Despite the unseasonably beautiful, sunny, warm weather we have been experiencing, the season for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) is upon us. Inevitably, a nasty bug will overcome your body’s defenses, especially if you are going through a particularly stressful period. Let’s discuss briefly what can be done to get over that URTI ASAP!
The foundation for a healthy immune system is always to provide adequate nourishment so ensure you are eating a colourful diet full of fruits and vegetables as well as lean sources of protein. Stay well-hydrated with non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated beverages that are low in sugar. Broths are also a good choice. The idea is to provide your body with enough water to make the mucous needed to help clear any infection (as well as soothe inflamed linings of the upper respiratory tract should you get sick). If you have detected the symptoms of a URTI early enough, consider an echinacea-based supplement such as ESBERITOX® to stimulate your immune system in its fight against viruses. Esberitox® is a blend of coneflower, Wild Indigo, and Eastern White Cedar and is available in a tasty tablet that is safe to use in children as young as 4 years of age.
For the past few years, we have been raving about a product called “Prevail”. Whether you’ve already been feeling sick for a few days or a few weeks, “Prevail” was there to help you fight infections of the upper respiratory tract. Although “Prevail” is no longer available, another Canadian company has brought this uniquie formula to the market and aptly named it ” COUGH AND COLD” (“C and C”) . “C and C” is a combination of three herbs (honeysuckle, forsythia, and skullcap) historically used in Traditional Chinese Medicine in base of black elderberry juice. Together, these ingredients have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal and immune-boosting properties. “C and C” is Health Canada- approved for relieving the symptoms of fever, cold, coughing, and sore throat. Benefits can be seen and felt with using this product for just one day and the best part is that you don’t necessarily have to start using it at the beginning of your illness. This is unlike most other natural cold and flu remedies where you have to start using it right when you get sick in order for the product to work. Unlike many other products on the market, “C and C” has label dosing for children as young as 3 years old.
Prevention of URTIs is the goal, but knowing what to do when you have already succumbed will help you prevail through the cold, cough and flu season with minimal downtime. As usual, make sure you chat with your physician and/or your Integrative Health Pharmacist to make sure you choose the right product for your needs.
Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore.
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