Well everyone knows it is that time of the year, with the changing of the seasons and weather it seems that everyone is fighting off some type of cold, flu or virus.
How do you protect you and your family?
First and foremost one of the most important things you can do for yourself is keeping your immune system strong and healthy all year long.  How exactly do you do this?
1)      Vitamin D
Have you gotten your vitamin D tested recently?  If not I would highly recommend getting it tested to find out where you stand.  The normal reference range for many physicians is 30-100, but I would like to see your number between 60-80.  It is especially important to get your vitamin D tested in the winter as it can be one of the most important things for boosting your immune system. Make it a habit to test your vitamin D every fall/winter.
For the fall and winter take Vitamin D daily, if your level is low take Vitamin D Supreme (1 capsule with food).  If your levels are normal take Vitamin D Synergy (1 daily with food).  Good vitamin D levels will keep your immune system in tip top shape.
2)      High quality multi-vitamin
I know, you might be rolling your eyes, but if you are skipping out of taking daily multi- vitamins your body is missing out on essential nutrients that keep you healthy and ward off any unwanted viruses from attacking your system.  Not all multi-vitamins are created equal, make sure that you buying a high grade multi-vitamin.  We recommend our Twice daily multi from Designs for Health (take 2 per day).  (NOTE: It is important to get a multi vitamin without iron unless you are anemic)
If you are a female, I would also recommend adding a calcium supplement, such as Osteoforce (take 2 per day).
3)      Probiotics and Acidodopolus
Probiotics also help boost your immune system and help with gut health.  Take probiotic synergy 1 a day with food.  (NOTE: don’t take if on a blood thinning medication)
4)      Fish Oil
Take fish oil daily and quality matters, I am a huge fish oil snob as there are so many brands on the market are low grade fish oils.  Omega Avail Marine by Designs for Health is a top notch fish oil that I would highly recommend taking 2 per day.
Homeopathic Flu Remedy
If you want additional protection, I also offer a Homeopathic Flu Remedy that can help boost your immune system that added boost.  (just book 15 minute in office visit with Dr. Binder for $25)
If you still catch a virus or cold
Even after taking and doing all of the above, if you still feel a cold coming on (symptoms: sore/scratchy throat).  The best thing to do it treat it ASAP.  Take the following at the 1st onset of any symptoms within a few hours, don’t wait.
And REST, REST, REST, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sugar at all costs.
Once the virus has set in, it is much harder to treat.  You must book an appointment with Dr. Binder to get you on the appropriate program for you.
The following can help nip viruses in the bed if taken right away.
1)      Silvercillin (take ¼ cup orally, 4xs per day) (or can be put in a nasal spray for the sinuses, spray into the nose after you properly netti pot)
2)      Cold Arrest I or Chinese Tea (3 scoops/capsules- 3 to 4xs per day)
3)      Septonsil (take 25 drops 4x per day, may take with Chinese Tea)
4)      Syinfect (take 1 every 30 minutes under the tongue)
5)      Netti Pot with warm salt (sold in Whole Foods)
If you have any other questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to book an appointment with me at the office or call: 303-357-9355 and we can address any questions over the phone.
To your health,
Dr. Tiffany Binder
Please note if you are pregnant please consult Dr. Binder before taking any supplements