows us how to put those ideas into practice so we can step up and lead.

Ramona recommends:

Hearing God Through Your Dreams by Dr. Mark Virkler, Charity Virlkler Kayembe. Learn How to Hear God's Voice, Even When You Are Sleeping. People spend 33% of their lives sleeping. Even at night, Heaven communicates. "I was asleep, but my heart was awake..." (Song of Songs 5:2). The question is: How do you capture this flow every night?

My doctor told me I had the airport flu.

He says its terminal.

Healthy eating is essential on the road to recovery.

Chicken soup may not be a cure-all, but it’s a great choice when you’re sick.

Directions

Put the chicken, carrots, celery and onion in a large soup pot and cover with cold water. Heat and simmer, uncovered, until the chicken meat falls off of the bones (skim off foam every so often).
Take everything out of the pot. Strain the broth.

Consider making and freezing nourishing soup options in the winter that you can pull out when you feel a cold coming on.

Here are 35+ hearty soups and stews to make this winter.

Oatmeal was mentioned above. So here are Oatmeal recipes to fight colds and flu. Click here.

We are thankful to all our clients, our suppliers, our readers, the scientists who research healthy options, and Dr. Thomas Rau of Paracelsus Clinic. We wish each of you a happy Thanksgiving Day. I'd like to share some healthy options for Thanksgiving meals so please click here. These 35 recipes might be something you can share with your family.

Trisha Wade, LMT, CLET sends a big thanks to all of you who have participated in the introduction packages for the L.E.T. (Lymphatic Enhancement Therapy). We want to remind you to use those sessions by the end of January 31, 2019.

Looking for even more healthy Thanksgiving recipes? Click here.