Tag: Functional Medicine

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Is It a Cold, Flu or COVID? How to Tell the Difference This Winter

Know what you’re dealing with and how to support your body naturally

During winter, many of us experience sniffles, fatigue, or a lingering cough. But how do you know whether it’s just a common cold, something stronger like the flu, or a case of COVID-19?

All three are respiratory infections, but they differ in severity, onset, and symptoms. Understanding the difference helps you respond appropriately and support your recovery using safe, effective natural approaches.

Common Cold

The cold is usually mild and more annoying than dangerous.

Key symptoms:

  • Runny or blocked nose
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Mild cough or fatigue

Less likely: Fever, body aches
Onset: Gradual (1–3 days)
Duration: 5–10 days

Influenza (Flu)

Flu hits fast and hard.

Key symptoms:

  • High fever
  • Body aches
  • Chills and exhaustion
  • Dry cough, headache

Less likely: Runny nose
Onset: Sudden (within 24 hours)
Duration: 7–14 days

COVID-19 (Current Strains)

COVID symptoms can overlap with both cold and flu, but often include broader systemic effects.

Key symptoms:

  • Dry cough
  • Fatigue
  • Sore throat, headache
  • Runny nose, fever
  • Sometimes: brain fog, nausea, digestive issues
  • Loss of smell/taste (less common now)

Onset: Gradual or sudden
Duration: 5–10 days (longer if post-viral fatigue develops)

Suggested Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs and Medicinal Mushrooms to Help

SupplementBenefitsSuggested Use
Vitamin CAntioxidant, supports white blood cells1000–3000 mg daily in divided doses
ZincAntiviral, tissue repair, mucosal defence15–30 mg daily (short-term)
Vitamin D3Immune regulation, antiviral defence2000–5000 IU (check levels first)
QuercetinAntihistamine, antioxidant, antiviral250–500 mg twice daily
NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)Thins mucous, raises glutathione (antioxidant)600–1200 mg daily
ElderberryAntiviral (especially for flu)5–10 mL syrup or 300–500 mg extract daily
ProbioticsGut-immune axis supportHigh-quality, multi-strain formula
Mushroom extracts (Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake)Immune modulation, anti-inflammatory1–2 g daily or as tincture/capsules
Adaptogens (Astragalus, Rhodiola)Stress resilience, post-viral recoveryUse especially in fatigue/post-viral phase

Our favourite supplements are Eagle Clinical Zinc-C powder as it also contains quercetin and Vitamin A as well as Orthoplex ImmunoForte as it contains elderberry and echinacea as well as Orthoplex Mushroom Matrix capsules.

Immune-Supportive Foods

Food TypeWhy It HelpsExamples
Soups & BrothsEasy to digest, hydrating, mineral-richVegetable broth, garlic soup
Herbal TeasAntiviral, warming, decongestantGinger, thyme, echinacea, licorice root
Antiviral FoodsSupport innate immunity and viral defenceGarlic, onions, turmeric, mushrooms
Fruits & BerriesRich in vitamin C and antioxidantsBlueberries, kiwi, citrus, pomegranate
Fermented FoodsGut microbiome supportSauerkraut, coconut kefir, miso
Warming SpicesCirculatory support and mucous thinningCinnamon, ginger, cayenne, clove
HydrationThins mucous and aids detoxificationWater, warm lemon water, coconut water

Lifestyle & Home Remedies

PracticeBenefit
Rest & SleepCrucial for immune recovery
Steam inhalationEases congestion, supports respiratory clearance
Lymphatic Self MassageLymphatic movement and detoxification
Castor oil packs (chest/abdomen)Reduces inflammation, supports detox
Gentle movement (yoga, walking)Enhances lymphatic and circulatory flow
Nasal rinses (e.g. saline or neti pot)Clears sinuses, reduces viral load
Sunlight exposureSupports vitamin D production and mood
Breathwork or box breathingEnhances lung capacity, calms nervous system

Need Extra Support?

If you’re feeling run down, not bouncing back from illness, or want a more personalised plan to support your immune system this winter, I’m here to help.

Book a consultation with Naturopath Lisa to get tailored advice on natural immune support, post-viral recovery, and your overall wellness strategy.

Let’s get your health back on track – naturally.

Toxicity

EMFs and Your Health

  1. Understanding Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)
  2. What is Natural Background?
  3. Natural Background vs. Typical EMF Levels in the Home
  4. Why Should We Care About The Profound Increase In EMFs ?
  5. Steps to Reduce EMF Exposure
  6. EMF ASSESSMENT IN YOUR HOME

Understanding Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible waves of energy produced by electricity, wireless devices, and digital technologies. While some EMFs are naturally occurring (like the Earth’s magnetic field), most of what we encounter today is artificial and has increased exponentially in just the last century. These modern exposures come from sources like mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, smart meters, power lines, and more.

What is Natural Background?

Natural background EMFs refer to the extremely low levels of electromagnetic radiation that exist in nature and that life on Earth evolved with. These signals come from sources like the Earth’s magnetic field, solar activity, and the Schumann Resonance—a natural frequency that pulses between the Earth’s surface and the ionosphere. The ionosphere is a layer of the upper atmosphere filled with charged particles that interact with solar energy and help transmit natural electromagnetic signals back to Earth. These signals are stable, predictable, and incredibly subtle.

They are so fundamental to life that they act like nature’s “operating instructions.” The human body—especially the brain, heart, and nervous system—uses these electromagnetic cues to regulate key functions like:

  • Sleep and wake cycles – Natural EMFs help set our circadian rhythm, which controls when we feel awake or sleepy.
  • Brainwave rhythms – Brain activity runs on electrical patterns that align with Earth’s frequencies, supporting focus and relaxation.
  • Hormone release (e.g. melatonin, cortisol) – Hormones are released based on time cues from environmental EMFs, impacting energy, mood, and repair.
  • Immune activity – The immune system is influenced by electromagnetic signals that help it stay regulated and responsive.
  • Mood and mental clarity – Balanced brainwaves and hormones, both regulated by natural EMFs, affect how we think and feel.
  • Cell-to-cell communication – Cells use tiny electrical charges to talk to each other, which depend on the body being in sync with natural EMFs.

An everyday example of how this works: The gravitational pull of the moon regulates the tides in the ocean—huge masses of water that rise and fall in a predictable rhythm. Just as the moon influences the ocean, Earth’s electromagnetic rhythms affect the “tides” of our biology—subtle shifts in brainwaves, hormone release, and even gene expression.

These cues are incredibly faint, but the body is exquisitely sensitive to them. Unfortunately, the artificial EMFs from modern devices are not only vastly stronger—they are chaotic, pulsed, and often completely out of sync with these natural signals. This mismatch can disrupt the body’s internal timing and cause stress at the cellular level.

Natural Background vs. Typical EMF Levels in the Home

To appreciate the difference between healthy and harmful exposure levels, we need to compare natural background levels to those found in modern homes.


Type of EMF		Natural BackgroundModern Home (Typical)Building Biology Safe Limit (Bedroom)Increase
Radio Frequency (RF) (Wi-Fi, cell towers, Bluetooth)<0.00002 V/m0.434 V/m (10 million µW/m²)<5 µW/m²2,170,000% higher
Electric Fields (EF) (wiring, plugged-in devices)0.0001 V/mUp to 10 V/m<0.3 V/m10,000,000% higher
Magnetic Fields (MF) (appliances, power lines)0.000002 mG<2 mG<0.2 mG100,000,000% higher

Why Should We Care About The Profound Increase In EMFs ?

EMFs are not inert. They are biologically active and can trigger significant physiological changes—even at levels far below current safety guidelines. Research* shows:

  1. Disruption of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels (VGCCs): EMFs activate VGCCs—tiny gateways in your cells that regulate calcium flow. When these channels open uncontrollably, they cause a calcium overload inside the cell. This leads to inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and DNA damage. This mechanism is believed to underlie symptoms like fatigue, tinnitus, insomnia, anxiety, and even cardiac arrhythmias.
  2. DNA Damage: Multiple studies have shown that EMFs can induce both single- and double-strand breaks in DNA. These breaks increase the risk of mutations and are strongly associated with infertility, neurodegeneration, and cancer development.
  3. Melatonin Suppression and Circadian Rhythm Disruption: Melatonin, a hormone essential for sleep and cellular repair, is suppressed by EMFs—especially blue light from screens and wireless radiation. Reduced melatonin levels are linked to insomnia, immune dysregulation, and elevated cancer risk.
  4. Breakdown of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB): EMF exposure can make the BBB more permeable, allowing toxins and inflammatory molecules to enter the brain. This contributes to brain fog, cognitive decline, and mood disturbances.
  5. Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: EMFs stimulate excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage cell membranes, proteins, and DNA. This oxidative stress contributes to chronic inflammation and is a known factor in the progression of nearly all chronic diseases.
  6. Reproductive and Hormonal Effects: The testes and ovaries have a high density of VGCCs, making them especially vulnerable. EMF exposure has been linked to decreased sperm motility, increased sperm DNA fragmentation, altered hormone levels, and potential risks to fetal development during pregnancy.
  7. Neurodevelopment and Mental Health: There is growing concern about EMFs affecting children’s developing nervous systems. The bodies of children absorb twice the amount compared to adults. EMFs have been found to directly impact neuronal formation in the brain. Studies suggest increased risk for behavioral issues, attention difficulties, anxiety, and depression with early and ongoing EMF exposure.

*See scientific references below.

Steps to Reduce EMF Exposure

Safer Mobile Phone Use:

  • Use speakerphone or air-tube headsets.
  • Avoid wireless earbuds and Bluetooth devices.
  • Keep your phone in airplane mode when near your body.
  • Avoid phone use with weak signal. It emits up to 10,000 times more radiation when using with a weak signal. Don’t use whilst driving either.
  • Set email to manual fetch so your phone is not frequently downloading and emitting/receiving radiation.
  • Keep phone at least one foot from your body when in use.

Safer Wireless Use at Home:

  • Turn off routers when not in use, especially overnight.
  • Turn off at the wall to ensure full shutdown.
  • Never place routers in bedrooms or next to beds and desks.
  • Avoid Wi-Fi extenders and boosters near living/sleeping areas.
  • Use Ethernet (hardwired) connections wherever possible.
  • Keep smart meters and base stations away from bedrooms and common areas.
  • Consider shielding or relocating smart meters.

Bedroom EMF Hygiene:

  • Remove all smart and wireless devices from sleeping areas.
  • Unplug electronics (lamps, chargers, electric blankets) at night.
  • Avoid electric blankets.
  • Do not use Bluetooth devices or CPAP machines with wireless functions.
  • Do not sleep near waterbeds, radiant floor heating, or portable heaters.

Laptop and Appliance Tips:

  • Never use laptops on your lap; place them on a desk. For instance men who use a laptop on their laps see sperm motility decrease by 25%.
  • Use ethernet cables instead of Wi-Fi.
  • Avoid sitting, standing or sleeping near appliances. Watchout for smart TVs, wireless speakers, dimmable lights, and -in the kitchen -avoid spending time near the microwave oven, high-speed blenders or mixers, the dishwasher or toaster, and especially an induction oven.

EMF ASSESSMENT IN YOUR HOME

A building biologist can assess the home and workplace, and make recommendations to eliminate or ameliorate EMF exposure. This will reduce mast cell activation and nervous system interference (VGCCs).

To book an EMF testing technician in Australia visit this site https://www.asbb.org.au/emf-testing-technicians

Electromagnetic pollution is an unavoidable reality of modern life. But with awareness and simple lifestyle changes, we can reduce our exposure and support our bodies against its biological impact. If you’re experiencing fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, or unexplained symptoms, consider evaluating EMF exposure as a potential contributor.

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Scientific References

  • Sage C. The implications of non-linear biological oscillations on human electrophysiology for electrohypersensitivity (EHS) and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). Reviews on Environmental Health 2015, Vol. 30 (Issue 4), pp. 293-303.
  • Bevington M. Electromagnetic Sensitivity and Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity: (Also Known As Asthenic Syndrome, EMF Intolerance Syndrome, Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance – EMF, Microwave Syndrome, Radio Wave Sickness): A Summary. 2013.
  • Pall ML. Electromagnetic fields act via activation of voltage-gated calcium channels to produce beneficial or adverse effects. J Cell Mol Med 2013;17(8):958-65.
  • Lowenthal RM, Tuck DM, Bray IC. Residential exposure to electric power transmission lines and risk of lymphoproliferative and myeloproliferative disorders: a case-control study. Intern Med J. 2007;37(9):614-9.
  • Baldi I, Coureau G, Jaffré A, et al. Occupational and residential exposure to electromagnetic fields and risk of brain tumors in adults: a case-control study in Gironde, France. Int J Cancer. 2011;129(6):1477-84.
  • Huss A, Spoerri A, Egger M, et al. Swiss National Cohort Study. Residence near power lines and mortality from neurodegenerative diseases: longitudinal study of the Swiss population. Am J Epidemiol. 2009;169(2):167-75.
  • Zhao L, Liu X, Wang C, et al. Magnetic fields exposure and childhood leukemia risk: a meta-analysis based on 11,699 cases and 13,194 controls. Leuk Res. 2014;38(3):269-74.
  • Hillman D, Stetzer D, Graham M, et al. Relationship of electric power quality to milk production of dairy herds – field study with literature review. Sci Total Environ. 2013;447:500-14.
  • Milham S. Dirty Electricity: Electrification and the Diseases of Civilization. 2012 iUniverse.
  • Bijlsma, Nicole (building biologist). 2010, Healthy home, healthy family : is where you live affecting your health?
  • Belpomme D, Campagnac C, Irigaray P. Reliable disease biomarkers characterizing and identifying electrohypersensitivity and multiple chemical sensitivity as two etiopathogenic aspects of a unique pathological disorder. Rev Environ Health. 2015;30(4):251-71.
  • Irigaray P, Caccamo D, Belpomme D. Oxidative stress in electrohypersensitivity self-reporting patients: Results of a prospective in vivo investigation with comprehensive molecular analysis. Int J Mol Med. 2018;42(4):1885-1898.
  • Heuser G, Heuser SA. Functional brain MRI in patients complaining of electrohypersensitivity after long term exposure to electromagnetic fields. Rev Environ Health. 2017;32(3):291-299.

Limbic-Retraining-Cell-Danger-Response-Healing-Brain
Parkinson's

How the Cell Danger Response Blocks Healing—and What Limbic Retraining Can Do About It

What Is the Cell Danger Response?

Imagine your cells as little workers in a town. When life is good, they make energy, communicate with each other, and keep everything running smoothly.

But when a threat arises—like toxins, chronic infections, emotional trauma, or stress—your cells go into survival mode. They shut down normal operations to focus on defense.

This is known as the Cell Danger Response (CDR)—your body’s way of protecting itself from harm.

What Happens When the Cell Danger Response Gets Stuck?

The problem is that sometimes, even after the threat is gone, your body doesn’t switch off the alarm.

When the Cell Danger Response stays active, your body gets stuck in chronic inflammation, poor energy, and immune system confusion.

You can’t fully heal in this state.

Common Triggers for the Cell Danger Response

Your body might enter and stay in CDR due to:

  • Chronic infections (e.g. Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, mould illness)
  • Environmental toxins (pesticides, heavy metals, mould toxins, pollution)
  • Emotional or physical trauma
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction (the powerhouse of the cells creating cellular energy issues)
  • Ongoing stress (emotional, mental, or physical)

Even when these triggers are removed, your cells may continue to behave like they’re under attack.

Why You Can’t Heal While Stuck in CDR

When CDR is active:

  • Healing and cell repair slow down or stop
  • The immune system becomes overactive or depleted
  • Sensitivities to foods, supplements, and treatments increase
  • You feel wired but tired, with sleep problems and fatigue
  • Inflammation spreads, especially in the brain and gut

In Parkinson’s disease, this is particularly concerning, since CDR can worsen:

  • 🔥 Neuroinflammation (Brain Inflammation) – In Parkinson’s, brain cells are already inflamed. The CDR adds more stress by keeping the brain in “attack mode,” which can speed up damage and worsen symptoms like brain fog, mood changes, and fatigue.
  • ⚡Mitochondrial Stress (Energy Breakdown) – Mitochondria are the cell’s batteries. In Parkinson’s, they don’t work well—and the CDR makes it worse by lowering energy production even more. This leads to more fatigue and poor healing.
  • 💔 Dopamine Loss – Parkinson’s symptoms are due to the loss of dopamine, the brain chemical that controls movement and mood. The inflammation and stress from the CDR can damage these dopamine-producing cells even further.
  • 🔄 Autonomic Imbalance (Nervous System Confusion) – The part of the nervous system that controls things like digestion, heartbeat, and temperature can go haywire. The CDR keeps the body stuck in “fight or flight,” making these symptoms worse.

The Limbic System: Your Internal Alarm Center

The limbic system is the part of your brain responsible for:

  • Processing fear and safety
  • Emotional memory
  • How your body responds to stress
  • Regulating inflammation and gut function

When the limbic system is overstimulated by illness, trauma, or stress, it continues to send danger signals—even after the threat is gone.

This keeps the Cell Danger Response switched on, preventing full recovery.

How Limbic Retraining Helps Heal CDR and Parkinson’s Symptoms

Limbic retraining helps rewire the brain so it no longer stays stuck in survival mode. It signals to the body: “You’re safe now. It’s okay to heal.”

Benefits of Limbic Retraining:

  • ✅ Calms inflammation in the brain and body
  • ✅ Lowers stress hormones that worsen Parkinson’s symptoms
  • ✅ Supports digestion, sleep, and nervous system function
  • ✅ Reduces sensitivity to foods, supplements, and toxins
  • ✅ Encourages neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to rewire and repair)

Real-Life Analogy: Resetting Your Internal Alarm

Think of your limbic system as a home alarm. If it goes off 24/7—even when there’s no intruder—you can’t relax, sleep, or heal.

Limbic retraining resets the alarm, so your body can stop wasting energy on defense and start focusing on rebuilding and restoring.

Popular Limbic Retraining Programs

If you’re ready to try this approach, these are some of the most trusted programs:

🧘 Gupta Program – Combines breathwork, meditation, and brain retraining exercises.

🌀 DNRS (Dynamic Neural Retraining System) – Uses visualization and movement to gently rewire survival patterns.

🌱 Primal Trust – Focuses on somatic healing, safety, and nervous system regulation.

The GUPTA Program offers a 28 day free trial so many start here. The DNRS program has a 7 day free trial.

Simply start with 15 minutes a day. Do not feel overwhelmed and feel you need to follow the programs entirely from the start. The programs may suggest an hour a day but start small and being consistent is best.

Bottom Line: You Can’t Heal in Survival Mode

The Cell Danger Response is a major reason why so many people with chronic conditions—including Parkinson’s—struggle to get better.

Limbic retraining helps calm your nervous system, turn off the danger signals, and shift your body back into healing.

✅ Want to Learn More About Healing Your Body Heal from Parkinson’s?

Sign up for our Healing Program and have 5 one on one telehealth consultations with experienced naturopath Lisa who will guide you on your healing journey.