Colds,
Flu's and Bacterial Infection - What's the
Difference?
Winter is the time when our immune system is more vulnerable to catching the common cold and influenza. Both the common
cold and influenza start out as a virus, which makes them very
contagious. These viruses change year to year, with many different
strains around each flu season.
The common cold is
relatively harmless if your immune system is working correctly, and is
usually short lived. Influenza virus however is much more dangerous,
especially in the young and the elderly, and if not treated
promptly can lead to severe illness and even death.
The common cold and antibiotics
Antibiotics are not effective against viruses
- only bacteria, so they do not actually target the cause of the cold or
flu - just the bacterial infection left behind, often presenting as mucous
build up or a runny nose.
Antibiotics are harmful to your
digestive and immune systems as they wipe out your beneficial
digestive bacteria strains, such as lactobaccilus and bifidus. This leads
to an imbalance in the digestive system which can cause bloating,
indigestion and candida overgrowth.
In you digestive system
there are 2-3kg of these bacteria, hanging in a delicate balance
to perform many functions. Studies have shown that these
bacteria have critical roles in modulating our immune system, reducing
inflammation and allowing nutrient absorption in the intestine.
A good way to avoid antibiotic use is to visit your naturopath at the
first signs of a cold or flu. Naturopathy helps by using herbs which
support your immune system in fighting off the virus, as well as using
specific antiviral herbs and nutrients that work quickly to resolve the
illness. Symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, coughing, sinusitis
and post nasal drip also respond well to naturopathic treatment, getting
you feeling back to 100% quicker.
Antiviral foods
The following foods have
antiviral properties:
Raw garlic
Spirulina
Coconut
oil
Antibacterial foods
These foods have antibacterial properties - great to use on a sore
throat or for gastroenteritis
Raw unfiltered honey
Sage
Oregano
Thyme
Garlic
Coconut oi
Foods that boost the immune system
These
foods are rich in immune boosting nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc and
omega 3.
Lemons
Kiwifruit
Berries
Pineapple
Sardines
Salmon
Flaxseeds
Onions
Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Oysters
Shellfish
For great flu fighting recipes, click here.
