Does vitamin C actually help?

It's the first thing most people reach for, along with zinc. Both have a role, but they work best alongside the two things that matter most — fluids and rest — rather than instead of them.

When should a cold be seen by a doctor?

If you have a high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, a cough that's getting worse rather than better, or symptoms lasting beyond about ten days, see your GP. The same goes for infants, older adults and anyone whose immune system is suppressed.

I keep getting sick. Is that worth looking into?

Yes. Recurrent infection is a pattern rather than bad luck, and it's worth assessing — nutritional status, sleep, stress and gut health all affect immune function.

Beating a Cold | Naturopath Melbourne, Brunswick West

When we’re unwell most of us head straight for vitamin C or zinc. Both are reasonable. But there are usually things already in the kitchen cupboard that help, and two basics that matter more than any supplement.

The two that matter most

Increase your fluids. Water and fresh vegetable or fruit juices reduce dehydration and help with congestion.

Rest. Genuinely rest. It lets your body put its energy into fighting the infection rather than into getting you through the day.

Neither is exciting advice, and both are the ones most often skipped.

When to see a doctor instead

⚠ See your GP if you have a high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, a cough that’s worsening rather than easing, or symptoms lasting beyond about ten days. The same applies for infants, older adults, and anyone whose immune system is suppressed.

A naturopath is not the right first call for a chest infection.

If you’re getting sick often

Catching one cold is bad luck. Catching them repeatedly is a pattern worth looking at.

Your naturopath will take a history covering sleep, stress, diet, digestion and nutritional status, since all of them affect immune function. Where it’s clinically appropriate they may recommend pathology to check iron, vitamin D or other markers before suggesting anything.

Sara Canney’s practice includes immune function alongside digestive health — both acute and chronic immune challenges.

Beating a cold