Following is a list of the top 3 things to help you get back on your feet fast if you have caught a cold or the flu:

~ #1 ~
*Clear your calender and lay down!* - seriously! Completely clear your calender, turn off the ringer on the telephone, turn off your computer and the T.V, and cuddle up with a book (preferably one that's not too exciting and will put you to sleep!). Laying down is the best position for your body to heal itself and regain energy. If you are sick your energy is low, so expend it as little as possible.

In addition, the psycho-neuroimmunological factor associated with colds and flu is the feeling of being *overwhelmed*. So, the more you relieve yourself of obligations (prioritize without mercy - it will all be there when you get back!), the less overwhelmed you will feel, and the faster you will get better. People often make the mistake of working until they can't work anymore, rather than taking time off at the first sign of symptoms. The latter is really wiser. Better to take a couple days off initially, than to keep whipping your immune system like a dead horse and than have undesirable symptoms linger on for 2-3 weeks.

~ #2 ~
*Eliminate mucous-producing and immune-weakening foods from the diet* This list would include, but not be limited to the following: caffiene, alcohol, sugar, wheat, dairy, and believe it or not ORANGE JUICE! Yes, orange juice. Many people drink lots of orange juice when they are sick in order to increase their Vitamin C intake, however what many people don't know, is that orange juice is a notorious mucous producer and quite often exacerbates the symptoms of colds and flu. A better source of Vitamin C would be a supplement, preferably a powdered form (*Emer'gen-C* is a great brand available in convenient packets at health food stores). Lemon juice would be a wiser choice for a medicinal beverage as it is anti-mucosal, and also flushes the liver, speeding up the healing process. Dilute it with purified water and add a dab of maple syrup or stevia.

~ #3 ~
*Make use of natural remedies - essential oils, herbs, teas, etc.* See the 2001-02-21 issue for previous recommendations. Also consider the therapeutic essential oil blends *RC* and/or *Raven*. They are both incredibly effective in relieving respiratory and sinus congestion (for more info. go to: Young Living Essential Oils ). Also try *Breathe Easy* tea (by Yogi Tea, Co.). To help you sleep, try *Deep Sleep* herbal combination from Herbs, Etc. (more on natural remedies for insomnia and sleep disturbance in an upcoming issue).

Give these top 3 natural approaches a try next time you come down with a cold or flu and see if they don't help you get back in the swing of things much quicker. Stay tuned for Part III which will discuss how to build your immune system so you don't fall victim to bugs in the first place!

Until next time, remember - health care is self care and be well...

Kel