COASTAL NATUROPATHIC
CENTER, P.A.
281 Veranda Street: Portland, Maine 04103
Phone: (207) 772-4447 Fax: (207)772-4448
Richard K. Maurer, N.D.
Alexandra S. Maurer, L.Ac.
Doctor
of Naturopathic Medicine
Licensed Acupuncturist
COLD
AND FLU PROTOCOL
First things first…Classic colds or “rhinoviruses”
predominately occur at the beginning ad the ends of flu
season. For those
of us in the northern climates that means fall and spring.
Rhinoviruses are passed from nose to nose. Studies have shown that sharing a glass or even
kissing are not “highly contagious” activities. Watch for very goopy noses and sloppy sneezes
and coughs in your direction and ”Viola”…you’ve
been exposed. Most
exposures are not preventable (as a parent of 3 young
children I am aware of this), so the susceptibility of
the host (you and your immune system) is the most important
factor. Below are
ways of keeping your immune system strong throughout cold
and flu season.
Basic Preventive Protocol For Cold
Flu Season
Multiple vitamin and mineral
without iron:
Taking a good broad spectrum multiple vitamin
mineral can help supply the necessary nutrients which
help you body stay healthy throughout the cold and flu
season. Contains a balance of all minerals without iron, which for
many can contribute to less susceptibility to infection.
A well balanced absorbable multiple vit/min
will require 3-6 tabs per day: eg.
2 capsules 2x/day.
Maxxum by Karuna: One of the best researched
formulations available.
[#3 is a capsule with 1:1 calcium magnesium
ratio; #1 is a tablet with a 2:1 ratio; #4
is a formula designed for men]
Multinutrients by Vital Nutrients: The most hypoallergenic
supplement – without iron or iodine
Pioneer Chewable Multiple Vitamin Mineral for Children:
This is by far the best tasting and superior quality chewable
multiple vitamin and mineral anywhere.
With a range from 1-4 tablets
per day.
Cod Liver Oil: In
our northern climate, the addition of W-3 fatty acids
with Vitamin A and D is an important component of our
daily diet throughout the winter. Take 1 TBS per day minimum
Advanced Antioxidant: This
product is specially formulated to combine the finest
forms of antioxidants available.
Great daily formula: Vitamins A, C, E, Zinc with
Copper, Selenium,
One Capsule per day is a good
daily dose. Can
be taken 2-3 times per day at the first sign of a cold
Echinaguard: MMS Pro - This juiced Echinacea
has been the exact subject of the most effective studies
for preventing colds and flu. "Every home should
have this on hand as early treatment is always more effective
Take 2.5 ml. Every 2 hours for the first 24-48 hours, then 2.5 ml.
3 times daily for the next 8-9 days, or as needed. Best if added in water or juice. Shake well before use.
Sambucol:
MMS Pro - This thick great-tasting elderberry extract is indicated
when a virus is active.
It appears to affect the virus by inhibiting the
viral activity. The great taste allows for great compliance
with kids.
Take 1-2 TBS, 3 times per day for up to 7 days.
Zinc Lozenges: [If a sore throat is present]
Lozenges need to contain a certain form of zinc to
be effective for sore throat and colds.
Use every 2 hours at the 1st sign of cold/sore throat
Recommended Changes in Diet
·
Limit dairy if
there is any mucous production with the illness. Milk, frozen milk products and excess cheese
are known to be mucous producing for many people.
·
No refined sugars
due to the drop in immune system activity. Our immune system is impaired by excess refined
sugars, especially on an empty stomach.
Avoid sweetened snacks as much as possible.
·
Limit/Avoid all
stimulants during an illness– coffee, alcohol, and tobacco.
Hydrotherapy
Our favorite treatment for the first sign of a
cold or flu is the “Wet Sock Treatment”.
This is one of the traditional naturopathic hydrotherapy
treatments, used for centuries and still finds its way
into virtually every naturopathic physician’s practice.
I have recommended this to patients hundreds of
times, and for both children and adults the results continue
to be terrific. The
instructions below are the same for children as they are
for adults, my recommendation is if you are use this therapy
for your child, you should use the treatment on the same
night to better understand the effects and benefits.
Wet sock treatment
When to use this treatment:
Whenever there is any congestion in the ears, nose, throat,
or chest, especially if sleep is interrupted or disturbed.
This treatment draws the congestion and pressure
away form your ears nose throat and lungs.
It has also been shown to stimulate WBC activity,
thereby providing a better night sleep and a faster recovery.
Children generally sleep exceptionally well on
nights the “set socks” are used.
What you need: Some hot water
(to initially soak your feet), Cold water (to soak the
cotton socks), Cotton socks, wool socks, a comfortable
bed to fall asleep.
Instructions:
First: Warm feet in warm water while soaking summer-weight cotton socks in ice
water. 1st
rule of hydrotherapy is to always apply the cold part
of a treatment on a warmed part of the body.
Sometimes with very young children their feet
are so warm to begin with this step can be skipped. Soak for about 5 minutes or more until feet
are obviously warm to the touch
Second: Wring out cotton socks so they are just damp to the touch and put them
on.
Third: Cover wet sock completely with dry wool socks and immediately go to bed
for the night. Wool
is very important here and should cover the cotton entirely. Do not continue with any activity once socks
are on, add extra blankets to the bed for warm sleeping.
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