Natural Treatment for Colds, Flu, and Chronic Infections in Phoenix
Your immune system defends your body against infection using white blood cells, antibodies, and other chemical messengers. At Living Wellness Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ , our naturopathic doctors support your body’s innate defenses by strengthening immune function rather than simply suppressing symptoms with over-the-counter medications, helping you recover faster and stay healthier year-round.
Request an AppointmentHow Your Immune System Works
The immune system has two main parts that work closely together. The specific immune system is made up of lymphocytes (T cells and B cells) that produce antibodies targeting particular viruses and bacteria. It builds immunity after exposure and continues to develop as we age. Because many different virus strains cause colds and flu, we don’t develop lifelong immunity and can get these infections again each year. The non-specific immune system is our first line of defense, made up of immune cells ready in the blood and tissues to immediately destroy bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.
Prevention Comes First
Prevention is the most important aspect of health, and it is our primary focus. We support your immunity through dietary changes, stress management, sleep, and exercise. Naturopathic medicine also offers many tools to boost the immune system and treat infections naturally, reducing reliance on medications that can have side effects. Learn more about our preventative medicine approach.
Acute vs. Chronic Infections
Acute infections come on suddenly and typically resolve within a week to a month. Treatment focuses on boosting immunity and helping the body clear the virus or bacteria, and most patients recover fully.
Chronic infections usually develop slowly and last longer than a month, sometimes for years. Treatment focuses on strengthening the immune system and, when possible, clearing the virus, bacteria, parasite, or fungus responsible. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an example: it causes mononucleosis, with fever, sore throat, swollen glands, and fatigue that usually resolve in a week or two, but in some people symptoms linger or the virus reactivates years later, often causing fatigue. We are skilled in treating both acute and chronic infections, and every treatment plan is individualized.
Natural Immune Support
- Vitamins and minerals tailored to your needs, often guided by a micronutrient panel
- Herbs: many herbs can upregulate or downregulate immune activity, and your physician will customize an herbal protocol for your situation
- Probiotics: the immune system is largely mediated by the gut microbiome, and beneficial bacteria help crowd out harmful ones. If you are prescribed antibiotics, ask your doctor about increasing your probiotic dose and which strains to use.
- Medicinal mushrooms: cordyceps, shiitake, maitake, coriolus, and reishi are rich in immune-supporting beta-glucans
- Vitamin C: a powerful antioxidant and immune staple. High oral doses can cause loose stools; if so, reduce your dose by 1 gram until they resolve. We also offer high-dose vitamin C IVs for immune and antiviral support.
Nutritional IV Therapy and Injections
When nutrients are delivered intravenously, digestion is bypassed and absorption is 100%. Many illnesses involve digestive problems, food sensitivities, or intestinal inflammation that block nutrient absorption, so IVs deliver nutrients directly to the cells where they are needed. Learn more about nutrient IV therapies. Intramuscular vitamin injections also bypass liver metabolism for an immediate, active effect, and like IVs, they contain no binders, fillers, or additives.
Engystol Immune Shot
Engystol is an all-natural homeopathic remedy given as a monthly injection to help prevent illness during flu season. It has demonstrated antiviral activity against influenza, herpes simplex 1, rhinovirus, and RSV. Benefits include:
- Relief from runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches, and mild fever
- Shorter duration of viral infections
- Clinically studied effectiveness
- No known side effects, contraindications, or interactions
- Increases white blood cell count by as much as 41%
Ozone Therapy
Ozone’s oxidative properties make it a powerful therapeutic agent. It increases production of glutathione, the body’s “master antioxidant,” which also recycles other antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and alpha-lipoic acid. We administer ozone by IV or intramuscular injection.
Colds, Flu, and Chronic Infection FAQs
How can I boost my immune system naturally?
Eat a nutrient-dense diet, manage stress, sleep well, exercise regularly, and support your gut with probiotics. Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and medicinal mushrooms can provide additional support.
Why do I keep getting colds every year?
Many different virus strains cause colds and flu, so the body doesn’t develop lifelong immunity. A weakened immune system can also make you more susceptible.
What is the difference between acute and chronic infections?
Acute infections come on suddenly and resolve within weeks, while chronic infections last longer than a month, sometimes for years, as with reactivated Epstein-Barr virus.
Do you offer vitamin C IVs?
Yes. We offer high-dose vitamin C IVs for immune and antiviral support, along with other customized nutrient IVs.
What is the Engystol immune shot?
Engystol is a natural homeopathic injection given monthly during flu season to support immune function and help prevent and shorten viral infections.
Should I take probiotics with antibiotics?
Many patients benefit from increasing probiotics during antibiotic treatment. Ask your physician which strains and dose are right for you.
Can you treat chronic Epstein-Barr virus?
Yes. Our physicians treat chronic and reactivated infections by strengthening the immune system and supporting energy and recovery.
Strengthen Your Immune System
Recover faster and stay healthier all year. Call Living Wellness Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ at (480) 588-6856 to schedule your immune support visit.
