Naturopathy and autumn immunity
Septembers in Britain are always marked by the beginning of a sort of predictable seasonal change; school’s back, offices return to their usual post-summer bustle, and, just in time for the transition, the first colds of the year begin to appear, both as an annoying disease and temperature.
And while naturopathy incentivises seasonal living. Today, I'd like to discuss what naturopathic thinking can actually offer in this context of helping your health and what it can't – from a realistic perspective.
What naturopathy is not offering
Before getting into what positive contributions naturopathy can make, I think it's important to address what it isn't contributing. There is no herb, supplement, or naturopathic practice, in my opinion, which can genuinely prevent you from catching a cold, and I'm wary of anything that suggests otherwise. Any product or practice which implies that it can provide some sort of immune boost, with the suggestion that you won't get sick, is misleading you. Yes, an immune boost is great, and it’s preventive, but it won’t make you invincible.
What naturopathy is actually offering
What naturopathic thinking can genuinely offer, however, is the incredibly boring-sounding but genuinely valuable baseline for any healthy life: a level of general health, which, while not preventing illness entirely, should reduce the risk considerably. Good sleep, hydration, and exercise habits. Also, eating real food, in a generally varied diet, rather than relying on highly processed alternatives. And not to forget stress reduction, which is genuinely unhealthy for the immune system in the long term. Easier said than done, I know!
Autumn in Britain
As Britain officially enters autumn, I'd like to remind you to focus on the necessary baseline of health and wellbeing, rather than chasing after naturopathic myths of guaranteed prevention.
Sleep, hydration, food, exercise and stress reduction, in that order of importance — focusing on these should grant you a good level of protection against colds and other minor illnesses as the year turns, and as far as preventative health goes, these are the most important factors. It's not an exciting message, but I think it's a genuine one, and I'd rather be straightforward with you than uselessly optimistic.
A few tips, if you’re already sick
Ugh, I’m sorry to hear – but we’re in this together!
✨ Prioritise deep rest and pause the daily grind, if possible
Continuing to push yourself too hard uses the energy your body needs to fight off the virus.
✨ Hydrate with warm fluids
Drinking warm liquids such as hot water with ginger, lemon, or elderberry will help soothe your mucous membranes and reduce a sore throat. Go have a cuppa!
✨ Support your immune function by increasing your vitamin C intake
Eat more whole foods that are high in vitamin C, like citrus, kiwi, and peppers, but be careful and don't overdo it, since vitamin C may irritate your gastrointestinal tract.
✨ Maintain your vitamin D levels
I know, I know, we're in the UK, but try either way! Your immune cells (like T-cells) need vitamin D to function normally, so if you’re lacking in this vitamin during the winter, prioritise safe sunlight exposure or speak with your naturopathic doctor about getting a blood test and a prescription for vitamin D.
✨ Honey may help relieve a cough
A spoonful of honey or a warm cup of honey-lemon tea may help relieve an irritating cough and soothe you enough to fall asleep. Avoid giving honey to children under 12 months.
See you soon,
Lorena @ Folkflora