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When the weather starts to get colder and everyone moves indoors, colds and flu seem to increase in occurrence dramatically. This happens every year. As a naturopathic doctor in Toronto, I see a lot of patients during the winter who are hoping for naturopathic cold and flu treatments to both provide relief for their current colds, and prevent new ones. That’s why I put this video together. Watch this video to find out more about naturopathic solutions for cold and flu. What's The Difference Between A Cold And The Flu? The flu and the common cold are both a viral infection. However, the devil is in how severe each of them is. In most cases, you’re going to suffer more with the flu. Symptoms tend to include such unpleasant things as a fever, malaise, joint pain, and muscle pain. A cold is a much milder form of virus, and you might only experience a slight fever, runny nose, and sneezing. But, your body generally won’t feel as bad as when you have the flu. Is The Flu Shot Necessary Or Is There A More Natural Approach? I always recommend the flu shot for more at risk demographics of the population, such as the elderly and children. It’s also a good idea if you live with these at risk demographics, or if you live with someone who’s immunocompromised. The average adult population can make their own decisions, as they’re better able to handle the effects of the flu without serious consequences. However, there are some natural methods to reducing the impact of the virus: First, it can be helpful to look at your diet. Make sure you reduce mucus forming foods, such as wheat and dairy, as much as possible. If you have a fever, it’s a good idea to make sure not to feed your fever by eating calorie heavy meals. Instead, opt for lighter meals, and have plenty of nutrients available for your body to use to combat your cold. Depending on how you’re feeling overall, you might also want to consider thinking about a more permanent change to a raw food diet which is a great natural detox solution. As well, sugar can depress your immune system. This includes additives like high fructose corn syrup and alcohol. So, do your best to avoid foods with added sugar as much as you can. RELATED : Natural Hangover Solutions As well, drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is important. Chicken soup is a happy medium between solid and liquid food. It’s delicious, and provides electrolytes, nutrients, and fluids. Zinc is another natural supplement you can take to help your body stay healthy. Another great food item to add to your diet is probiotics. Probiotics may be helpful in preventing colds and flus, along with other great benefits. But it’s a pretty big topic, so if you still have some questions after checking out the article linked above, take a look here for more information answering common questions about probiotics. Remember, more research is still needed on this. Finally, ginseng is a popular addition to many people’s natural cold and flu prevention regime. It has many benefits, including helping with erectile dysfunction. But again, the findings have so far been mixed on its efficacy. Is The Homeopathic Flu Shot Just As Effective As The Medical Flu Shot? There is a homeopathic version of the flu shot, but current evidence does not support its use as a front line treatment for the flu. More research is needed to determine whether this flu shot helps any more than the medicinal shot, but there are some similarities between the two. As a result, I prefer to focus on treating and strengthening your immune system. What Can People Do To Avoid Getting A Cold Or Flu? Probably the most important thing is to ramp up your personal hygiene. This is supported by recent studies that confirmed physical preventative measures like handwashing reduces your risk of getting or spreading a cold or flu. Wash your hands as often as you can, and definitely before eating or rubbing your eyes. Make sure not to sneeze into your hand – sneeze into your elbow crease instead, to prevent spraying mucus. You can also try frequent gargling with salt water to help reduce your risk of getting a cold that affects your upper respiratory tract. Questions? Ask Dr. JJ Most people end up with at least one bout of the cold during winter, so I hope you find these examples helpful. However, if you are concerned about getting sick, call now to set up your appointment with me, and I’ll be happy to help you develop a strategy for sustained health all season long. Your first visit will be a consultation so that I can understand your health history, any current symptoms you want addressed, and what your health goals are. Book your appointment with me, Dr. JJ, today.

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