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Avoid or reduce the discomfort of colds and flu naturally
Flu shots are not for everyone, and there is no vaccination for the common cold, but consumers have a wide range of options for staying healthy this time of year.
Seattle, Wash., November 30, 2006 — Sore throats, runny noses, watery eyes, irritating coughs and pounding headaches may be avoided by a trip down the supplements aisle of your local natural foods grocery store.
"Good health starts with building up your immunity, and that starts with drinking lots of clean water and eating nutritious whole foods," says Wendy McLain, health and beauty aids merchandiser for PCC Natural Markets. "But incorporating natural supplements, homeopathic remedies and herbal formulas into your daily routine is important as well, especially during the holiday season when many people experience more stress and less sleep."
McLain offers several recommendations for PCC customers for whom flu shots are not an option, or who spend large amounts of time in situations conducive to passing along cold viruses, such as office buildings and schools.
"Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, which are the best sources of disease-fighting vitamins such as Vitamins C and several B vitamins. Fresh produce is best for maximum vitamin content, but even grabbing a glass of citrus juice on the run helps by increasing liquid intake, which is essential during cold and flu season."
McLain also recommends popping zinc lozenges in your mouth for instant scratchy throat relief and the benefits of zinc's antioxidant properties. And she says that many of her customers wouldn't face cold and flu season without echinacea. This herb, known for its immunity-building properties, has been shown in clinical trials to be effective in fighting bacterial and viral infections. It is available in pill and liquid form from several manufacturers, and is most effective when taken at the first sign of cold or flu symptoms.
Garlic has infection-fighting properties that make it a valuable weapon in fighting colds and the flu. For added insurance McLain suggests adding goldenseal to your daily supplement intake. Available in liquid and pill form, it acts as both an antiseptic and immune system booster.
Ginger is another herb that combats cold viruses and relieves sore throats. A mild sedative, it is great for soothing sick children and can be added to food, used to make a tea, or mixed with juice. Kids and adults with sore throats may get relief from sucking on licorice candy or drinking tea made from licorice root.
Ginger and licorice root can be found in the bulk department of a natural foods store. If all else fails, McLain recommends the choice of grandmothers for generations: old-fashioned peppermint tea. Buy it in the boxed or bulk tea sections, or add a few drops of peppermint oil to hot water for a soothing drink.
For more guidance for preventing and treating colds and the flu naturally, visit any of eight local PCC Natural Markets locations and speak to a trained PCC health & beauty staff person, or visit the PCC Web site at www.pccnaturalmarkets.com and click Resources/Healthnotes.
About PCC Natural Markets: Headquartered in Seattle, WA, PCC Natural Markets is a certified organic retailer with annual sales of $105 million and an active membership of nearly 40,000. PCC operates eight locations: three in East King County, including Issaquah, Kirkland and Redmond; and five in Seattle, serving the Fremont, Greenlake, Seward Park, View Ridge and West Seattle neighborhoods.