Did you know that getting sick a few times a year is actually great for your immune system and body? It is a way of exercising your immune system, resetting your body and flushing out excess free radicals. That being said, how you handle it can impede this process or can turn it into an ongoing issue. Being sick frequently is a red flag that your body is off balance and not functioning to its' full potential.

So, what can you do?
Prevention (I know I just said getting sick is good for you but prevention will diminish how often you get sick.)

• Be sure to wash your hands often with warm water and soap, limit antibacterial soaps & sprays to occasions where water and soap are not on hand and try and aim for more natural antibacterial products as they are not as damaging to your immune system and good bacteria as some of the more common products out there.

• Don't touch your face when you're in public until you get a chance to wash your hands.

• Eat a healthy well-balanced diet of whole foods and limit processed food to no more than 4-5 servings a week. What you eat has a major impact on your state of health, eating the wrong foods can weaken your immune system and your digestive system, which also happens to be a big part of your immune system as well as where all your nutrients are absorbed.

• Lower your stress levels, being in constant stress is detrimental to your overall well being including your immune system.

• Sleep well: Our bodies need approximately 8 hours to rest and recalibrate if you are not getting enough sleep your body will not be ready for an attack by a virus.

Nurture & guide your immune system when you do get a virus:

• Increase your fluid intake, by drinking plenty of water. Dehydration will allow the virus to penetrate deeper into your cells. Water is also key to helping your immune system in various ways such as the production of lymph needed to transport white blood cells and other immune cells throughout the body.

• Feed a Cold: Feed your cold with lots of leafy greens and colourful vegetables, enjoy some fruit and focus on protein sources that are alkalizing such as adzuki beans, almonds, and chia seeds. Increase your intake of ginger, garlic, onions, cayenne & chili pepper which have immune supporting constituents. Limit foods that are very acidic such animal-based proteins and avoid mucus forming foods such as soy, wheat, and dairy products. You will also want to avoid all processed foods and processed sugars. Consult with a nutritionist, you would be surprised how well just eating the right foods and using nutritional therapies can help your body work through a virus more efficiently as well as prevent more serious complications from viruses.

• Starve a flu: If you have no appetite there is a reason, be sure to drink lots of water and when possible drink broths chalked full of amino acids and probiotics such as miso. Miso is also good to rebalance electrolytes if vomiting and diarrhea are involved.

• Try not to suppress your symptoms. A runny nose, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever are your body's way of fighting. Stopping these symptoms prevents your body from doing what it needs to do, making the cold or flu last longer than it should or turning it into something more serious. Instead, monitor symptoms and diminish when they get too intense or become unproductive. Do this cautiously with children. It is very important to let their bodies work on their own, it's how they build their immune systems; however, they have small bodies and organs that can be easily overwhelmed. Monitor them closely. Don't be afraid to request help from a health practitioner.

• Using herbs and alternative therapies are generally more effective and safer than over the counter medicines when prescribed properly by a trained health practitioner. A Herbalist or Naturopathic Doctor can recommend herbs that boost the immune system or to help with symptoms that are becoming unproductive. Always consult with a qualified health practitioner. Do not self-medicate. Herbalism is an art and finding the right herb for an individual takes a lot into consideration. It is not like prescribing a pharmaceutical or taking an over the counter medication. Side note: Be aware that antibiotics are for infections only, not viruses like the common cold or influenza. They don't work for this situation and are dangerous when used improperly. Always request proper testing be done before accepting antibiotics.

• Lastly, rest! The body needs to rest to work and do its job. Take naps and go to bed early to get some extra hours of sleep. Take time off when you can. If necessary, enlist help with little ones and spend the day in bed.

Dana Clark CNHP, CHC, CHN, CLE