"Preventing The Common Cold" By Dr. Meghan Stobbs, ND

The best way to treat a cold is not to get one in the first place!  The common cold is caused by a virus, and is spread through coughing, sneezing, and person-to-person contact.  If a sick person sneezes and touches a doorknob, and then you touch the same doorknob, there is a chance that you will ‘catch’ that person’s cold.  Not everyone that is exposed to the cold virus will get it.  Reasons why you would not develop a cold upon exposure are if you already have immunity to that virus, or if you have a strong enough immune system to fight off the virus before it manifests in your body symptomatically.  

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You are most likely to develop a cold when you are not getting adequate sleep, when you are consuming highly refined, nutrient-deficient and sugary foods, and when you are overworked or stressed.  People who have small children in daycare, or who work in daycares, schools or health care settings, are also more likely to catch a cold.

The best ways of preventing a cold are to ensure proper hygiene by washing your hands regularly with soap, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.  Also, it is important to get lots of sleep, and take time for yourself to minimize stress.  Nutritionally, stay hydrated, avoid eating sugar and packaged products that contain highly refined carbohydrates, and incorporate more green leafy vegetables and fruits in your diet.

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A healthy adult should get approximately one to two colds per year.  If you are getting colds more frequently you will likely need some additional strategies to help build your immune system.   Consulting with a naturopathic physician can help to get to the root cause of why you are getting sick, which can then be used to customize a treatment plan to tackle your individual immune challenges.

Dr. Meghan Stobbs BSc., ND
Naturopathic Doctor at Healing Cedar Wellness

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