Colds and Flus

Do traditional home remedies actually work?

by

I am sure many of you have heard of some old remedies that you, your parents, or even your grandparents had used for common ailments. Many people wonder if these therapies are actually effective and frankly, if they even make sense. Consider this blog a “myth busters” type of blog where we explore some of these old remedies for common ailments.

Tea

Many people consider a cup of tea one of the key pillars on the road to recovery when it comes to colds and flus. When we look at the research, it is arguably true. Much of the research does not focus on one specific tea per se, but the big take away, is that tea contains many antioxidants and constituents that help the body in general. Specifically, tea can also help to ward off and fight colds and flus by decreasing inflammation, inhibiting growth of microbes, and increasing overall antioxidants in the body.

Soup

Another staple that individuals recommend with the cold or flu is a cup of soup, specifically mom/dad’s homemade chicken noodle. Looking at the research, chicken soup helps to reduce symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections through its anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Arguably, the sooner you start this in the sickness, the better to reduce the inflammatory cascade that happens with colds and flus.

Mustard Plaster

For some, mustard plasters have been used for upper respiratory conditions, and is considered an old remedy. For those who have been able to tolerate the heat and potential sensitivity to the skin, mustard plaster has been shown in the research to cause an improvement even seen in x-ray results, of the lungs for those with upper respiratory tract concerns. Further, mustard plasters have been shown to even increase the immune cells to combat infection.

Poultices

Poultices involve the application of warmed herbs, bread, onion, or carrot to an infected or inflamed tissue. The research is a bit difficult to search through, as there are many different application types for poultices. Ultimately, the poultice has been shown to have a drawing effect, causing a reduction in pain and redness.

Seeing that some of these traditional tools and remedies have merit even in our modern world can be so encouraging and exciting. However, it is important to make sure that these tools and remedies are right for your specific situation. Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above.

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let us know what you think. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact our clinic by calling/texting 226-232-7665, and we would be happy to book your naturopathic appointment today! 

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S027153170700125X
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11035691
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12575372
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Wafaa-Mostafa-3/publication/339510870_Fenugreek_seed_poultice_versus_cold_cabbage_leaves_compresses_for_relieving_breast_engorgement_An_interventional_comparative_study/links/61f9619b11a1090a79c7abd3/Fenugreek-seed-poultice-versus-cold-cabbage-leaves-compresses-for-relieving-breast-engorgement-An-interventional-comparative-study.pdf

Supporting the Immune System

by

Recent updates have warned us to buckle up and get ready for another potential wave of illness/colds/flus. With changes in season, it can take its toll on our immune systems. By integrating some daily measures into our lifestyle, we can set a better stage for our immune systems as we enter into these more immune aggressive seasons. We decided it was beneficial to present an updated version of one of our older blog posts in order to help you support your immune system.

Stress Management

Being under a lot of stress can cause our immune systems to be more susceptible to bacteria and viruses. Stress can cause our bodies to be more focused on fueling ourselves with fight or flight response (i.e. responding to the stress) and less on protecting us from colds and flus, thus making us more susceptible. By managing stress before it wears our bodies down, we can keep bacteria and viruses at bay. Stress management can look like taking certain supplements as discussed with your Naturopathic Doctor, massage therapy, talking to a friend, acupuncture, regular walks, and reading a book (just to name a few). If you would like to learn more about stress management, Dr. Cook has released a new book, Stress Less and Weigh Less, which discusses many great stress management tools. You can get your copy by visiting our publications page of this website.

Vegetables and Fruits

Vegetables and fruits are full or antioxidants and nutrients that help to build and boost the immune system. By assuring the immune system has the right nutrients, it can help to keep the body strong and healthy. Ideally, having no more than 3 servings of fruit per day and having 5 or more vegetables per day is what is recommended. Specifically, when we look at the research, we can see that an anti-inflammatory diet (which is generally high in vegetables), has been shown to help combat viruses and support recovery from them. Some individuals may require higher amounts of certain nutrients to be able to effectively mount an immune response to certain bacteria and viruses, and so may require supplementation for specific nutrients. Determining which nutrients need to be supplemented for is best determined with the help of a health care professional.

Tea

Having teas, such as green tea, on a regular basis can help to boost the immune system due to their antioxidant profile and their immune boosting qualities. Specifically, green tea has been shown to bind to and prevent replication of certain viruses. Adding a bit of honey to your tea can also help to fight off any bacteria that might attempting to invade.

Soup

Many may find it hard to believe, but consuming homemade soup actually helps to halt the inflammatory cascade that happens when we are starting to get sick. In addition, homemade soup is full of electrolytes and nutrients to help combat illness.

Exercise

Exercise can help to boost the immune system by increasing the speed at which white blood cells patrol the body and look for bacteria or viruses. Exercise can also be beneficial for the immune system by increasing the respiratory rate and thus increasing the chance that a lingering bacteria or virus will be cleared from the lungs. However, it is important to potentially modify out workout routine if we do come down with a cold or flu. If you do become sick, focus on refueling with adequate protein after your workouts to support recovery of the body from your workout and from the illness.

Sleep

Getting a proper sleep can help you to better manage not only emotions and stress but also your immune system. Not getting a good night’s sleep can cause our bodies to be less able to produce T cells – an important immune system cell – and thus make us more susceptible to colds and flus.

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact our clinic to book in with one of our amazing naturopathic doctors by calling/texting 226-232-7665 and book your appointment today!

How to Cope with Stress in a Pandemic

by

With recent discussions of a “Second-Wave” for the COVID-19 Pandemic, I think it is safe to say that everyone is getting a bit fed up with all of this pandemic talk. However, we at PNHC feel it is important to help patients by giving some strategies on how to cope with the stress.

What is Stress?

According to Webster’s Dictionary, Stress can be defined as, “a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life, work, etc.; something that causes strong feelings of worry or anxiety; a physical force or pressure”. I think it goes without saying that all of us have experienced stress from the COVID-19 Pandemic. The pandemic is not what anyone expected or prepared for when they determined their plans for the year 2020. We have all had to adjust quickly, and its possible, that we still have not adjusted. Without optimal coping techniques, it can be difficult for many to manage comfortably through all of the chaos that our world is currently going through. We hope that this blog would offer some different ways to cope.

Ways to Cope with Stress at Home

Unfortunately, during these uncertain times, there is a lot outside of our control. We cannot control the state of affairs at any governmental level, and we cannot control for what others do or how they act. This is where I (Dr. Elisha Cook ND) would normally say to my patients that it is important that you focus on the things you can control – your thoughts, your actions, your behaviour, your attitude, and frankly where you put your hope. In addition to focusing on these areas, I also find it useful to use tools that remind you of what you actually can control for. No one answer provides a suitable option for everyone and their coping needs. As a result, I have provided examples below of healthy ways to cope with stress:

  • Journaling – options might include focusing on gratitude, lessons that can be learned from difficult points in a day, or good and bad highlights from the day.
  • Breathing – in particular deep breathing, though this may prove to be difficult for those with respiratory diseases.
  • Exercise – exercise can act as a great way to release any excess tensions in a healthy and constructive way.
  • Talking to others – sharing your more intimate thoughts and concerns with someone is helpful with working through stress. It is important to recognize that you are not alone and you have individuals who can help whether that is loved ones or health care providers. It is okay to open up to others about how you are feeling.
  • Praying or Meditating – both of these have very similar outcomes and they help an individual to become grounded and refocus on what really matters.
  • Take time for self care – Give yourself time for you and do something that brings you joy. This might include taking a bath, getting a massage, or getting lost in a book.
  • Distraction through changing your scenary – changing the task you are doing, if applicable, can help you to redirect your focus from a problem, and might look like engaging in a favourate hobby.  
  • Pet Therapy – if you have a family pet at home, spend some time with them as this can help to reduce blood pressure and activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
  • Adopt healthy sleep routines – having a routine around bed, adopting a consistent bed time, and engagine in relaxing activities prior to bed can help you sleep better and thereby cope better with stress.

The next time you are feeling stressed, and need to find a healthier way to cope with your stress, take the time to explore these options and find what works best for you.

What NOT To-Do To Cope with Stress

As foreshadowed, there are some coping mechanisms that are less than ideal when trying to cope with stress. Below I have provided a few examples of unhealthy coping mechanisms:

  • Binge eating
  • Drinking
  • Avoidance
  • Gambling excessively
  • Smoking
  • Using elicit drugs
  • Isolating yourself from others who can help

Therapies that can help with stress

There are many different things that can be done to help someone to cope with stress. Many alternative medicine therapies can be beneficial for helping to promote the parasympathetic nervous system which is in charge of relaxing and resting. Some therapies that might be useful to help you to cope with stress depending on your specific case and needs include:

  • Acupuncture
  • Massage Therapy
  • Counselling
  • Nutraceutical Medicine
  • Botanical Medicine
  • Reflexology

Each individual is different, and so there is no one treatment that would be good for everyone. So, choose the treatment that is less intimidating and feels right for you.  

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in any of the above therapies to help you work through stress and are wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact the Plattsville Natural Health Clinic by calling 226-232-7665 and book your appointment today! 

This article was written by Dr. Elisha Cook ND

Corona Virus (COVID-19) and What You Need to Know

by

Written by Dr. Elisha Cook ND

Many individuals are experiencing a high degree of panic over the recent COVID-19 outbreak. However, the risk for individuals in Oxford/Blandford Blenheim is low. Regardless, many individuals worry, and so, it is important to clear the air of any myths or misconceptions around the outbreak. We have provided below information that is available through the Public Health unit, but if you require more information about what exactly COVID-19 is, please refer to the following website: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/content/community-update-novel-coronavirus-covid-19.

For more updates on the COVID – 19 outbreak, please see: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html#a3

What is COVID-19, what are the symptoms, how is it spread, and what can I do to protect myself?

COVID-19 is a viral infection, similar to the common cold, which can cause such symptoms as cough, fever, and shortness of breath. In elderly individuals or those with immune compromised systems such as those with diabetes, respiratory diseases, cancer, etc., symptoms can progress to pneumonia, organ failure or possibly death IF symptoms are not addressed.

COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets in the form of a sneeze or a cough. With this being said, the best prevention is as follows:  

  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with your inner elbow
  • Regularly washing your hands with soap and water
  • Avoid making contact with your nose, eyes and mouth unless you have washed your hands with soap and water
  • Stay at home if you are sick
  • Avoid long-term homes/facilities or coming in contact with immune – compromised individuals if you are sick

If you are healthy, wearing a mask does not help to reduce spread of COVID-19, but rather reduces the stock for health care providers and those that are ill.

What are we doing as a clinic?

At PNHC, we keep a high degree of cleanliness in order to protect our patients and the community. As health care providers, we are obligated to vigorously wash our hands or disinfect our hands any time we come in contact with our patients. We always have disinfectant and masks ready for any cases of individuals arriving at the clinic who may be sick with a virus, bacteria, etc. With this being said, we are taking extra precautions to disinfect surfaces on a more “regular” basis (several times per day) in order to maintain your protection and health.

We do ask that if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 (recent onset of fever, cough, or difficulty breathing) or suspect that you may have it, that you give as much notice as possible with cancelling or rescheduling your appointment, and seek out testing.

With this in mind, the question remains, who should be tested for COVID-19? Public Health states that any individual with a recent onset of fever and/or cough or difficulty breathing and any of the following within the last 14 days prior to illness onset should be tested:

If you require testing, please contact our local public health unit or your medical doctor to facilitate proper testing.

Source: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/content/community-update-novel-coronavirus-covid-19