Here we go again! Every year, it begins with Halloween and ends with Valentine’s Day. It is a time of year when I often think about taking the entire season off – there are so many sick patients! The illnesses typically begin within a week after October 31 and subside two weeks after February 14. Let’s face it: eating all those holiday-related fun foods and snacks comes with a price. Why is that?

Sugar, white flour, excess milk products, and saturated fats are the culprits. Our incredible bodies were not meant to eat cake. We are designed to process nutrient-dense foods in normal amounts and are therefore stressed by excessive amounts of “empty calorie” foods like chocolate, cheese, and pastries (especially cinnamon rolls—my fave). Eventually, our immunity is overwhelmed, allowing viruses and bacteria to become active in the body. And then we get sick. We don’t really “catch” colds or flu – pathogens find the unhealthy host. Their purpose? To clean up toxic residue created by all that delicious (but not nutritious) food!

Oddly, bacterial and viral infections are a form of garbage collector. They thrive on the challenged and damaged cells (a form of toxin that overpowers the body’s normal channels of elimination). They are allies at reasonable levels but are responsible for some very uncomfortable symptoms until the illness is remedied. Having a ‘healthy’ illness cleans up our lymphatics and body tissues. Once resolved, we should be healthier and more energetic. The issue is it can be a very stressful process. And one that will repeat until the body attains homeostasis. (That Halloween candy and cinnamon roll doesn’t sound so great now, does it?) Overall, it is best to restrict the fun foods as much as possible and support the body before an illness develops.

We can do a few things to prevent getting sick and also get better faster if already sick. First and most importantly, Acid foods and beverages must be avoided. This includes those that are acidic by nature and those that create an acidic effect. Acidic foods include coffee, black tea, wine, alcohol, soft drinks, sugar, honey, vinegar, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes, pineapple, sour apples, sour grapes, strawberries, cranberries, plums, jams and jellies, tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, teriyaki sauce, chili sauce, walnuts and pecans, Greek olives, cheese, yogurt, kefir, and most fruit juices. Foods that have an acidic effect on the body are nuts, nut butter, tahini, seeds, soy protein, wheat, corn, popcorn, and occasionally chips, corn nuts, and white flour products.

Besides avoiding these foods, some supplements promote resistance and healing: They can all be taken together. For prevention, take 1 of each before or between meals. If you feel an illness coming on, take 3 of each all at once and then 2 three to four times a day.

BioCarb Click to Buy

Probably the single most important supplement for combating stressful foods. It supports the alkalinity required to combat the acids formed with sugar and simple carbohydrate consumption. If I only had one supplement, BioCarb would be it.

Daily Defense Click to Buy

A perennial favorite among my patients, and with good reason! This fantastic product neutralizes the toxins accumulated in an overwhelmed intestine and lymphatic system.

Beta-Carotene Click to Buy

The mucous membranes (throat and sinuses) are your first line of defense. Healthy mucous membranes prevent bad bugs from getting into our bodies. Beta-carotene supports effective mucosal defense and healing when taken daily.

NewLiv Click to Buy

The best way to manage the complete elimination of toxins is via the liver. NewLiv contains all the nutrients necessary for the liver to effectively neutralize and remove toxins.

Pancreatin (Pan 10X, Pan-8, and Pancreatin) Click to Buy

If a fever develops with the illness, taking pancreatic enzymes can help dissolve the protein-based substance that caused the fever.

During this time of year when so many goodies are available, strive to practice moderation. It is also a good idea to be prepared by supporting the body via activity (exercise); a nutrient-dense, organic diet (healthy, well-sourced veg, fruit & proteins); and supplements that strengthen the immune system.  If you do, you should be able to fly through the gauntlet of fun food and come through unscathed.

Have a happy, healthy, and productive season!!