Fighting Colds and the Flu
Each year Americans catch more than 1 billion colds, making the cold virus the most common infectious disease in the United States. Most colds last between 8-9 days, but 25% of all colds will last for 2 weeks and 5-10% last 3 weeks! It is a common misconception that colds are caused by bacteria. Instead they are triggered by a virus that flushes toxins from the system. Once the body becomes toxic and weak, yeast, viruses and bacteria release additional toxins and reproduce. These toxins then surround the tissue and the infection spreads. Runny nose, fever, etc. are the body’s immune response to detoxify and flush the cold virus out.
How do you catch a cold?
Hand-to-hand contact – someone blows their nose then touches a surface commonly touched by others or shakes your hand. The cold virus can live on computer key boards, coffee mugs, pens and other objects for hours.
If your immune system is operating at its best, you should be able to fight off any virus you come across. However, the following factors, alone or combined, cause our immune system to be compromised:
Not getting enough rest
Eating too much sugar or too many grains
Not addressing emotion
Vitamin D deficiency
How to get rid of a cold/flu:
Hydrogen Peroxide: Use a few drops in each ear for 5-10 minutes within the first 12-14 hours of an upper respiratory infection.
Vitamin D: Not only good to prevent colds, it will help the body recover quicker from a cold. Take 35 IU’s per pound of body weight or 8000 IU until you are well. I.E. 150lbs = 5,250 IU’s
Dietary Restrictions: DO NOT EAT sugar, carbs, fruit sugars or drink alcohol. Instead, incorporate the following:
High Quality Whey Protein
Fermented Foods (raw kefir, Kimchee, etc.)
80% of your immune system resides in your digestive tract
Raw, organic eggs from free range, local chickens
Grass-fed beef
Coconut and Coconut oil
Animal based Omega’s, like Krill or Mila
Locally grown fruits and vegetables
Mushrooms (especially Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake) which have immune-enhancing properties
Garlic (raw is best) because it is a potent anti-microbial that kills bacteria and viruses
Spices: Turmeric, Oregano, Cinnamon, and Cloves
Drink plenty of pure, fresh water
Chicken Soup (homemade only) due to the natural amino acids that thin the mucus in your lungs and make it less sticky
4. Try these home remedies:
Detoxing Tea: Mix 1 lemon with 8oz of hot water and up to ½ tsp. of cayenne pepper. Sweeten with Grade B maple syrup or honey to taste. Drink this mix throughout the day.
Vapor Relief: Put Tei Fu oil in palms and rub hands together, then cover your nose with palms and inhale. You can also rub Tei Fu oil on the inside of your nose and throat or on chest to relieve congestion. Vicks vapor rub on the chest and feet will open the chest and relieve coughing.
Bath Detox: Below are 5 different baths to help detox your body and support your immune system during this cold and flu season. For best results, dry brush before bathing.
Basic Bath
1 cup Epsom Salt
1 Large box Baking Soda
1 tsp. Ginger
Essential oil of choice
Rinse off.
Diuretic Bath*
3 drops of Rosemary
1 drop Roe
2 drops Lemon
Detoxifying Bath*
4 drops Lemon
1 drop Geranium
3 drops Thyme
Relaxing Bath*
3 drops Sandalwood
1 drop Chamomile
2 drops Ylang Ylang
Invigorating Bath*
3 drops Tea Tree
1 drop Peppermint
3 drops Pink Grapefruit
* You can add these oils to either of the basic bath recipes
How to avoid colds in the future:
Plenty of sleep
Regular exercise
Addressing emotional stressors
Wash your hands – DO NOT use antibacterial cleansers (leading to strains of resistant bacteria “superbugs”). Excessive washing, especially with harsh soaps, can be counterproductive.
Enzymes “Skinny” for Colds and Flu:
Enzymes digest your food for complete absorption
Raw (non-cooked) foods contain enzymes to assist us
Less enzymes = more toxicity
Balance the pH in our systems
They reduce overall inflammation (protecting the heart as well)
Enzymes are required for detoxification
Cooking destroys enzymes naturally occurring in raw foods – try to intake 50-60% raw foods.
