Ah, the dreaded common cold. You’re cruising through life, feeling good, and suddenly—BAM—you wake up with a scratchy throat, a foggy head, and that telltale sniffle.
But what if I told you that getting a cold isn’t always the enemy you think it is?
In fact, in many cases, it’s your body trying to hit the reset button and toss out toxins. Yep, acute illness is your body’s way of cleaning house. Pretty cool, right?
Still, nobody wants to feel miserable for days, so let’s dive into how you can prevent the common cold without suppressing your body’s natural healing powers.
Why Do We Catch Colds Anyway?
In our experience as Naturopathic Doctors, colds don’t just show up out of the blue. They tend to rear their ugly heads after:
- Travel
- Stress
- Eating off your normal diet / consuming your food intolerances
- Poor sleep
- Or a combination of these fun things!
Your immune system works 24/7, but when it’s overwhelmed by stress, poor sleep, or junk food, it’s like asking your body to fight a battle with a half-charged battery. That’s when colds sneak in, and you might find yourself Googling “how to get sick” as you reflect on what went wrong.
What NOT to Do: Suppression is the Enemy
We get it—nobody likes feeling stuffed up or coughing like a seal. So, most people’s first instinct is to grab a decongestant, allergy meds, over-the-counter meds like Tylenol or Motrin for fever, or anything else to squash the symptoms. But here’s the deal: suppressing symptoms doesn’t help your body heal.
In fact, it can drive those toxins deeper, prolonging your recovery or even leading to bigger issues down the line. Instead of fighting against your body, work with it. Support your body in doing what it’s already trying to do: detox and heal.
#1 Prevention: The Fundamentals
Want to keep colds at bay? Master the basics:
- Good detox: Open those elimination pathways! This can be as simple as a gentle gut detox, like using castor oil packs or coffee enemas (yep, they’re not just for hardcore health nuts). Sweating it out in a sauna works wonders, too!
- Good nutrition: Think nutrient-dense, whole foods that nourish your body.
- Good sleep: This is when your body heals and regenerates.
- Hydration: Proper hydration helps keep your cells functioning optimally.
- Low stress: Because nothing depletes your immune system faster than chronic stress.
By focusing on these fundamentals, you’ll reduce your chances of searching for ways to recover from the illnesses going around, or Googling “how to reduce fever in baby naturally”. If you practice these basic fundamentals to prevent colds, you will be in good shape.
Gut Health: The Immune System’s HQ
Did you know that about 70% of your immune system lives in your gut? That’s why gut support is key to preventing colds. Here are some gut-friendly tips:
- Sip on bone broth for its gut-healing collagen.
- Add collagen peptides to your morning routine for extra gut support.
- Stick to nourishing, whole foods and avoid processed junk and foods that trigger your intolerances.
Nutrient Powerhouses: Load Up on These
When it comes to keeping your immune system in fighting shape, nutrients are your best friend. Here are a few immune-boosting stars:
- Fat-soluble vitamins ADEK: These help regulate the immune system and keep your cells happy.
- Colostrum: This powerhouse nutrient supports your immune system like nothing else.
- Mushrooms: Think shiitake, reishi, and maitake for immune support.
Stress Less, Support Your Adrenals
Chronic stress is the ultimate immune system buster. To combat it, support your adrenals with simple practices like meditation, deep breathing, and (our favorite) an adrenal cocktail. Just mix:
- 4 oz orange juice
- 1 scoop collagen peptides
- A pinch of sea salt
- Electrolytes, if you have them
This drink is a game-changer for replenishing minerals and keeping your energy up.
Soak Up the Sun (Even in Winter)
Sunlight is more than just mood-boosting—it helps regulate your immune system. Obviously in the winter months, sunlight is scarce. Therefore, we recommend:
- Full-spectrum incandescent bulbs or red light therapy to mimic sunlight.
- Staying warm: Yes, staying cozy actually helps your metabolism and immune function.
Final Thoughts: Prevention > Suppression
At the end of the day, preventing colds is all about supporting your body’s natural defenses. Don’t wait until you feel that first tickle in your throat—start now by focusing on detox, good nutrition, quality sleep, stress management, and sunlight.
And if you do happen to catch a cold, don’t panic. Remember, it’s your body doing its thing—let it heal, support it naturally, and you’ll be back on your feet in no time.
Stay healthy!
