by Dr. Tom Bayne, D.C
With cold and flu season in full swing, it is easy to forget that antibiotics do not cure the all-too-common viral infections, they actually make infections worse. What many patients do not know is the overuse of antibiotics actually leads to the growth of dangerous, antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the body. Many patients confuse sinus infections and minor bronchial infections with more severe bacterial infections and take antibiotics which have no effect on viral infections like the flu and common cold.
ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Tom Bayne, D.C recommends the following natural remedies to prepare your body for the winter months.
- Rinse Nasal Passages: Poor air quality causes waste and mucus to accumulate in the sinuses. Dr. Bayne suggests mixing lukewarm water and saline solution in a neti pot to clear the nasal passages. Neti pots are porcelain or plastic pots with small, thin spouts used for clearing nasal passages.
- Cleanse the Lymphatic System: This includes the tonsils, spleen, lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels. Exercise and brush the skin to stimulate blood and lymph flow to stay healthy. Skin brushing is gentle brushing done over the whole body and can be done with a natural bristle body brush or loofah.
- Avoid Refined Sugars: Because refined sugars lack vitamins and nutrients, they draw upon the body’s nutrients to metabolize, weakening the immune system. Use natural sugar substitutes such as Stevia, sucanat and brown rice syrup.
Dr. Bayne also suggests the following remedies should colds or the flu start to surface:
- Elderberry Syrup: This is great for lung support and is known to fight viruses such as the flu and upper respiratory infections.
- Echinacea: Commonly known as purple cornflower, Echinacea is known to stimulate the immune system and decrease infections.
- Propolis: A mixture that honey bees collect from botanical sources. This can be used to fight viral infections.
- Monolaurin: A derivative of lauric acid, Momolaurin is a fatty acid found naturally in breast milk. It is known to decrease symptoms of the flu and fatigue.
Chicago Healers (www.chicagohealers.com) is the nation’s pioneer prescreened integrative health care network, offering a comprehensive understanding of each practitioner’s services, approach, and philosophy. Our holistic health experts teach and advocate natural and empowered health and life choices through their practices, the media, educational events, and our website. With close to 200 practitioners and over 300 treatment services, Chicago Healers has provided nearly 400 free educational events for Chicagoans and has been featured in 300+ TV news programs and print publications. For more information, visit www.chicagohealers.com.