James Odell, OMD, ND, LAc |
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As we transition into winter, shorter days and reduced sunlight lead to a natural decrease in Vitamin D levels, a critical nutrient for maintaining optimal immune function. This seasonal change sets the stage for heightened vulnerability to infections, as our bodies are less equipped to fight off pathogens. The cold weather, combined with reduced exposure to sunlight, creates the perfect environment for our immune systems to face additional challenges.
Each year, millions of people experience the effects of the colder months, with cold and flu symptoms ranging from mild discomfort, such as a sore throat or congestion, to more severe complications like pneumonia or bronchitis. These illnesses not only cause physical discomfort but can also lead to significant disruptions in daily life and productivity. As the immune system works harder to ward off viruses, the body's defenses may be weakened, making it more susceptible to a range of infections.
Cold and flu season usually begins in the Autumn and ends in late spring. It is characterized by an acute symptom such as:
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Coughing
Sneezing
Watery eyes
Low fever or chills (occasionally)
Some tiredness or muscle aches
Colds are usually associated with rhinoviruses, although rhinoviruses are the major cause of colds, they can also be caused by other viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, and of course, coronavirus.
Essentially, it is a way the body/mind cleanses and resets itself.
Lack of sleep, erratic lifestyle, poor eating habits including excess sugar consumption, dehydration, psycho-emotional stress, lack of sunlight, and exposure to electro-smog are some of the antecedents that cause colds.
The earlier it is treated, the faster it will resolve.
Here are some considerations: (as always, consult your healthcare provider before embarking on and therapeutic regime)
Hydrate – drink plenty of pure water – spring or hydrogenated
Hydrate with herbal teas such as elderberry and ginger
Eat lightly – soups such as homemade vegetable and miso
Rest, rest a lot!
Take steamy showers
Enjoy watching standup comedy or uplifting movies while resting
Supplement Vitamin C (best to use non-corn source) – at quantities of more than three grams daily in divided doses
Oregano oil is excellent for colds – I prefer Biotics Research ADP – dose at 2 3X daily
For sore throat use Coptis and gargle with warm salt water
Zinc lozenges
Fever is the body’s way of fighting microbial toxic debris. Try not to suppress a fever, instead use a tepid bath to cool the body.
Make sure you have regular bowel movements and are not constipated. If constipated use extra magnesium supplementation, increase vitamin C dosage and take a multispecies probiotic.
If you were previously inoculated with the mRNA COVID shot, then the treatment is much more complicated, and you will need to address the toxic spike proteins it has created. (avoid any further mRNA, or flu inoculations).
Consider these additional measures:
Proteolytic Enzymes such as Serrapeptase to breakdown reactive proteins
Supplement the flavonoid quercetin at 1000 mg 2 – 3X daily
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), which is a direct precursor to NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) will help regenerate the mitochondria and improve cellular energy, thus helping with fatigue.
Check vitamin D status (25 hydroxy Vit D) and increase D3 supplementation to achieve a level of 60 or 70 ng/mL
If you have serious symptoms or do not seem to be getting better, call your health professional.
Bioregulatory medicine is a total body (and mind) approach to health and healing that aims to help facilitate and restore natural human biological processes. It is a proven, safe, gentle, highly effective, drugless, and side-effect-free medical model designed to naturally support the body to regulate, adapt, regenerate, and self-heal. BRMI is a non-commercial 501(c)(3) foundation and will expand and flourish with your support. Our goal is to make bioregulatory medicine a household term.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for the direct care of a qualified health practitioner who oversees and provides unique and individualized care. The information provided here is to broaden our different perspectives and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.