It always surprises me when I hear someone say “I never get a cold, I have an amazing immune system.” While I am not doubting the greatness of their immune system, it is my opinion that you should get about two colds a year. Getting a cold means your body is healthy enough to fight off the viruses in which it comes into contact.
Stop and think about that last statement: “you are healthy enough to get a cold.”
Anyone who works with chronic conditions will start noticing that their patients usually do not get the common cold. Instead, it skips this trivial disease and progresses into something more serious such as pneumonia, bronchitis, mental health issues, etc.
A cold is your body’s reaction to a virus (Rhinovirus spp. more often than not). The symptoms that come with the common cold such as the runny nose, congestion, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, etc. is your body’s reaction to the virus. The presence of symptoms means the body is in no longer in defense mode but instead clean up mode mode and is trying to remove old dead cells and restore your health. When symptoms interfere with day-to-day life is when there is a problem. There are ways symptoms can be controlled so that they let you keep living your life.
Below are a few of the suggestions I tell my patients to help their body deal with the negative symptoms that come with a cold.
First line of defense
When I first start to get sick I always reach for two specific products. Other than diet and exercise, these two products are my first line of defense.
- Proberry capsules/liquid gives your body the electrolytes and immune support that it needs
- Genoma Security gives your body the much-needed anti-viral/bacterial support that it needs
Symptomatic relief
Cold Calm
Cold Calm provides relief for about 6 hours and can be purchased in many pharmacies and super markets. Personally, it usually clear out one nostril for 6 hours and with my second dose it clears out the other. There are no side effects or drug interactions with this medicine so you will be able to function.
Kali-Bic
For a lot of sinus congestion you can also buy a homeopathic medicine called Kali-Bic that is very effective at clearing the sinuses.
Netti Pot
A netti pot is a device that looks similar to a mini teapot, but one that can help clear sinusitis. It helps remove the mucus sitting in the sinuses. Use a little bit of salt and flush out the nose. Be sure to follow the provided instructions.
Warming socks
This is a old Tradition Western Medicine treatment that you can do at home. The concept behind it is to move the “heat” — i.e. congestion, sore throat, mucus — out of the body. Simply get a pair of cotton socks and soak them in ice cold water. Wring them out and place them on your feet. Put a pair of thick wool or hiking socks on over the wet ones and go to bed. Upon awakening, the socks will be dry and the congestion lessened.
[box type=”info”]Remember please to always check with your doctor before starting a new medication or supplement.
If you are interested in buying any of the above products, please visit my Emerson Ecologics Store. To receive a discount, please email me for the login information.
If you wish to make an appointment, please free free to contact Barbara at 203-366-0525 and remember to please ask for Dr. Brody’s practice. [/box]
Wishing you all a great and healthy New Year!!
