We homeopaths are strange folk. Now that my daughter is in highs chool, I fondly remember preschool ‘play dates’ with her little buddies who were both infinitely endearing and infectious. With a ragtag group of four regulars, the odds were likely that at least one would be contagious with something. And so,with the darkish sense of humour appreciated by those inmedicine, I created a game of tag in which I would dress up as a giant Germ and chase the wee ones around the house to squeals of glee.The giant Germ never won the game.I am afterall, a mom and a homeopath so it’s in my nature to not let germs win.
Let me share some practical ways in which homeopathy and holistic nutrition can give you a competitive edge this cold & flu season, just as I let the kids out smart the giant Germ in those wonderfu lgames of tag.
It’s important to remember that your body is masterfully designed to defend itself and maintain balance, re- ferred to as homeostasis. On any given day, our bodies are host to trillions of germs that peacefully coexist, and in some cases are beneficial (i.e.the good gut flora in our digestive and intestinal system). Infection alone isn’t enough to make us ill. It’s the rapid and excessive multiplication of certain bacteria and viruses that compromise health. The key is to supporty our body’s natural immune system and allow it to do its work in keeping you strong, vibrant and enjoying life’s pleasures instead of spending weeks this winter achy and miserable in bed. Just as plants flourish in optimal conditions, disease and illness take hold when the terrain creates optimal growing conditions. Holistic nutrition, homeopathy and common sense measures work very effectively, incombination, to ensure your inner terrain is balanced, strong and in hospitable to the giant Germ.
From a holistic nutritional view- point, if provided the opportunity and the right raw materials, the human body is extraordinary in its ability to resist infection to cold & flu. Starting each day with a cup of hot, pure water and fresh lemon is a gentle method of cleansing and supporting the liver in its efforts to detoxify the body and cleanse the blood. Water and hydration are critical to optimal health.We often forget to drink (water not wine) as the weather cools. Coffee and tea are actually dehydrating so for each cup consumed, remember to add a glass of water. Carbonated beverages, while tasty, actually suppress immunity and inhibit the white blood cells’ ability to be good soldiers and pursue and devour foreign antigens like bacteria and viruses that cause influenza and cold ‘rhino-viruses’.
Research has shown that sugar actually shuts down the immune system for 3-5 hours! In addition to eating thoughtfully and well, consider supplementing with a highquality Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and perhaps a probiotic and EFA:DHA formula to support digestive health. Several ‘Immune Boost’ products are available for additional support. Two of my favourites are Metagenics ‘ImmunoCore’ and Douglas Labs ‘A.H.C.C. Plus’ a mushroom derived extract. Quality does matter when selecting supplements.
Nutrition is the foundation of a healthy immune system. Adequate rest and proper hygiene are also essential practical ways to optimize your body’s natural resistance to disease. Wash hands frequently and if good old fashioned soap and water aren’t available, EO makes an effective hand sanitizing gel combining lavender essen- tial oil, jojoba oil and vegetable glycerine.
So what do you do if despite your best efforts, you do succumb to the giant Germ? Homeopathic medicine has a solid track record of over 200 years, in treating Influenza and the common cold. For example, Dr.T.A. McCann in 1921 reported that 24,000 cases of flu were treated allopathically with a 28% mortality rate,while 26,000 cases of flu treated homoeopathically had a mortality rate of only 1% (The HomeopathicTreatmentof Influenza, Perko). Homeopaths reported excellent results treating patients during the outbreaks since H1N1 first hit the news. Homeopathy is uniquely effective in treating infections, because the medicines are notoxic, bring rapid relief and are extremely safe for children and adults, even during pregnancy.
I guess that giant Germ isn’t so scary afterall.
Kashka Kril-Atkins is a homeopath and owner of BLUEPRINT Wholistic Health, an Integrative Medicine Clinic and Shop located in midtown. For more information on holistic strategies for optimal health visit www.blueprintwellness.ca.