Betina Thygesen

By name it is implied that whether caused by a virus or bacteria, inadequate diet or something entirely else, it is normal and most likely unavoidable to catch at least one cold during “the season”- season being anytime from Thanksgiving to late spring.

Entering the season we anticipate getting sick and most fear it. Often derived from different aspects the two most popular reasons for this fear is that we “do not have time to get sick” and, that “it scares us when a child is not well”.

Based on this fear, insurance policies are available. In this part of the world in the form of flu vaccines and supplements to be taken before we get sick and of course antibiotics to help us once, despite our precautions, a bug did catch us.

Ah, a bug … sounds nasty! If just science would be able to locate and control the bugs that are a constant threat to us (or an inconvenience?) …

I do believe that virus and bacteria are present year round and I do believe that they are a contributing factor to flues and colds but only if the terrain allows it. A toxic, tired and/or damaged body presents a perfect terrain for bacteria and bugs to thrive.

From a holistic point of view, minor sickness is a sign that the body is using its biochemical powers to heal and that we must give the body time, nourishment, and peace to rest and get well. Yesterday morning, my 8 year old did not feel well. Despite a stuffy nose and heavy head, she did not have a temperature and her appetite was good. In theory she could go to school, but stayed home doing not much. Midmorning she drank two cups of garlic miso soup prepared as Dr. Colbin from the Natural Gourmet Institute taught me, late afternoon she had a warm bath, before dinner another bowl of garlic miso soup and after dinner a cup of chamomile tea. This morning she was her usual self, indicating that her body was done correcting the inner balance that was obviously not right yesterday.

Enough sleep, a whole foods diet rich on dark leafy greens and no or very little dairy* and sugar is the holistic insurance policy for keeping virus and bacteria an arm’s length away. It is a model that has been used over thousands of years and with no side effects.

I know some of you reading this might be thinking “enough sleep, green vegetables and no sugar (including alcohol??!!) this just doesn’t go with the season! Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas, New Year’s eve, countless social obligations … “

Think about it though, is all this partying what nature intended with colder, darker days? I honestly mostly feel like staying in, drinking a cup of hot cider or ginger tea, eat a hearty stew, read a good book, go to bed early … how about you?

Could it be that it is a combination of damp and cold weather, not enough sleep, too much alcohol, sugar and fatty foods that sets off flues and colds? Could it be that, once present, it is unwise to eliminate disease with chemically produced drugs and instead assist the body in figuring out how to fight the invaders?

To me, this makes sense. Even if it doesn’t to you, try the garlic miso soup the next time you feel a sniffle and aching muscles. It is delicious, the garlic acts as a natural antibiotic and the miso is helpful in maintaining good bacteria in your gut which will help you being able to absorb maximal nutrients from the foods you eat.

*Dairy is the food most closely associated with infections. It is interesting to consider that most commercially raised animals have antibiotics liberally and routinely added to their feed.