Halloween is a scary time - parents & teachers I am sure that you will agree. Our kids turn into monsters before our very eyes! There are several factors that make kids crazy around Halloween – the excitement, late nights & early mornings, and of course SUGAR!

I am not going to join the chorus of voices talking about the evils of sugar – that fact is that too much sugar is unhealthy. It is also Halloween and bowls of sugary treats are popping up everywhere, so chances are all of us will be eating too much sugar this week.  I want to focus on what can be done to help mitigate the all of the sugary goodness we are ingesting.

Things I have learned about surviving a sugar onslaught:

1. Eat often – ideally whole foods rich in fibre & protein
Sugar can cause a spike in our blood glucose (sugar) and put our bodies on a crazy blood glucose roller coaster that makes us crave another sugary hit. Eating whole foods often through out the day will do 2 things: our bodies will be better able to level out after a sugar hit; and, if we are full it is easier resist all of those tempting treats. 

• Fibre: slows the rate of glucose absorption, lessening the post-treat spike in blood glucose; and, it takes a long time to digest so we feel full for longer. 
  
• Protein: primes our bodies for sugar metabolism and keeps us feeling satiated longer.  
  

I am excited to let you know that I am offering free homeopathic flu vaccinations for this year’s flu season. Homeopathic flu vaccination has has an efficacy rate of 90% and has been in use for over 150 years. There are no reported side effects.

Homeopathic flu vaccination is suitable for everybody and is particularly recommended for infants, children, the elderly and those with existing health conditions or compromised immune systems. Due to its extremely gentle and non-invasive nature, homeopathy can be safely integrated into your existing health care regime (i.e., supplements, prescription medication, etc.). 

For more information on how to survive the cold & flu season and on homeopathic flu vaccination please see visit my website .

To protect yourself and your family naturally this flu season just contact me via email or at 416-579-6234.

Oh my, this morning was hard! After 3 days of giving thanks I am feeling a little sluggish – I am sure I am not the only one. 

Like a lot of people I tend to over do it a bit during the holidays – I sit too much, I eat too much, I eat too many rich foods (sugar & fat), I drink more red wine than I am used to (…and then a scotch or 2 for good measure) and I stay up too late. The end result is that I am struggling through my day today, which means so is my immune system. 

The next few days will be critical in determining whether or not my body will be successful in defending against the pathogens it has been exposed to this past weekend…it is not a coincidence that cold & flu season start now.

3 Things I have learned about recovering from holiday celebrations:

1. Get moving

Exercising may be the last thing on your mind right now, but it one of the best things you can do. Even a moderate about of exercise today (and over the next few) will: improve your mood, improve your energy, stimulate your immune system, and help you get a better sleep. A vigorous workout may not be possible today but even a 20-30 minute walk will be huge benefit to you – especially if you have a beautiful sunny day.

So now you are sick! What do you do now? There is no cure for a cold or flu. Suppressive medications, e.g. decongestants, will allow you to ignore your cold/flu for a short period of time, but in the long run you will likely only increase the duration and intensity of your cold/flu!

Learn more about the effect suppressive medications have on your body.


Things I have learned about recovering from a cold/flu:

1.     Do all 5 things suggested in Cold & Flu Season - Part 1 Prevention.   


2.     The best defence is offence - Flush Your Sinuses
Gargling and using a netti pot literally kill and wash away the pathogens that are attacking your system while soothing your irritated mucus membranes. At the onset of any symptoms gargle and use a netti pot. Gargle deeply once every 3 hours for at least 60 seconds, continue to gargle for at least 1 day after you feel better. Follow your netti pot instructions.

• Gargle recipe: 15-30ml (1-2 tbsp) real apple cider vinegar (optional), 250ml (1c) of warm water & 2-5ml (½-1 tsp) salt.

Tip: If I am on-the-go (aka not following my own advice and resting) I will mix up a large batch of the salt & vinegar to take with me and use throughout the day.