Dr. Mark Schillinger is the director of Schillinger Chiropractic & Wellness Group. The clinic specializes in stress management care utilizing chiropractic adjustments and a complete physical therapy department.

By Dr. Mark Schillinger, D.C.

Why do we Fear the Common Cold?

Why is it that most of us will have at least one cold every year? More importantly, why do we think that these are bad problems happening to us? Obviously, it is a great joy when a year goes by and you realize you did not have a cold or flu. However, it is realistic to expect to have a cold or flu and understand what is happening with your body so that you can see it as an opportunity to become healthier. We do our best to suppress the symptoms without understanding what they are and how they are simply a reaction to the general health of our body.

When we sneeze, have a runny nose, or watery eyes from a cold it is because we are purging toxins that have accumulated in our body. The bacteria or virus that is too abundant in our body (the "catching" of the cold) is setting off a chain reaction that is allowing our body to rid itself of the chemicals and poisons that weaken us. All animals, including humans, need to cleanse themselves of chemicals that prevent their bodies from functioning at an optimum level. This is the innate wisdom of the body working at a primordial level, an awareness that is older and deeper than our conventional thinking mind.

Therefore, when you have a cold, it is a good thing as these "symptoms" are simply ways to make you healthier than you were before the cold. Most of the time there is no "cold" to catch. Your body naturally already has these bacteria and virus in your body. If your immune system is already weak and if your stress is very high, you're more susceptible to an overabundance of the microbes, especially at the changing of seasons. The combination of these factors "lowers your guard" i.e. your thyroid and thymus glands have not changed their thermostat to be more responsive to these stresses.

How to Feed Your Cold

Do not eat your usual diet of heavier foods. Eat smaller amounts of food, chew your foods completely and do not drink liquids with meals so that you do not stress your digestive tract by preventing the digestive juices from breaking down your food. Salads and brown rice with low-fat and low-protein (organic meats or beans) foods is best. Drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water or a water/fruit juice combination in-between meals. Most of all, be thankful that your body is doing a good job returning you to better health! Taking a thymus extract is a very simple and powerful way to strengthen your thymus gland and your immune system. Your thymus gland secretes chemicals called immunoglobins and lymphocytes, which search out and destroy unwanted or excessive microbes in the bloodstream. Doing this is the opposite of taking antibiotics which, when taken over prolonged periods of time or too frequently, actually weakens your immune system as you suppress its natural ability to defend itself.

Taking vitamin C increases the white blood cell count which also fights unwanted microbes and can actually inhibit their ability to flourish in your body. I recommend a minimum of 1000 mg daily when you're healthy and up to 3000-5000 mg when you are cold cleansing. Echinacea, zinc and ginseng strengthen the mucous membranes that line your nose, throat, and mouth. The blend of the essential oils clove, lemon, rosemary and eucalyptus is a potent anti-microbial and is found in a product called Thieves created by the Young Living company. A bristle brush or loofah sponge should be used to massage the chest, upper back and neck to stimulate lymphatic flow. This is best done in a hot shower.

It is my recommendation to avoid antibiotics whenever possible. If you go to your family physician and they do not perform a throat culture, it is probably because they do not think you have a bacterial infection that can cause serious problems (such as a streptococcus bacteria). The routine of prescribing antibiotics does not speed up the cleansing process that your body is engaging in. There are occasions where antibiotics are necessary such as for fevers that are causing high temperatures or colds/flu's that take more than ten days to resolve.

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medicinal Overuse

Most of you already know that overuse of antibiotics and over-the-counter cold suppressants weaken the immune system and now pose a serious threat to the health of the general population. The Rockefeller University in New York City, considered a leading authority in the study of antibiotics resistant bacteria warn that common bacteria have developed antibiotic resistance and are evolving into life forms untreatable through medications. Use medications sparingly and wisely for yourself and your children.

Preventing Colds: Don't Worry, Be Happy

Most of us live and work with high amounts of stress in our lives. The nervous system is very sensitive to this "flight or fight" condition that makes your muscles tense, your blood pressure high, your "heart burn" (poorly chewed, undigested food regurgitating) and your immune system weak. Living a healthy lifestyle is not a curse - it is a blessing. Exercise every day if even for only 10 minutes. If you watch TV, this is a great time to stretch and exercise! Be consistent with your exercising and you will keep your circulatory system healthy. A good night of sleep is fundamental to starting your day fresh and ready to go.

Drink 64 or more ounces of water or water/juice and avoid drinking liquids with meals. Eat whole grains (brown rice and whole-wheat bread and pasta), high quality fats (fish, olive oil, etc.) and organic proteins (meats, fish, beans, eggs, etc.). A salad is a must every day! Eat your food slowly and chew thoroughly. A multivitamin - mineral supplement as well as daily doses of vitamin C are minimum requirements for cold prevention.

Meditate, sing, pray, chant or choose any way that will calm your mind every day even if for only 10 minutes. Read inspirational words to start and end your day. Watching TV does not count as a way to relax. Surround yourself with family and friends that you can heartfully reveal yourself so that you do not live life alone. These are the simple ways to strengthen your immune system.

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Schillinger Chiropractic & Wellness Group
(415) 491-0959
1050 Northgate Drive, Suite 1
San Rafael, CA 94903