As summer draws to an end and the leaves begin to change, we trade our shorts for sweaters and iced drinks for a warmer brew. We find ourselves indoors more, in closer contact with our coworkers, classmates and families. This, paired with the temperature fluctuations occurring with the change of season, leads to the inevitable beginning of cold and flu season.

Though your immune system becomes more robust by working its way through a good cold, it’s not necessary to find yourself ill throughout the cooler seasons, as more and more people experience. By providing support to your body’s innate healing capacity, Naturopathic Medicine can begin to prevent this season’s illnesses even before they arrive.

Naturopathic Medicine is unique in that each treatment given is custom tailored to the specific health history and biochemical needs of each individual. To get you started, though, here are a few general rules to follow concerning the health of your immune system.

• Avoid sweets and simple carbohydrates that convert to sugars in your body. Studies show that sugars can depress the action of your immune system for up to 5 hours after consumption.
• Keep yourself hydrated. A general guideline for a day’s water intake is the number of ounces equal to half your body weight in pounds. For example, a 150 pound person requires 75 ounces of water in day. Consider also that for every cup of coffee consumed you need to drink two glasses of water to account for the diuretic effect of the caffeine.
• Load up on antioxidants. Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, dark and leafy greens and whole grains are packed with healthy antioxidants to boost the effectiveness of your immune system.
• Take time to be sick so you can get better faster. When you’re having a hard time breathing and your throat feels like you’re swallowing nails, STAY HOME. One day at home at the beginning of a cold can save days of run-down misery that could otherwise follow.

Be good to your immune system - and experience less illness this cold and flu season.