Throughout the winter season remember to keep the feet and back of the neck warm. This is vital to protecting the body against external invasion of the damp, wind, and cold of the season. Prevention of infections involves not only proper immune function to defeat microbes, but entails maintaining proper circulation and elimination so that we do not build the soil of the garden for the seeds of infection to grow.

Home Shower Hydrotherapy

Cold and flu prevention can start in the morning shower. A German study in 1990 used the following method that led to 50% less colds and flus; even better when those using this treatment did get a cold or flu the symptoms lasted ½ the time. The treatment was ending a normal hot shower with cool water in the following fashion: Initially the cold water was only cool, gradually over several days and weeks adjusting to a colder water, and the cold spray lasting seconds at first, building up to as long as 2 minutes with a vigorous dry towel rub at the end. A sensation of warmth as the body rewarms itself should be felt after the shower. This time tested naturopathic method works by exercising the circulation. 

Natural Prevention of Colds, Flu, and Viral Infections

1. Manage Vitamin D levels – Get levels tested, supplement if needed. (2000-5000 IU/day).
2. During cold months dress properly, keeping the feet warm and dry, covering the back of the neck, protecting it from cold, damp, and wind.
3. Avoid food intolerances, and eat mineral rich broths, soups, and stews, minimizing sweets and candies. So many people get ill after the holidays when they overeat and eat too much sugar or drink too much alcohol - the food doesn't digest and the breeding grounds for opportunistic micro-organisms such as virus and bacteria is created.  Stay well hydrated (2 – 3 liters of water/day).  I prefer distilled water or mineral water.
4. Maintain good social hygiene and cleanliness.  Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly.  Bury your face in your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
5. End showers with a cold spray as directed above.
6. Take a 'Tune Up' Constitutional Hydrotherapy treatment or other treatment at the clinic from time to time to boost your immune function or at the first sign of being run down.
7. Apply castor oil to your abdomen nightly to improve lymphatic drainage.
8. Maintain exercise to move blood, and increase sweating. Saunas or steam rooms also helpful to promote sweat, move lymph, and increase elimination of toxins.
9. See Aja Ngo for acupuncture and shiatsu.  See Brian Apling for awesome immune boosting supplements.  See Dr. Bryan Baisinger to stay well adjusted and stay healthy.

The holiday season is completely connected to the foods we eat.  From the recent Thanksgiving feast to the upcoming holiday parties and Christmas/Hanukkah celebrations...rich foods and drinks abound and they can be hard to resist!  Do you ever find yourself in the midst of these good times, focusing on how to navigate through these 'feastivities' while still hoping to fit into your clothes when the New Year rolls around?

This year, in order to combat the post-holiday, nutritionally-drained anxiety, here is a new plan to consider: focus on how good you want to feel NOW, in the midst of the joyous holiday season.  The plan will enable you to look and feel your best, without loading your holiday fun with a sense of guilt and remorse.  Here are some ideas to make this a reality:

First, instead of consuming alcoholic beverages, enjoy the great drinks of the holiday season in their naturally unsweetened form!  Brew up some chai tea with coconut milk, hot organic apple cider with a cinnamon stick, rice milk steamed with a vanilla bean and fresh ginger, or hot coconut milk with unsweetened cocoa and honey.  If you are at a cocktail party, make yourself a 'cider spritzer' by adding a splash of fresh apple cider to mineral water and stir with a cinnamon stick!  No one will ever know that you are being good...(other than your digestive system).

Second, when it comes to food, enjoy a big, healthy breakfast loaded with protein and a plethora of seasonal vegetables.  Think about sitting down to a meal of roasted Butternut squash with crispy kale, sage and a fried egg!  Believe it or not, going to work with a full belly (of nutritious foods), will deter you from even wanting to chow down on the holiday treats that your co-workers may have brought to the office.  And even in the midst of the actual holidays, breakfast is sometimes the only meal that you have control over...so make it a good one.  

And lastly, if you are invited to a holiday party, insist that you bring something.  Not only will the host love your generosity, but this will give you the option to create a healthy meal for you (and others) to enjoy, guilt-free.  This can be really fun as you think about healthier snacky alternatives such as: Kale-Artichoke dip, Roasted vegetable puree Hummus, Baked sweet potato chips, holiday 'cheese balls' made of cashew puree and rolled in dried fruits and nuts, and 'candied' Pecans tossed in egg white and pumpkin spice mix and roasted to a crisp.  When it comes to the main meals, focus on the proteins and vegetables, which are always a part of the big holiday meals!

Instead of thinking in terms of avoidance this holiday season, remember what great foods and drinks that you CAN enjoy during these festive times.  Your waistline, and your immune system will thank you in so many ways!

-Chef Kimi Reid 

Check out Chef Kimi's Recipe Plan Website or cooking services website for more information about gluten, dairy, and soy-free cooking!