“Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About The Common Cold
Plus A Few Things You Didn’t!”

Have you ever had an experience that goes something like this?

You have just awakened to a great new day. But before you can even muster the fortitude to crawl out of your cave of blankets, a relay of sneezes somehow escapes from your mouth with the force of a Florida hurricane. Ah… ah… ah… choooooooo!

You notice a slight shiver go through your body. Then, when you attempt that first big breath you are suddenly incapable. Why? Because your sinuses are packed tighter than cotton in a pill jar!!

Dragging your body to the bathroom, you take a quick glance in the mirror and notice the pair of eyes staring back. They give you the appearance of someone who has stayed up too late drinking rubbing alcohol and watching Ronco infomercials.

Oh, and could that really be your head on those shoulders, and when did it start feeling like the Goodyear blimp?

My dear, it’s time for Cold Care 101!!

Did you know that the cold and its ‘cousin’ flu are the most common infectious diseases in the entire world? It is also the leading cause of absence from both work and school, and the #1 reason for doctor visits.

If you were to ask what causes a cold, most people would probably guess (incorrectly) that colds and flu are caused by bacteria, cold weather, being improperly dressed or walking around with wet hair or clothing.

The real story is that colds and flu are caused by viruses (microscopic clusters of genetic material surrounded by a protein covering). There are four recognized distinct categories of cold viruses: rhinovirus, which is the most common, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus and coronavirus (and, no that does not come from beer!).

Over 200 different types of viruses can cause a cold, and you and I are exposed to them on a regular basis. Fortunately, thanks to our immune systems and our natural body defenses, we are able to fight and neutralize these pests more often than not.

There Is Nothing Common About The “Common” Cold
Interesting Fact: 30% to 50% of all adult colds and flu viruses remain unidentified. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is one of the world’s foremost medical research centers, gave up looking for a cure 20 years ago because “there are too many different cold and flu viruses and they constantly mutate into different strains.” Seems like a pretty clear admission that antibiotics and flu shots just don’t work.

Most colds and flu are transmitted via contact either directly with the nose and eyes rather than the mouth. Because we frequently rub or touch our noses and eyes, we are far more likely to catch a cold from shaking the hand of someone who is infected than by drinking from the same glass or even kissing them.

When someone has a cold, the nasal secretions are filled with cold viruses. But, the most common route of infection is not coughing or sneezing. It is hand-to-hand contact either directly with the cold sufferer or with an object the he/she has touched. Just another reason to remember to wash those hands! And while we’re on the subject …

… You probably have noticed the increased appearance on store shelves of every kind of antibacterial soap and hand sanitizer. You may have even questioned their effectiveness and, rightfully so. The truth is they have not proven to be any more effective than washing with regular soap and water.

The Seasonality of Colds
Fall truly is my favorite season; the gold and amber leaves on the trees… the crispness in the air with all the expectation of the upcoming holidays. Speaking for myself, I seem to become filled with a certain zeal and energy that only comes at this time of year.

But, with this particular change of seasons comes changes within our bodies as well, especially our immune systems. Our internal thermostats begin to readjust to the shifting temperatures. And, as the sun moves further away, our exposure to sunlight and warmth diminishes. Our requirement for sleep also increases.

Even in areas where winters are mild, that’s when most colds occur. In areas of the world where there is no winter, colds are most common during the rainy season. If you spend time traveling, keep in mind that the stress may lower immunity enough to make you more susceptible to colds.

When traveling on a plane, it is not the recycled air you have to worry about as much as touching contaminated objects – trays, cups, cans, even a newspaper or a deck of cards. It is the same for any confined environment, airport, office or even right at home, avoid touching your face and wash your hands as often as possible.

One of the many advantages of reaching the menopausal stage is that we get fewer colds. Statistically speaking, parents get about half as many colds as their children do and moms tend to get at least one more cold per year than dads. Hmmmmm, now what would be the reason for that?

Tiss-ue? Why, I don’t even know you!
Once you have caught a cold, symptoms begin in anywhere from 1 to 5 days. For most of us, a scratchy throat or feeling of irritation in the nose is the first sign. Within the first few days, nasal secretions usually thicken and even become yellow or green in color. That, by the way, is quite normal – not an indication of infection. So don’t run off to the doctor too quickly.

By the way, if it’s the flu that you’ve been hit with, you’ll know the difference. You will quickly get hit with a fever in the 102-106 range and you’ll feel it all over your body. The flu is a much more serious illness and, as you know, can be deadly. Though you can feel tired and achy with a cold, most symptoms stay above the neck.

So now that you know more than you probably ever wanted to about cold germs and how they are transmitted, let’s talk about prevention. By far, the best plan of action is to boost your immunity.

As an interesting side note, cultures were made of the pathogens (an agent that causes disease – bacteria, virus or fungus) in the throats of several hundred healthy people. Where this gets interesting is the fact that the viruses present were the same as those in very sick people – yet the healthy people remained healthy!

So, precisely how can we assist our bodies in their fight to stay healthy?

Here’s a list to help you stay healthy:

1) Avoid Sugar – The bane of all good health! Be alert, as sugar may be hidden in many of the everyday foods we eat. Example: Ketchup, peanut butter, fruit juice, packaged and prepared foods, even frozen veggies! After ingesting any amount of sugar your immune system is almost immediately compromised, leaving you open to all types of illnesses. Sugar also promotes yeast overgrowth.

2) Get Your ZZZ’s – This is definitely one many of us have a lot of difficulty with, but what a difference those few extra hours can make. No doubt you have a few memories when lack of sleep has made getting even simple tasks done a major chore. Well, your body’s defenses are impacted by that deficit and, by compromising its need for sleep, you severely hinder your body’s ability to fight off invaders.

3) Make Garlic Your Friend – While admittedly, it can be smelly, it does have several redeeming qualities. The benefits: Garlic is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. But, to get the most “bang for your buck,” it must be fresh. While you may prefer the capsule form, the active ingredient (allicin) is destroyed within one hour of crushing the garlic, making the capsules of no real value.

So, to get optimum benefits, compress a clove with a spoon or press prior to swallowing. Or, better yet, put through your juicer or blender to add it to your vegetable juice. If you swallow the clove intact your body will not be able to convert the active ingredient (allicin) into its active form.

4) Watch Your Stress Level – It has been estimated that up to 90% of all illness and disease is stress related. Psychological stress, especially of the chronic type, causes a reduction in the concentration of cytokins in the body, which are proteins that help ward off infections. Stress also leaves us prone to behaviors (smoking, alcohol, over eating) that make us even more vulnerable to illness and disease.

5) Exercise – When you exercise you increase your circulation and blood flow throughout your body. In turn this allows your immune system to do a more efficient job of locating and neutralizing viruses. It also has the added benefit of raising serotonin levels (that feel-good hormone) as well as assist in the prevention of osteoporosis.

6) Wash Your Hands – By washing your hands you decrease the likelihood of spreading a virus to your nose, mouth or to other people. Good hygiene also assists your body in keeping that most important and abundant protein albumin at optimum levels, and the higher the better. As mentioned before, using an antibacterial soap is not necessary and can actually create greater problems than they solve. A good chemical-free soap will do the job just fine.
I would be remiss if I didn’t warn you that flu shots are not the answer to avoiding the flu. They have never prevented illness and never will. They actually have the potential to weaken the immune system and predispose you to the very condition you’re trying to prevent. And if that weren’t enough they are loaded with toxic chemicals, including mercury and aluminum to boot! So what are your alternatives?

Listed below are foods and nutrients that work with your body to keep cold and flu viruses out of your life.

Ginger: One of my favorites and enjoyed best as ginger tea. Ginger is a powerful diaphoretic, warming the body from the inside and stimulating perspiration. It is also rich in zinc, an important mineral that protects the immune system. You can purchase ginger in teabag form or use several slices of the fresh herb, squeeze in the juice of half a fresh lemon, and add steaming hot water along with 1/4 tsp. of cinnamon. Yum!
Garlic: As was discussed before garlic has a number of powerful qualities. Garlic is an antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial agent. It is also a great immune fortifier. Just remember, raw is best and be sure to crush somewhat before ingesting.
Mushrooms: Now, I’m not talking about the regular white mushrooms commonly sold in stores. But such varieties as shiitake, reishi, cordyceps, and maitaki, all mushrooms used traditionally for their immune-boosting properties. It is the sugar molecules called polysaccharides they contain that stimulates the immune system. Unfortunately, the garden variety white mushrooms do not contain these powerful polysaccharides.
Fruits and Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, red peppers, beets, berries, and carrots are all packed with immune-boosting antioxidants, beta carotene and vitamin C. A quick and easy way to get these in is to steam lightly, place in a blender with some natural chicken or vegetable broth, tamari and – Voila! You have a great tasting nutritious meal or snack.
Elderberry Extract: The active ingredients in elderberries help to support the immune system. A popular brand that is usually easy to locate in health food stores is Sambucol, developed by Israeli scientists. Actually the name Sambucol comes from the Latin name for elderberry, Sambucus nigra.
Vitamin C: For extra immune support during these winter months I would suggest at least 1,000-2,000 mg three times a day with your meals. If you are actually sick, then I would suggest this amount every 2 hours or to bowel tolerance (until diarrhea occurs). If you are taking Vitamin C with zinc, propolis and elderberry extract then 100mg three times a day is a good maintenance dose.
Zinc: Assists the body in destroying free radicals and boosts immune function. If you are taking your zinc with vitamin C, elderberry extract, and bee propolis then 10 mg. daily is the recommended dose.
Bee Propolis: Usually comes in yellowish granules but can also be found in capsules and gel-caps. This substance is actually a waxy resin used by bees to waterproof their hives (go figure!) but has great ability to support the immune system. Again, if you are taking this with the elderberry extract, zinc and vitamin C then 75 mg. or one tablespoon is recommended.
Miracle Greens: These would include spirulina, chlorella, sprouts, organic grasses, and leafy green vegetables. These are truly superfoods, and there are a number of varieties on the market in powder, capsule or liquid form to suite anyone’s taste. The list of their benefits goes on and on. But to give you just a few: Support and boost immunity, assist in the cleansing of impurities/toxins from the body, provide powerful cell protection from free radical damage, enhance digestion, help speed recovery.
Colloidal Silver: One of my favorites just for its vast versatility. Is a clear liquid containing the purified trace mineral silver in a water-base solution that was used extensively in America by medical doctors in the late 1800’s to 1938 to treat a variety of diseases. This was before man-made antibiotics became available. It is a powerful germicidal agent, and acts by crippling the oxygen-metabolizing enzyme in single-celled organisms (germs and viruses). So they are essentially suffocated in a matter of minutes.

Colloidal Silver is a powerful destroyer of bacteria, viruses and fungi. It is safe for adults and children, and nontoxic to mammals and plants. It is truly nature’s antibiotic without the side effects. Unfortunately most of what is sold in health food stores is an “ionic” form and not “atoms” of silver. If it is not the latter you are wasting both your time and money.

The best that I have found, and what I use myself is Invive. It can be purchased at www.invive.com. Not only can you purchase at the site, but dosages and some very valuable information are also available. I would encourage everyone to spend some time and take a look.
Still And All… ‘A Person Can Develop A Cold!’
No truer words have been spoken than by the very stressed out Adelaide in the musical classic Guys and Dolls. Undoubtedly, she was more focused on her heartache than her vitamin and mineral intake.

The fact remains though, no matter how diligent you are, colds catch all of us at one time or another. And that leads to the question: What should you do if you wind up with a cold, besides make sure you have plenty of tissues on hand?

Part of the answer to that, of course, is exercise common sense. Unless your cold turns into an infection and you start running a fever for more than just a few days, there really isn’t much a doctor can do – except happily take your money. Remember, antibiotics have no impact on viruses. Your cold will likely be gone within 7 days to a week.

So, try resting as much as possible. Stay warm, drink plenty of water, juice and clear soups. Give those alcoholic beverages a rest. And, please, be wary of the fancy drugstore displays.

There are safe and natural ways to treat your symptoms and you don’t need a prescription!

1) R-E-S-T. Today’s world moves so fast, that some of us have begun to think about rest as another four letter word. But – stop right there – don’t underestimate the value of allowing your body the time it needs to recuperate and repair.

This is Mother Nature’s way of slowing us down long enough to allow the body to cleanse itself – especially if we have violated proper eating and sleeping habits, or if there has been any increased or prolonged stress.

2) Eat Chicken Soup. Yes, our mothers and grandmothers were right. And I’m not talking the Campbell soup version here, but the real thing. You see, chicken contains a natural amino acid called cysteine which has the ability to thin the mucus in the lungs, making it less sticky and easier to expel.

Also, pour on the pepper. Yep, by making it hot and spicy with plenty of pepper you will trigger the sudden release of watery fluids in the mouth, throat and lungs. That will assist in thinning respiratory mucus so you can cough it up and expel it. I know – doesn’t sound sexy. More importantly, it works.

3) Drink Plenty of Fluids. Water is still the best, next in line would be herbal tea. Try to consume 8-10 oz. every hour. I always add the juice of one lemon to 8 oz. of filtered or bottled water for its alkalizing effect on the body (no tap water, please – we want to stay away from all the chlorine etc.).

4) Avoid all juices. They contain large amounts of simple sugars (fructose) that can actually worsen your condition. But, if you must have some, use diluted organic apple juice. Also, stop all milk products except for plain yogurt. This will help to reduce the extra mucous causing effects that dairy products can produce.

5) Stay Away From Sugar. This includes honey, molasses, maple sugar, fructose, lactose, date sugar, cane sugar, corn syrup. All of these depress and weaken your immune system. Sugar also delays recovery and promotes yeast overgrowth.

Remember, the average soft drink has 8-10 teaspoons of sugar per can. If any type of sugar is listed in the first three ingredients of a product, it is not acceptable.

6) Eat Fresh Garlic. Again, it has wonderful antiviral properties. Other immune enhancers for colds and flu are Echinacea, Astralgalas, and goldenseal. As for the smell – if it’s too strong, you’re ready to go back to work!

7) DO NOT Take Tylenol or Aspirin! I know, it’s a shocker. But, a mild fever can actually assist the body in ridding itself of a virus quicker so you heal faster. For a temperature below 102 there is no real need to lower it, as viruses do not reproduce at higher body temperatures.

A study written up in the Journal of Infectious Disease Dec. 1990 showed that people taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) and aspirin actually suppress their body’s ability to produce antibodies to destroy a cold.

So, When Should I See a Doctor?
Examples of conditions that do respond to antibiotics are: Sinus, ear and lung infections (bronchitis and pneumonia).

If you develop any of the following symptoms, please consult your doctor.

1. Fever over 102
2. Ear pain
3. Increased pressure around your eyes with green nasal discharge
4. Shortness of breath and persistent uncontrollable cough especially if sputum is green or yellow
And, once more “for the Gipper” – Remember to wash those hands, use disposable tissues and keep your hands away form your nose and eyes!!!!

Add to all that a dose of TLC, and you should be back up to speed before you run out of tissues. Speaking of tissues, did you know that Kleenex tissues were originally marketed as a cold cream remover back in the 1920’s? They were promoted as being “cheaper than spoiling and laundering towels.” We sure have come a long way, baby.

*Finally, the answer you’ve been so patiently waiting for:
How do you make a Kleenex dance? Put a little boogie in it!

Stay well and never forget to smile.

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Invest in yourself ~ Women’s Health Advantage is ready to help!

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• DONE wishing for better health?
• TIRED of just talking about what to do next?
• READY to make positive changes and live a more vibrant life?
• SUFFERING from health symptoms that are unexplained or unrelieved?
• Are you ready to create optimum wellness and vibrant health?! Ready to feel strong and alive? Then it’s time to get in touch with Jill Redfern at Women’s Health Advantage to assist you in creating your best life ever! Jill can guide you in any dietary, digestion, and nutritional issues and help you get going with vibrant health TODAY! After all, if not now… when?

Jill Redfern is a registered nurse in the Valencia area with 30 years of experience in both traditional and alternative medicine and a pioneer in the field of women’s alternative health and enzyme therapy.