Flu Season Preparing Yourself

Published Aug 2017

Melbourne and surrounding states are going through one of the worst flu seasons on record.  The Victorian government report week ending 13th Aug, states the number of laboratory confirmed influenza cases is 160% higher than at the same time in 2016.   In Melbourne pediatric viruses have lead to a 70% rise in adult pneumonia. 

Not only do we have people with the flu, we have people with conditions that come about post infection, such as pneumonia, bronchitis and those people effected by this with compromised immune systems.

Lowered immune resistance can also lead to further illness susceptibility.   The aftermath is a body and an immune system that has basically had a hammering!  :(

What can you do?

1.     Keep your fluids up - sip hot immune boosting drinks.  Include bone broths, organic chicken soup, miso & vegetable soup for vegetarians.  Include warm water with lemon and Manuka honey drink – see recipe below.

2.     Eat lightly to allow your body to reroute from digestion to fortification

3.     Ease your aches and pains – Take warm baths with magnesium chloride or Epsom salts.

4.     Most importantly REST REST REST & SLEEP - Take the day off before it really hits and be early to bed to keep your immune system functioning optimally.

5. Reduce Stress - excessive stress can decrease immune function and make you more susceptible to the flu.  Deep breathing, gentle yoga and meditation can help reduce stress in every day life.

Over the counter medications generally treat the symptoms of cold and virus.  Botanical medicines including including antivirals immune stimulating herbs as well as nutritional supplements help support the body's ability to implement its natural defenses.

How Can a Naturopath Help?

1.     Prescribe a personalised liquid herbal remedy – including antibacterial, antiviral and immune boosting herbs to support your immune system.

2.     Support your gut– 70% of your immune system is located in the mucousal lining of your digestive system.

3.     Prescribe appropriate dietary advice and nutritional supplements which may include Vitamin D, C, A, Zinc.

The main goal is to work with the bodies defence system and enhance immunity rather than suppress symptoms with analgesics.

So the first step is early intervention to avoid getting sick.   As soon as you feel a tickle or sore throat, or your child comes home sick and you think “oh no here we all go again”.   Or for goodness sake, someone coughs on you on the way home!    Get in fast and book an appointment.  We have TGA approved herbal remedies to help support your immune system.

Apple Cider Vinegar Drink For Cold and Flu:

http://lovethyhealth.com.au/wholefoods/#/soupscongeebonebroth/

http://www.health.gov.au/flureport

http://www.health.gov.au/flureport#state

 Christine Carley is a bachelor qualified naturopath, with a focus on women’s health and wellness. She passionately supports her clients with, fertility and IVF optimisation, menopause and hormonal health as well as gut health. She spent most of her early clinical practice working with people with chronic and complex autoimmune condition, whilst working in a clinic with cardiologist, psychologists, podiatrist and allied health professionals. She loves assisting those stress, anxiety, fatigue and sleep. She is a passionate health ambassador who takes a holistic, person centred approach to the wellness model of health.

Book an appointment or free online discovery call here: bookings here: LOVE THY HEALTH or call 0409027221

*National and International Telehealth available

For more on her retreats and holistic wellness program touch here:

FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM

or call (61+) 0409027221

Love Thy Health

0409 027 221  ONLINE BOOKINGS

christine@lovethyhealth.net

0409 027 221 ONLINE BOOKING

 

 

 

Smoke inhalation - Natural Ways to Support Your Health When Affected by Smoke.

Firstly my heart goes out to all of those of you who are affected by fires here in Australia. My hope is that we this will soon be over. At the moment the main concern seems to be smoke inhalation. I am just reading in my local community group that in the cities we are also being affected by smoke.

I hope the following helps.

So much love to all at this very difficult time.

Natural Ways to Support Your Health When Affected by Smoke.

  • Steam inhalation 2-3 drops of an essential oil eucalyptus to boiled water in a stable pot or bowl, put a towel over your head and breathe in the steam. To help clear out sinuses. You can also add 1 drop of lavender oil as it is very calming to breathe in. Eucalyptus is also antimicrobial. So it will also will help reduce opportunistic respiratory infections while your immune system is low due to smoke exposure.

  • Increase water intake to 2lts to reduce throat irritation, dry nasal passages and coughing.

  • Herbal eyewash may help soothe irritated eyes. Herbs such as calendula, eyebright, or goldenseal should be available at health food store. You can purchase a pre-made mix or add a 1-2 drops of the herbal tincture to an eye bath.

  • Eat anti-inflammatory & antioxidant rich foods: ginger, turmeric, beetroot, green leafy vegetables, pineapple plus the pineapple core contains bromelain - anti-inflammatory enzyme) in juices. Berries; goji, blueberries, elderberries, cranberries. Fatty fish; mackerel, tuna, salmon, sardines. To support your immunes system and help reduce inflammation in your body.

  • Supplements:  B vitamins to support your nervous system and detoxification. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supports detoxification and helps reduce oxidative damage that may be caused by smoke inhalation. Vitamin C supports the immune system and is also an antioxidant reducing toxins in the body.

  • Herbal Stress Support: Withania / Ashwaghanda, lemon balm / Melissa off., passion flower, kava.

  • Herbal Immune support may include: Echinacea,  marshmallow root, mullein, elecampane and licorice (not for those with high blood pressure).

Remember the key is to reduce exposure when possible. Smoke inhalation commonly happens when you get trapped in a contained area, so if there is of course no fire and you are in your home, close windows and turn on fans. Please take time for gentle soothing activities that soothe your soul and always ask for help when you need it.

Lifeline is available 24hours and have helpful information for those affected by natural disasters.

My love goes out to all, please take care.

Christine x

More articles you may find helpful…

Which Detox Suits You

10 Cleansing Tips for the Holiday Season

The Number One Principle for Health and Why Self Care is So important

Good Sleep & How to Get it

Christine Carley is a bachelor qualified naturopath, with a focus on women’s health and wellness. She passionately supports her clients with, fertility and IVF optimisation, menopause and hormonal health as well as gut health. She spent most of her early clinical practice working with people with chronic and complex autoimmune condition, whilst working in a clinic with cardiologist, psychologists, podiatrist and allied health professionals. She loves assisting those stress, anxiety, fatigue and sleep. She is a passionate health ambassador who takes a holistic, person centred approach to the wellness model of health.

Book an appointment or free online discovery call here: LOVE THY HEALTH or call 0409027221

*National and International Telehealth available