Upload
lisa-watson
View
265
Download
1
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Be Battle Ready:
Boosting your immune system,
naturally.
Dr. Lisa Watson, ND
Each year7.5 MillionCanadians will get the common cold
In any given monthOne-thirdof Canadians will have a sore throat, cold or flu
Adults experience2-4 colds
each year
Children experience6-10 coldseach year
Canadians spend $300 million
each year
On over-the-counter cold and flu remedies and antibiotics
1 in 5 adults ignore the
symptoms of cold and flu
1 in 5 adults ignore the
symptoms of cold and flu
4 in 5 adults go to work even when
they have cold and flu symptoms
The total cost of colds and flus is approximately
$40 billionIn lost productivity, doctors visits and medications
Cold and flu remedies are the most commonly used medications in Canada
This includes antibiotics which are useless in the treatment of viruses
The average duration of the common cold is
18 days
18 days ofHeadacheRunny noseSneezingCoughingTirednessSore throat Misery
An ounce of Prevention
is worth a pound of cure
~ Benjamin Franklin
Frequent hand washing is the most
effective way to prevent transmission
of cold and flu viruses
Wash hands for at least 15 seconds
using soap and warm water.
Antibacterial soaps do not decrease
incidence of cold and flu.
Cover your cough
Viruses that cause the common cold
can live on hard surfaces for 1-5
days
Viruses that cause influenza can live
on hard surfaces for several weeks
Clean commonly used surfaces Daily
with soapy water, an all-natural cleanser or
cleansing wipes
Dry air conditions allow viruses to
survive longer on surfaces and in our
bodies
A humidifier can make your home (and your nose!)
less hospitable to germs
Use of humidifiers in dry home and
office environments can decrease the incidence of the
common cold
A healthyDiet
can help prevent colds and flus and improve recovery
time
Vitamin CVitamin C levels decline
rapidly during illness
Vitamin CTaking vitamin C
increases white blood cells, natural killer cells
and protects cells from inflammation
during illness
Vitamin CVitamin C use can
decrease the severity and duration of colds
and flus
Vitamin DProduced in the skin after
exposure to UV rays from sunlight
Vitamin DBetween October and April the sun is too far from Canada for us to
produce vitamin D
Vitamin DUsed by the body to
produce antimicrobial peptides – the body’s
natural antibiotics
Vitamin DPeople with the lowest levels of vitamin D are
most likely to catch colds
ZincA trace mineral
necessary for function of T-cells and
other immune cells
ZincPeople who
are deficient in zinc are
more likely to catch colds
and flus
ZincToo much zinc can suppress
immune function
Food sources of Zinc
Beef/ Lamb Pumpkin seeds
Shrimp/ Scallops
Lentils
Chickpeas Cashews Quinoa MushroomsLeafy greens Turkey Oats Oysters
Food is the Cornerstone
of a healthy lifestyle
Chicken Soup
A University of Nebraska study found that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties
Chicken Soup
Chicken soup can reduce the symptoms of upper respiratory infections – like the common cold
Chicken Soup
Mount Sinai-Miami, also showed that chicken soup can decrease nose stuffiness and congestion
The University of Nebraska shares theirRecipe
here: http://www.unmc.edu/publicrelations/media/press-kits/chi
cken-soup/
HoneyHoney is a powerful
antimicrobial
HoneyThe World Health
Organization recommends honey for controlling cough and upper respiratory tract symptoms
HoneyHoney is more effective
than dextromethorphan (“DM”) for easing coughand soothingsore throat
HoneyHoney is safe and
effective for children, but not for babies
GarlicA triple threat – anti-viral,
anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
GarlicRaw garlic is an immune powerhouse and can be
added to soups and salads
to help fight colds and flu
Mushrooms
A rich source of fiber, protein, vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium and zinc
Mushrooms
Mushrooms contain beta-glucans – compounds long known for immune enhancing properties
Mushrooms
Beta-glucans bind to components of our immune system (like macrophages), activating their virus fighting potential
OlivesKefir, natto, kimchi, miso, tempeh, sauerkraut, pickles, olives and yogurt are all fermented foods
OlivesFermented foods provide probiotics – healthy bacteria that regulate the immune system
OlivesFermented foods provide probiotics – healthy bacteria that regulate the gut immune system – our first line of defense
BlueberriesYou can’t do better than fresh fruits and vegetables to support your health and immune function
BlueberriesBlueberries, raspberries, cherries and red grapes have a very high antioxidant potential (ORAC score)
BlueberriesCompounds in blueberries work synergistically with vitamin D to boost immune function and help us fight off viruses and bacteria
WaterDrinking water and clear fluids keeps you hydrated and prevents viruses from adhering to the lining of the nose and throat
WaterWater can decrease congestion and prevent dehydration.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine during illness as these can be dehydrating.
SugarRefined sugar decreases the ability of white blood cells to engulf and destroy viruses and bacteria.
SugarRefined sugars decrease the function of the immune system for six hours after ingestion.
A good laugh and a Long sleep
are the best cures in the doctor’s book.
~Irish proverb
SleepImmune cells are
produced during sleep that allow you to
fight off cold and flu viruses
SleepInadequate sleep
increases stress hormone and
increases inflammation
in the body
SleepStudies have shown
that well-rested people who get the flu vaccine develop stronger protection
against the illness
ExerciseRegular, moderate exercise supports healthy immune function
ExerciseExercise increases the production of white blood cells and helps you fight off infections faster.
ExercisePeople who exercise regularly experience fewer colds and flus and recover faster
StressBoth chronic
and acute stress can
inhibit immune function
StressChronic stress inhibits both
branches of our immune system – the innate and learned immune
systems
StressHigh levels of
stress hormones lead to increased
inflammation and poor immune
response
StressPeople with
regular meditation habits
have healthier immune
responses
StressPeople who meditate
regularly have better immune
responses to flu vaccination
StressLearn to manage
stress and consider
meditation, exercise, social connections,
yoga or tai chi to relax
There are many Natural
that can help you overcome a cold or flu
and get back to wellness
Treatments
Faster
EchinaceaNo single botanical has more research on it’s ability to enhance immune function than echinacea.
EchinaceaEchinacea is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial – able to help your body fight off viruses and bacteria
EchinaceaEchinacea is especially useful for coughs, colds, and infections of the nose, throat and sinuses
EchinaceaAlso used to help repair inflamed or damaged tissues, preventing infection from taking hold.
EchinaceaEchinacea activates the macrophage defense system – the immune cells that initiate the destruction of viruses, bacteria and cancer cells
EchinaceaSome studies have found that echinacea can reduce the chances of catching a cold by 58%
EchinaceaEchinacea taken during the early stages of cold and flu can reduce severity and duration of symptoms
AstragalusOne of the best herbs for immune support. Boosts a depleted immune system (both specific and non-specific immunity)
AstragalusAstragalus stimulates the body’s production of interferon – our body’s early warning system.
AstragalusInterferon is produced by virus or bacteria infected cells, alerting neighbouring cells to increase their defenses.
AstragalusAstragalus is also effective at restoring immune function after a viral infection and preventing recurrent coughs and colds
ElderberryElderberry is one of the most powerful natural antivirals.
ElderberryMany studies have
shown that elderberry is an
effective treatment against several strains of
the influenza virus
ElderberryElderberry, when used regularly, can bind to flu
viruses, blocking their entry into our
cells and preventing infection.
ElderberryElderberry, taken
at the first signs of influenza, can decrease flu
symptoms by several days
(from 6 days to 2).
ElderberryElderberry is safe for use in adults
and children and is available as a
delicious syrup.
The best approach thisCold and Flu
is to support your immune system and
avoid illness
Season
And if you can’t avoidCold and Flu
stay home and treat it early
Wash your handsCover your mouthStay home from workEat a healthy dietGet enough sleepExerciseAvoid stress
Take your vitamin DGet enough vitamin CGet enough zincEat fermented foodsStay hydratedUse natural remedies when you need them
Questions?www.drlisawatson.com