Cold & Flu Season in Kingston WA

It's that time of year, and we're not just talking about the holidays. It's "cold and flu season". While there is no particular season for colds and flu, they are just as common in the heat of summer as they are in the dead of winter, it's important to remember that all forms of the common cold are completely preventable with a strong healthy functional immune system in Kingston WA.

Did you know that "the flu" is rarely influenza?! Most often when you hear about "the flu" people are talking about a variety of common colds. Both colds and flu are caused by virus. Viruses are around us all the time, everywhere we go, hello germs! It's the job of our immune system to fight off virus. So why does it seem like we get sick more often in the winter time, dubbing it the cold and flu season?

Your Kingston WA Immune System

Key factors that reduce our immune systems ability to fight off virus include lack of sunshine and increased vitamin D deficiency, increased inflammation from eating sugary and processed foods (available in abundance during the winter holidays), high stress levels, and experiencing less free time for rest and mindfulness.

The solution to this used to be antibiotics, but antibiotics can only kill bacteria. Since we now know virus is the culprit of the common cold and influenza, (thanks modern technology!) it's important to not take antibiotics unless you are diagnosed by a medical professional with a bacterial infection.

Before you miss days from work or kids missing school, what can you do to prevent your families from this season's crud?

Many studies from the Washington State Department of Health suggest that an impaired immune system could be caused by low Vitamin D levels. Thanks to our distance from the equator, we don't get enough daily sunshine to maintain a healthy level of vitamin D.

Dr. Mercola, MD and prominent radio/blogging presence in natural medicine communities, suggests that children and adults need "35 IU of Vitamin D per pound of body weight." Although we do not directly treat via the web, it is important to see your local Naturopathic Doctor as soon as you feel crummy, like you're "coming down with something." Dr. Desha Wood ND at our office in Kingston, WA is accepting new patients. Please call us at (360)297-0037 to schedule your complimentary consult! Mention this blog and you will receive 35% off of our Immune System supplement package, which includes vitamin D! (A true steal of a deal!)

References:

• http://www.doh.wa.gov/portals/1/documents/5100/420-100-fluupdate.pdf
• http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/
  12/03/how-to-prevent-the-flu-easy-as-1-2-3.aspx