Alta Vista Naturopathic Clinic

How to Survive the Winter Flu

becca — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:34:36 +0000

Recently, there have been media reports about the severity of the flu this year. My own experience backs this up: my patients and my immediate family have been hit hard by the flu. Some have taken antibiotics, as they have been so sure it is a bacterial infection due to its severity, but they haven’t helped at all.
Given that anti-virals don’t work well for the flu, and have some serious side effects, what can we do to treat the flu naturally? Here are some tips which seem to work well to combat this particular flu’s symptoms.

1. Avoid sugar. This flu is especially affected by sugar consumption. While it is always a good idea to avoid sugar when you are sick, I have several patients that have managed to avoid the flu’s worst effects simply by strictly cutting out sugar.

2. Increase fluid intake. In TCM terms, this flu is considered an “invasion of wind-heat” which quickly destroys the “wei-chi” , the body’s immune defenses, and invades the lungs and stomach, as well as burning up the “yin fluids”. High fluid intake, even if you are not thirsty, will help replenish these fluids during fever, and help keep mucus and phlegm thin and moveable.

3. Use steam inhalations with thyme or oregano leaf and saline solution nasal lavage to treat the infection topically. Both the herbal anti-virals and the saline will work directly to treat the respiratory system. Call Alta Vista if you would like more details on the specific treatments.

4. Boost your consumption of natural anti-viral products, such as echinachea and garlic, medicinal mushrooms, even home made chicken soup.

5. Beware of relapses. This flu has a long life, and you may continue to feel better and then worse for weeks after the initial onset. Rest, sleep and avoid planning taxing activities, parties and trips until you have been 100% for at least a week to 10 days.

Here’s to a healthy recovery!

Health News: Alcohol over-consumption increases your risk of cancer

becca — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 19:37:32 +0000

A study reported by the British Medical Journal suggests that alcohol consumption, above the daily recommended limit of 1 drink for women and 2 drinks for men, is directly linked to increased risk of cancer, especially cancer of the liver, esophagus and stomach, colon and breast. The study reviewed information on the drinking habits of over 360,000 people in 8 European countries and their rates of cancer, and found that one in 10 cancers for men and one in 33 cancers for women, can be linked to over-consumption of alcohol.

It seems with alcohol, a little goes a long way. Previous studies have found strong links between moderate alcohol consumption and decreased risk of heart disease, so stick to that one or two drinks a day, depending on your gender, and you can reap alcohol’s benefits, without increasing your cancer risk. In addition, if you do choose to drink, make sure you are taking B vitamins, as they are the most susceptible to malabsorption due to alcohol consumption.

Why be healthy?

becca — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:55:16 +0000

Health is A Natural State

In an increasingly fast-paced and demanding world, there are many reasons to be unhealthy. From nutrient-poor food choices to overwork, from pollution to too much time in the car, it can be challenging to find the time and energy to get healthy and stay healthy. It can seem like an unattainable goal, especially if your family history includes chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer or heart disease.

At Alta Vista Naturopathic Clinic, we see health not as a static state, but as a dynamic energy which allows us to respond to life’s challenges and joys. By maintaining optimum health, we can respond to life’s stresses, illness or accidents with vitality and resilience. We offer caring, courteous service and compassionate care. Please explore our site to find out more about our doctors and the services we offer.