With the recent withdrawal of many popular over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children, many parents are wondering what to do during this cold and flu season. Natural therapies provide great alternatives for preventing colds, as well as ways to speed up recovery once a cold has been caught.

The body has natural defense mechanisms that protect us from the different viruses and bacteria that contribute to the cause of the common cold. We are exposed to these pathogens daily; however most people only “catch a cold” a couple times a year. With a healthy, functioning immune system, a cold should not last more than a few days. Natural therapies aim to support the body's innate ability to fight infections by enhancing our natural defense mechanisms. This allows a person to recover as quickly and comfortably as possible, without compromising his or her overall health

Many people take over-the-counter cough and cold medications to feel better faster. However, many of these medications have been shown to be clinically ineffective. In 2006, the journal Clinical Pediatrics published a study indicating no significant difference in the effect of dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), diphenhydramine (an antihistamine), or placebo on common cold symptoms for children between the ages of 6 and 18 years old.

Symptoms associated with the common cold are our body's way of attacking the pathogens. For example, when a “bug” invades the lining of our respiratory tract, our tissues produce mucus used to “wash out” the invading organism. This mucus is filled with antibodies and other immune defenses which aid in attacking the pathogen. Another example of our body's natural defense mechanism is a fever. The increased temperature makes our immune system work more efficiently in inhibiting the organism.

Once a cold develops, there are several natural therapies that can assist in speeding up recovery time. Do not expect immediate relief when using natural substances. Since natural therapies involve assisting the body, as opposed to suppressing the symptoms, the symptoms of a cold may temporarily worsen before getting better.

Many studies have indicated that vitamin C strengthens and protects the immune system by stimulating the activity of antibodies and disease fighting cells. The Journal of the American College of Nutrition published a study showing that vitamin C decreased the duration of the common cold as well as significantly alleviating cold symptoms.

There are a number of herbs to choose from that have been shown to enhance immunity. However, the herb with the greatest amount of scientific support is echinacea. In 2005, a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine indicated that echinacea was effective at treating children with cold symptoms as well as reducing the risk of developing a subsequent infection. The dosage of the herb is the limiting factor in many of the studies done on echinacea. In general, parents should use herbs wisely. If they are unsure of the dosage or use of an herb, they should seek professional assistance.

Sugar consumption, even if derived from fruit juices and honey, has been shown to impair immunity. This impairment appears to be due to the competition between sugar and vitamin C in our immune cells. Sugar consumption decreases vitamin C levels resulting in significant reduction in immune function. It is important to optimize nutrition in children by reducing sugar intake and increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables, which contain antioxidants shown to enhance immunity.

Homeopathy is another great alternative used in the treatment of cold and flu symptoms. Homeopathy treats the whole person by using minute doses of natural substances to stimulate the body to heal itself. Homeopathic remedies are nontoxic, inexpensive, and highly effective when prescribed correctly. These medicines are so highly diluted that they are safe for babies, pregnant woman, and the elderly.

Personally and professionally, I witness amazing responses with utilizing natural therapies to optimize immune function for a variety of health conditions including colds and flus. The key is to be aware of the body's signals and implement natural therapies at the first sign. For children that are coming down with multiple colds each year and have a hard time recovering from them, a more comprehensive approach identifying possible environmental and/or food sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies, mental/emotional challenges, and/or sleep issues may be required. Naturopathic medicine provides a safe and effective alternative for this year's cold and flu season.

Amanda H. Fey is a naturopathic doctor at The Center,

www.TheCenter4Wellness.com. She can be contacted at 704-0319.