Here are the recommendations and the products we find to be consistently helpful during the winter months for both preventing and fighting infections. These are only recommendations and everyone should consult with their own physician before starting any treatment plan.
Most of the following products are available through our online store (www.carolinasnaturalstore.com) or at our office. These are the particular products we have used and most commonly recommend for our patients.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Prevention
We don’t catch colds in the winter time, colds catch us… they catch us with our defenses down and capitalize on immune vulnerability. These are the recommendations for keeping the immune system strong through the winter months:
Vitamin D – Vitamin D levels are consistently low in the majority of our population today, even in the summer time. The reason is because most people are trapped in doors all day working away in an office somewhere not getting a bit of prime sunlight. In the Winter, even if you can get out in the sun, it is too low in the horizon to create an adequate source of Vitamin D from sun exposure. Keep your D levels up all winter by using
Liqui-D3 by 2000 IUs by Rx Vitamins (product code: LIQ20) – take 1 to 4 drops (not dropper fulls) daily or as directed by your doctor.
Probiotics – Probiotics work to help keep our gut flora in balance by providing a reinvigorating supply of the various bacteria thatinhabit our digestive track. When the body’s natural flora is out of balance our digestive system does not function properly and we are more susceptible to various pathogens. Our gut is an incredibly strong barrier, but only if it is functioning properly. Help balance your gut flora through all the holiday meals with
HMF Forte capsules by Genestra (product code: SE4181) – take 1 to 3 capsules daily with meals or as directed by your doctor.
Juice Plus+ is whole food based nutrition, including juice powder concentrates from 26 different fruits, vegetables and grains. Each ingredient is specially selected to provide a broad range of nutritional benefits. Juice Plus+ is supported by clinical research conducted by researchers at leading hospitals and universities around the world and published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. It has been shown clinically to support healthy immune function. Juice Plus+ does not take the place of healthy eating. For more information or to order visit Juice Plus+.
ViraClear EPS 7630 by Integrative Therapeutics – ViraClear has been shown in over 20 clinical studies to lessen the severity and shorten the duration of upper respiratory infections, including: the common cold, bronchitis, sinusitis, and tonsillitis. The studies have included and demonstrated its safety in children and the product is available in a tasty syrup formulation to increase child compliance.. It is a wonderful product to have on hand.
ViraClear EPS 7630 by ITI (Product Code: VCEPSO) – take as directed on the box or as recommended by your doctor.
ViraClear EPS 7630 Cherry by ITI (Product Code: VCEPSC) – take as directed on the box or as recommended by your doctor.
N-Acetyl Cysteine – NAC is an amino acid that has been shown to support healthy liver function and is a precursor for glutathione, a naturally occurring antioxidant in the body. NAC also supports healthy respiratory function and thins mucus for easier expectoration from the lungs and drainage from the sinuses. NAC is the hidden gem of winter immune support.
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) 600 Mg by Integrative Therapeutics (Product Code: NAC60) – take 1 capusle daily for prevention. During an acute infection, take 2 capsules 3 times per day or as directed by your doctor.
Oxymel: an mixture of honey, water, vinegar, and spice, boiled to a syrup. Used at first sign of cold, flu, or sore throat.
Materials:
At least 1 bulb of garlic
Local honey*
Apple Cider Vinegar
Water
Procedure:
Peel garlic cloves and cut in half.
Boil garlic in 4 cups of water until translucent.
Remove water from stove.
Add 1/4 cup of honey.
Add 1/4 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar.
Mix well.
Drink 1/3 to 1/2 cup, warm liquid two to three times a day, eating at least 2 cloves of the cooked garlic with each serving.
Oxymel may be kept covered in the refrigerator for 4 weeks.
*do not give honey to children under 1 year old.
Wet Warming Socks – Wet Warming Socks is a simple hydrotherapy application that can be used at the first sign of any infection and throughout any active illness. It works incredibly well to help support drainage in the ears, nose, throat, and chest. For instructions, please watch the YouTube video at this link: Warming Wet Socks with Dr. Swanz.
Neti Pot or Nasal Rinse cup – A neti pot is the ideal way to keep the sinuses moist through the dry winter months.
This improves the ability to filter out bacteria, molds, and pollens that can inflame and irritate the sinuses allowing infection to set in. Using the neti pot while in the shower is great way to create a habit out of this beneficial and protective practice. When there is a sinus infection or cold, increase the frequency of using the neti pot to 2 or 3 times per day.
You can purchase a ceramic neti pot through our online store:
Nasal Rinse Cup (Product code: NASA4) – use as directed by your doctor.
