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You can win the battle against colds, flu and sinus infections.
by Don Colbert, M.D.
You have an amazing shield of defense that God has provided for your body. A healthy, intact immune system can take on even the most deadly assaults of cancer, hepatitis and any other killer that may be lurking in your environment. Colds, flu and sinus infections pose little challenge to a healthy, well-functioning immune system, which is already handling many of these invaders with ease.
The immune system is a strong and ready defender for your body, but instead of working with it, often we work against it, sabotaging and undermining its power. Hosea 4:6 says, My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge… (KJV). This information will help you to support and supply your immune system. It will build up your defenses and allow you to walk in divine health.
What are the symptoms?
Colds
More than 200 different viruses can cause the common cold. When you have a cold, you will probably experience symptoms including nasal congestion, sore throat, head congestion, fatigue, weakness, muscle aches and clear mucus drainage. This usually lasts seven to ten days.
Some people commonly confuse colds with allergies or a sinus infection. If your symptoms begin quickly and end within one to two weeks, it’s most likely a cold. If the symptoms last more than two weeks, it could progress into a sinus infection. Colds rarely produce fevers or headaches. Allergies are associated with a hacking cough and red, watery, itchy eyes.
Flu
The symptoms of influenza (commonly known as the flu) appear suddenly and often include a fever of 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Along with the fever, you will likely experience shaking chills, body aches, headache, pain when moving the eyes, fatigue, loss of appetite, a dry cough, runny nose and a dry or sore throat.
Sinus Infection or Sinusitis: Chronic and Acute
Chronic sinusitis is the most common chronic disease in the United States, affecting nearly 40 million people. Symptoms include nasal congestion, postnasal drainage, sore throat, cough, low-grade fever, decreased sense of taste and smell and a constant runny nose. Acute sinusitis is usually triggered by a cold that lasts longer than two weeks. Symptoms include yellow or green nasal drainage, a fever, cough, postnasal drip, facial pressure (especially around the cheeks, eyes or forehead), pain in the upper molars and swelling of the face. More than likely you will have difficulty sleeping as well due to these symptoms.
Preparing the Troops—Nutrition
Nutrition is a key factor in rebuilding your immune system, which comprises the walls of defense for your health. It is largely dependent upon you to provide it with the proper nourishment it requires to do its job.
Be smart about your sugar.
In 1999, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that the average American consumes approximately 150 pounds of sugar per year. Not only cakes, pies and cookies are loaded with sugar, but sugar is also a hidden ingredient in many other foods, such as ketchup, salad dressing and breads. A diet that is high in sugar makes a person more susceptible to sickness. A high intake of sugar can impair your immune system for four hours or longer.
Beat the bad fats rap.
Most people follow a diet that consists of eating not only way too much sugar, but also refined flour, too much bread and excessive amounts of bad fats. Bad fats include hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats. You can find them in the following: vegetable shortening, margarine, many deep-fried foods, some salad dressings, cakes, pies, cookies and many processed foods. These bad fats interfere with the ability of your white blood cells to fight infections.
Choose to eat healthier.
Choose foods that are baked, grilled or broiled instead of fried. Light stir-frying in coconut oil, macadamia nut oil, a little organic butter or extra-virgin olive oil is also acceptable.
Make it a point to eat at least five servings of fresh vegetables and fruits every day. Organically grown varieties are best because they are free from the pesticides, chemicals, fertilizers, waxes, fumigants and other toxic materials that contaminate our foods and impair immune function. If you have chronic sinus infections, you may need to avoid sugar and dairy products, especially cheese, ice cream, chocolate, food additives and alcohol, which can trigger a buildup of mucus in many individuals.
It is vital to drink enough spring or filtered water on a daily basis. Water will keep your respiratory tract well hydrated. I recommend drinking at least two quarts of water a day. Get accustomed to drinking room temperature water instead of iced water. Cold liquids can actually impair normal respiratory function.
Is chicken soup really good for the soul and a cold? Yes! It has been called “Jewish penicillin” for years, and researchers are now discovering what Jewish mothers knew all along. It helps to clear out the mucus in your sinuses. Besides hot chicken soup, hot herbal teas, vegetable broths, spicy foods such as cayenne pepper, garlic and horseradish all help to clear nasal congestion.
Sending in Supplies—Supplements
A good general knows one way to conquer an enemy is to cut off its supply lines. Colds, flu and sinus infections attack your body like an invading army. During each attack, massive amounts of nutrients—vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and more—are required to maintain its strong shield of defense. Your body needs to maintain a good, steady supply of basic vitamins and minerals to maintain its fighting edge. Make sure you are taking a comprehensive multivitamin/mineral, as well as a healthy dosage of vitamin A, B-complex, and vitamin C, which can usually be found in most multivitamins. Selenium and zinc are minerals that have shown great results for the immune system. Many people also opt to get a flu vaccination as a preventative measure against the flu. I recommend the flu vaccine without mercury or thimerosal.
Ready for Battle—Lifestyle Factors
Getting enough sleep is absolutely critical for maintaining a strong immune system. Deep sleep actually helps to strengthen the immune system and repair all tissues. Most of us try to push through the cold or flu, but your body is signaling you to sleep for a reason. God created principles of health within your body that you need to obey. Make sure you take time to rest and sleep so that your body can heal.
Exercise is an excellent way to stimulate the immune system and help prevent infections. If you do get sick, you need to limit your exercise to light walking until you recover. If you have the flu, stop exercise altogether until you recover.
Another important thing to remember is to wash your hands. When using a public restroom, use your paper towel to turn off the water and open the door. Remember that all the people who didn’t wash their hands have touched these surfaces. It might also be a good idea to carry antiseptic wipes with you.
The Bible says that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit: …do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:19 NKJV).
Honoring your body and caring for it shows your respect and honor for the One who created it. Your immune system is a strong and ready defender for your body, the magnificent work of a divine Creative Genius, and it’s up to you to take care of it.
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This article was developed from information in Dr. Colbert’s book The Bible Cure for Colds, Flu and Sinus Infections (Siloam, Lake Mary, FL 2007).
This article is not intended to provide medical advice or take the place of medical advice and treatment from your personal physician. Readers are advised to consult your own doctors or other qualified health professionals regarding the treatment of your medical problems. Neither the publisher nor the author takes any responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, action or application of medicine, supplement, herb or preparation to any person regarding or following the information in this article.
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