Dr. Alyssa DiRienzo is Snoqualmie Valley’s Naturopath
WHAT TO DO —NATURALLY— TO PREVENT COLDS AND FLU
Facts:
14.5-58 million Americans get the flu each year
More than 200,000 of these Americans are hospitalized
Approximately 36,000 die each year
(According to Center for Disease Control)
Risks for developing colds and flu:
- Stress
- High exposure to children or others who are ill
- Poor diet
- Inadequate rest
- Poor Health Habits
- Certain medications?
What steps can you take to help prevent illness?
- Stress reduction
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill
- Diet—a combination of all vitamins and minerals is important, but the top 5 nutrients that most of us are missing in our daily diets, even when eating “healthy foods” are:
- Copper
- Quercetin
- Zinc
- Vitamin E
- Folate and B12
- Exercise—an essential piece to becoming and staying healthy, there is no substitute.
- Proper hygiene
Herbs to Consider:
- Echinacea
- Black Elderberry
- Goldenseal
- Astragalus
- Schizandra
- Oregano
Other therapies of interest:
- Homeopathic remedies—Oscillococcinum
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
Nutrition for Colds/Flu
- For the first day or two, eat simple and easily digested foods such as: vegetable juices, herbal teas, broths and homemade soups (miso and chicken soup are good choices)
- Avoid dairy, sugar which tend to increase and thicken mucous.
- Also avoid processed foods and alcohol.
- Increase vegetables and fruit intake
- Consider making nourishing broths with ingredients like: parsley, celery, watercress, garlic, lemons and carrots
- Red beet juice can inactivate the flu virus.
- Green tea provides extra antioxidants (2-3 cups/day)
Summary of information to Prevent/Treat Colds/Flu
- Eat healthfully—choose a “colorful” diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Get plenty of rest
- Wash hands and face frequently
- Exercise regularly
- Reduce Stress
- See a Naturopathic physician for help in choosing appropriate herbal therapies
If you have an existing health condition, make sure to see some type of health care provider if you contract the flu.
Do you have time to tell your doctor what’s going on with your whole body or only your symptoms?
Have you had questions about your diet?
Have you heard certain supplements might be helpful for you but aren’t sure what’s true and what is right for you and your body?
You need a naturopathic doctor you can trust. Dr. Alyssa DiRienzo is a naturopath who works as a general practitioner who does a thorough examination, asks probing questions and listens to you discuss those health issues that are most important. She will work with you to come up with the right treatment plan that works for you and your lifestyle.
As a naturopath Dr. DiRienzo uses a wide range of diagnostic tools to help pin point the cause of your disease and then uses supplements, dietary knowledge, and lifestyle changes to help you with your condition.