Just Real Health Magazine Just Real Health Magazine | Page 25

illnesses. Since the body only produces vitamin D with adequate sun exposure, it is very important to take enough Vitamin D3 during the winter months,especially if you have pigmented skin or live north of the 40th parallel latitude. The doctors and practitioners at TIMC recommend an annual 25-OH vitamin D3 blood test. You can order it directly through this link, without having to see a doctor. For more information about

Vitamin D, including

foods high in Vitamin D

and suggested doses by age, please go here. You

can also order high

quality vitamins from our

store; we ship every day

to patients all across the country.

Herbs are an excellent method for quickly resolving viral illnesses. Herbs provide nutrition to glands and organs, help the body cleanse and repair itself, and help stimulate the body’s natural defense mechanisms. There are many excellent herbal preparations on the market. Two of my favorite herbs for promoting winter health are elderberry (Sambucus) and echinacea. Herbs can be taken as tinctures (glycerin-based for kids, alcohol-based for adults), teas, lozenges, and syrups. Honey-containing herbal cough syrups (not to be used in children under one year of age) are my favorite!

Homeopathy can also prevent flu-like illnesses and can help the body quickly recover if a virus gets the best of you. Homeopathy utilizes very small amounts of substances to stimulate the body’s defense mechanisms

and immune system, and during times of illness, promotes a self-healing response. It is safe for people of all ages, easy to administer, cost effective, and often works rapidly and thoroughly. My training in homeopathy allows me to recommend preventative and therapeutic remedies specific to your constitution.

There are many other tools that can be used to promote fall and winter health, including probiotics (beneficial bacteria), colloidal silver and silver hydrosol, colostrum, and aromatherapy. Probiotics promote intestinal health and balance, which is crucial since a significant portion of our immune system resides in our intestines and is, in part, regulated by probiotics.

TIMC, illnesses that

might result in an

antibiotic from a

conventional doctor can

often be successfully

treated by our methods,

without the use of

pharmaceuticals. We

have a number of

herbal, homeopathic,

and other preparations

that help people resist

contracting viral

illnesses, including

influenza, and bacterial

illnesses.

If you or your child do catch a virus, it may be an indication that BOTH of you need some time off from your busy schedules. Remember to give yourself the time you need to rest and recover before resuming all your normal activities. While we certainly hope you don’t get sick this winter, we are here to help if you do. Be sure to call early in the course of any illness, as most illnesses (especially in children) are easier to treat in the beginning.