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Colds and Flu

Many people are making fear choices when it comes to dealing with colds and flu. The media's constant reports using fear tactics and warnings leaves one feeling dis - empowered and at the mercy of toxic drugs and risky flu shots that don't protect people against the new strain. West Nile virus, SARS, and general flu epidemics give cause for concern if we do not protect ourselves with immunity building diets, immune supporting supplements and a sense of well - being.

Support your immune system with a balanced diet.  Eliminate immune suppressing foods such as refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, refined grains), sugar and sugar containing foods. Sugar immediately lowers the function of the immune system. It is no wonder that children are more prone to becoming ill after Hallowe'en, Christmas, Valentine's Day and Easter. Dairy products, especially cow's milk is very mucous forming and can contain antibiotics and hormones. Junk food and pop are not only devoid of nutrients, but also like refined grains and sugars, create an imbalance in the pH of the body. Acidosis encourages the growth of harmful micro-organisms, just like a compost pile where the conditions are right.

Increase the intake of essential fatty acids. Add ground flax seed, cod liver oil, fish oil (from cold water fish), primrose oil, borage oil, black current oil or their mixtures. Use kinesiology testing to find out what you need and how much.

Avoid common allergy triggering foods.  This includes wheat, milk, soy products, citrus, eggs and chocolate. Allergy desensitizing can be helpful, but the whole immune make-up, lifestyle and attitude must also be considered.

Fever.  Unfortunately we are too quick to take an aspirin or tylenol for an infection. In children, fever is a way of building the immune system. If fever is always stopped with drugs, the body has no resources to fight infection adequately. Perhaps this may be one of the contributing factors to auto-immune disease in adults. Sponge the body with diluted apple cider vinegar and give herbal teas to help the body sweat out the infection. Watch the fever. If it gets too high, it needs to be addressed medically.

Supplements to Support the Immune System: (always test or calibrate the compatibility level) Garlic - an old fashioned remedy that has been proven to have antibiotic effects against bacteria, virus and fungus. Use fresh garlic chopped up or crushed in soups or salads. Not all garlic pills or tablets are effective. Test to determine the best for you.

Astragalus - comes from Chinese medicine and is a root with anti-viral and immune enhancing properties. The Chinese always put herbs together in a formula that work synergistically. If using the herb on its own, use for only a few days. Adult minimum dose is 500 mg, and children over 4,100 mg or more according to weight.

Echinacea - Here is an old-fashioned remedy that has become popular. The immune qualities make the tongue tingle. It is very effective, especially in combination with other herbs and should not be used over three weeks or use in cycles of five days on and two days off. Dosage varies. Take every hour at the onset of an infection, then reduce according to symptoms. Dose is from 500mg and up.

Licorice root - contains active ingredients that activate interferon and promote antiviral activity. It can be taken in the form of tea or prepared mixtures with other herbs.

Elderberry - has historically been used for colds. The flower, as a tea, was used to lower fever and the berries were used for immune support. New studies from the University of Oslo School of medicine showed that patients recovered from the flu more than twice as fast as those on placebo. Numerous other researchers showed similar findings. Elderberry is available in capsule or in juice form.

Olive leaf extract - comes in capsule form. It is helpful for viral infections and immune support. Goldenseal - is an antibiotic herb and immune booster. It can be taken in combination with echinacea or any other herbs. Taking a few drops of goldenseal tincture in water and gargling helps relieve a sore throat. Use as often as needed.

Horseradish - drains sinuses. Take a sniff of vapours or small amount of hot horseradish with food and you will be cleared very quickly.

Ginger - freshly grated and simmered as a tea and taken as a lemonade, sweetened with unpasteurized honey helps soothe sore throats and fight infection.

Marshmallow root tea (Althea) - with ginger, lemon and honey helps soothe coughs and supports the mucous membranes. Herbal teas - to reduce fever include linden flower, lemon balm, rose hip, spearmint, chamomile.

Supplements:

Vitamin C with flavonoids - in high doses to bowel tolerance of up to 10 gm for short periods of time (cutting back if bowels are loose). Use buffered vitamin C if you are sensitive to the acid and for high doses.

Zinc - up to 70 mg per day during infectious stages. Zinc lozenges every few hours help the throat.

Vitamin A - from cod liver oil or in a water miscible non-toxic form helps the mucous membranes. Although the recommended amount to take is 30,000 test to see your own tolerance level. Carotenoid complex, a pre-curser to vitamin A can be taken instead.

Essential oils - such as eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, or combinations such as "Thieves" from Young Living can be put into vaporizers and inhaled. Use a few drops of lemon oil or purification in your hands to disinfect them when in contact with contagious people. Oregano oil in capsule form is a potent protector and infection fighter. Be sure to test for compatibility with this one, as there could be sensitivity.

Homeopathic remedies are very useful. One remedy that we use is muco coccinum for flu prevention, although there are other good brands available as well. Use one tablet a week for children and elderly. Otherwise take one tablet every two weeks, from October to May. At the onset of infection, take two tabs, three times daily for two days only. If it will work, it will do so within the two days.

Probiotics - A good acidophilus helps keep the intestinal flora in balance and helps counteract infection. This can be taken on an ongoing basis.

At the first sign of a cold (scratchy throat, itchy eyes, sneezing) take a hot epsom salt bath - 2 cups epsom salt in bathtub of water, or take a sauna. Stop eating. Drink herbal teas (such as sage, ginger...) and eat chicken soup with garlic. Rest, take an echinacea combination with vitamin C, zinc, vitamin A, goldenseal... every hour or two, decreasing as you improve.

Unfortunately, most of us are too busy to stop to heal. Vegetable juice and vegetable broth fasting are ideal healing tools at this time. If you are stressed, have poor eating habits and don't exercise or have a poor attitude, are unhappy, it doesn't matter how many supplements you take, results will be limited!

Cod Liver Oil:

Our children would catch far less colds and we would be healthier if we took cod liver oil. Before we curl our noses, it's important to know that we carry a high quality cod liver oil that is now processed in a way that tastes reasonably good in its orange or peach flavour!

Cod liver oil has been used for numerous ailments. Now studies show that the omega 3 fatty acids. the vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin K (important for blood and bones) all work towards building better health. Brain and nervous system health are supported by the DHA and EPA, omega3 fatty acids. They also help reduce inflammation in the body, help with memory and depression. Even insulin resistance is helped by this oil. Chronic joint pain and inflammation is relieved with cod liver oil. Studies from Great Britain have shown that it can even reverse the destruction of joint cartilage. The best part is that it supports the immune system and helps prevent colds and infections as well as middle ear infections.

Antichill, Anticold Ginger Brandy:

Steep the bruised ginger root in brandy for 7-10 days,  strain.

Holistique - please submit any questions or comments to:  shakti1@rogers.com