It seems that cold and flu season come around regularly like an unpleasant holiday, or unwanted guest. I wanted to share with you a different perspective — some might say alternative — to handling this unwanted visitor. I personally don’t like to call this approach alternative because it is my first choice for myself, family, friends, staff and patients, and I want to share why with you. Largely alternative treatments are mild in nature and conservative. There is very little chance that they will be strong enough to have an adverse reaction or side effect. It can also happen that because they are mild they don’t seem effective and a lot of people give up because they simply don’t see the desired results. But with the concerns associated with prescription medicines and over-the-counter treatments, starting with the alternatives is the safer, cheaper and a smarter choice.
Over the years I have developed a number of treatment protocols to create the greatest result. It has become my focus because in the end what we all really want is to get better as fast as possible, or better still not to get sick in the first place. The regimen I am describing can accomplish both of those goals.

Dr. Hurley’s “shot”:
Starting with first sign of cold or flu symptoms:
• Get adjusted! Only a doctor of chiropractic can decide if you are subluxated and need an adjustment. That is our specialty. Often when we are sick we become subluxated whether from stress, posture or prior accident. A subluxation is literally a small misalignment of a bone in the spine.
How does this apply?
Thousands of patients report that while under chiropractic care they have completely stopped having symptoms and illnesses such as flu or sinus infection that they suffered from frequently before treatment began. The premise is simple, that when a subluxation is present it interferes in the body’s ability to perform optimally. Even in the smallest amount, who wants any interference in performance? We use our bodies pretty hard, we push ourselves, this one concept can change your family’s health for the better forever.

• Vitamin C daily: I am a big supporter of Vitamin C because I have seen the miraculous effects that can be produced. Sometimes a mega dose of Vitamin C is appropriate even as much as 6,000-12,000mg. This might not be appropriate for everyone; some people experience upset stomach so you need to use your own judgment, or if you have a concern, consult with someone knowledgeable in this area.

• Eliminate all dairy products: milk, yogurt, cheese etc. Milk increases phlegm production, causing more congestion and difficulty getting it out of the sinus cavity. Less phlegm means less chance of sinus infection secondary to a cold/flu. Typically I suggest complete elimination for three days. Then add it back very slowly only if all that mucous and phlegm is under control. This is very helpful for ear infections as well. Even children (1 year old and up) can do this, there are no negative effects from such a few days of milk elimination. You may notice an improvement in nasal congestion that could be considered positive enough to make long term reduction.

• For sore throat, gargling with salt water (warm water with about a teaspoon of salt in an 8 ounce glass) will usually do the trick. Gargle 2-3 times per day. Avoid sugary foods. They can feed bacteria in the back of the throat. Consider zinc or zinc lozenges, they have been shown to decrease the length of a cold and help with throat pain.

• Water is a great way to decongest. Drink twice as much water as you would normally. It thins the phlegm and makes coughing more productive.
Concept: It’s always better out than in. That means blow it out and cough it out. Take as little to suppress symptoms as you can.

If your personal physician is not knowledgeable regarding these natural methods of health care we are here to help. Our team is committed to improving the health of our community. We are happy to assist in finding the right combination of natural and conservative methods to help you achieve your health goals.