There's a few nasty colds going around our area, affecting young ones and old ones alike.  What can you do to avoid getting it? Consider these tips, taken from Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, by Murray and Pizzorno:

  • Lose weight. Obesity is associated with decreased immune status. People who are overweight suffer from more infections and colds than do people of normal weight.
  • Do not smoke. This one is good for all around wellness.
  • Sleep 7 hours or more each night
  • Exercise regularly
  • Take multi-vitamins daily. Many Americans are nutrient deficient in some way without knowing it.
  • Consume enough protein each day. The book recommends .8g protein intake for each 2.2lbs body weight.
  • Consume less then 100g sugar daily, either in form of glucose, fructose, sucrose, honey or orange juice. The average American eats 125g of sucrose alone each day, plus 50g of other sugars.
  • Wash your hands with soap frequently and avoid touching your mucus membranes with your hands.

If you get sick, remember to rest, ideally in bed, drink large amounts of fluids, and limit simple sugar intake to less than 50g per day. Cover your cough if you have to go out in public.

Some hold that taking nutritional supplements, such as Vitamins A and C, Bioflavonoids, Zinc, and Thymus Extract will help with your immune function during viral colds and flus.

On another note, if you have cold for more than a week or a fever for more than 4 days, please see your doctor.

Dr. Kim Dr. Kim

Dr. Kim Okamura

I'm Dr. Kim Okamura and this blog is a product of my love of dentistry. I dedicate it to all the patients I have served so that they may better understand my craft. The information here will give you and others the power to maintain and protect one of your most priceless gifts ... your SMILE.