With the cold and flu season in full swing, paired with a global pandemic, finding the right treatment methods for yourself and your loved ones is important to ensure your household stays…or gets healthy again! Western medicine techniques may work for some, but treating the flu with functional medicine treats your viral infections with a more natural, holistic approach. Let’s take a look at some of the differences to better understand the function behind the integrative medicine approach to treating cold and flu symptoms.

Treating the Flu with Functional Medicine – The Natural Approach

When struck with a viral respiratory illness such as a cold or flu virus, seeking medical help tends to be the last resort for many. Visiting your normal practitioner may result in the prescription of anti-inflammatory medications and cough suppressants. In the event your respiratory infection is bacterial, you may be prescribed antibiotics to help fight your infection. A study published in 2017 observed that some herbs and natural remedies are beneficial in prevention of the cold and flu, and subsequent treatments using these herbs and natural remedies help expedite recovery. 

In a recent blog, we discussed natural remedies for cold and flu infections and listed some dietary additions that can help fight your illness. But treating the flu with functional medicine means evaluating all aspects of your health to ensure your body is best equipped to combat your infection. 

While prevention is the first and best line of defense when it comes to catching the flu or a cold, treating your infection appropriately can help you get back on your feet faster and more effectively. Some treatments and recommendations you may receive when using a functional medicine practitioner include:

• Steer clear of sugar – Did you know sugar can suppress your immune system for up to 7 hours after consuming it? While sick, avoid sugar and other processed foods to help keep your system fighting fit.
• Keep your diet more Alkaline vs Acidic – Bacteria and viruses thrive in acidic environments. By keeping our diet and nutrition focused on less acidic foods can help make our bodies a less than ideal environment for these infections to thrive. Sugars, starches and meats can contribute to higher acidic levels in our bodies. Try to incorporate leafy greens, nuts, fruits, and seeds into your meals.
• Add in adaptogens – Herbal pharmaceuticals recommended by your integrative wellness practitioner can help on a variety of health fronts. Adaptogens like maca and astragalus can help your immune system recover during and after a viral or bacterial infection. Of course it’s important to speak with your medical professional to learn which supplements may be helpful to you.

Maca root for the flu is one beneficial treatment found in integrative medicine practices. This root has inhibitive qualities that can help fight viral infections.

• Get plenty of sleep – Sleep is so important when it comes to our overall health, that not getting enough can be detrimental, especially in times when we’re fighting off infection. Getting the recommended amount of good quality sleep every night helps your body reset, recharge, and heal. Need some tips on how to make your sleep space work for you? Check out our blog about getting better sleep, here.
• Gargle with sea salt – Sea salt has fantastic anti-inflammatory benefits, and gargling with it can help ease sore throats and break up mucus. In fact, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine observed a decrease of 40% of upper respiratory infections in individuals who gargled with salt on a regular basis.
• Sunlight and Vitamin D – Vitamin D (especially Vitamin D3) is extremely important for our bodies to fight off infection. Getting outside and soaking up some sun can help boost Vitamin D production and help your body naturally fight off your viral or bacterial infections. Your practitioner can help you monitor your Vitamin D levels through testing.
• Get some fresh air – Cold and flu season is prominent during colder, drier months due to a variety of factors. Centralized heating systems, staying indoors and staying in close proximity to others creates the perfect breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. Fresh air circulating through your home or office can help bring moisture back into the air, but also helps circulate germs out of your enclosed spaces. Airing out your home and getting outdoors can help alleviate some of the risk, and help fight off infections.

Getting some fresh air for the flu is one of the best ways to help combat your infection. Airing out your home and office space can help remove uncirculated air, air that may be loaded with germs and particles, and replace it with fresh, clean air. This helps bring moisture back into the equation, and can help speed up recovery substantially.

In order to ensure your body is protected from infection, and to help set you up for success this cold and flu season, it’s best to speak to your medical professional to find the best line of defense and treatment. At the Integrated Wellness Clinic, we’ll evaluate your immune system and take into consideration your activity and dietary needs to help you prevent and combat these infections to get you back on track and healthy! Give us a call at (610) 265-0500 for your free consultation!