Natural options for winter chests
With winter approaching rapidly, chest infections will once again become a health concern across all age groups. Every year we see the arrival of new groups of influenza viruses which bring with them a host of fears such as bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections and sinusitis. Excessive mucus production puts strain on the lungs and increases the risk of recurring infections.
The lungs are kept moist with a thin film of fluid to stop them drying out. When there is a chest infection, this fluid increases and becomes thick and putrid. If the secretions (also called mucus, phlegm or sputum) are not removed from the lungs, the infected secretions may cause secondary chest infections. It is important to remove the secretions to allow more effective breathing and increase the amount of oxygen getting into the body.
Because of the dry air this time of the year, the airways become dehydrated and irritated with crusting of secretions. This increases our vulnerability to chest infections.
Homoeopathic remedies and nutraceutical supplementation can provide alternatives to conventional medications for the prevention and treatment of chest conditions. Simple measures such as Vitamin C with bioflavonoids such as rosehips or quercetin assists respiratory and nasal healing after infections, used continuously it can decrease the incidence and severity of respiratory tract infections. Likewise, beta-carotene (the natural, safe form of vitamin A) regulates immunity over the mucosal membranes and may be beneficial in controlling allergies as well as infections. Dairy products, wheat, bananas and citrus fruit all contribute to excessive mucus production and can aggravate infections.
