Tis The Season
TIS THE SEASON
As the days grow shorter, the leaves turn colors, and the weather turns colder, one thing is certain. The COLD & FLU SEASON is here.
There are over 200 viruses that can cause the COMMON COLD. The well known symptoms include head congestion, sore throat, coughing, headache, fever, sneezing, watery eyes, and body aches and pains. Though usually not serious the common cold generally produce symptoms that are far worse then the disease.
It is estimated that adults may get two to five colds per year. Children usually get more colds per year for many reasons. First, children are usually grouped together where germs can be transferred from child to child more easily. This is due to their poor hygiene. They rarely wash their hands and they touch everything in sight. When an adult gets frequent colds it is usually because their immune system is greatly compromised When colds strike they usually effect everyone in the family. One way to slows its spread is to make sure that everyone gets their own linen. Each family member should use their own towels, pillow cases, and utensils. Hands should be washed frequently. Colds can be spread quicker by not washing hands than any other way.
People rarely contract colds by stepping in puddles, or standing in drafts. They are more susceptible to colds because their immune systems are not functioning properly.
Maintaining a healthy immune system is the best way of protecting against an excessive number of colds. Good nutrition, proper rest, and exercise are important in maintaining a healthy immune system.
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU ARE INFECTED?
Once a cold develops there are several things that may speed up recovery. With a healthy immune system a cold may not last more than two to four days. However, you should be aware that once a cold takes hold it is very difficult to throw it off completely. Since most natural therapies for colds involve assisting the immune system, symptoms may actually worsen temporarily.
The reason for this is that most cold symptoms are the result of our body's defense mechanisms. For example, the potent compound interferon released by our blood cells during infections is responsible for many flu-like symptoms. The other is the beneficial effect of fever. While an elevated body temperature can be uncomfortable, suppression of fever is thought to counteract a major defense mechanism and prolong infection. Fever should not be suppressed during an infection unless it is dangerously high, (>104 F). So while natural remedies may make a person a little more uncomfortable they will lessen the duration of the cold or flu..
Once a cold has taken hold getting adequate amounts of bed rest is very important. Our immune system functions better under parasympathetic control..This could be why fevers and body aches are routinely elevate in the evening when the parasympathetic nervous system begins to take over.
During the deepest levels of sleep potent immune enhancing compounds are released, and many immune functions are greatly increased. One of these functions is the detoxification of free radicals from the cells. It should be noted that the immune attack produces an increase in free radical compounds.
It is important to increase your intake of liquids.
When mucous membranes that line the respiratory tract become dehydrated they provide a much more hospitable environment for the virus. Consuming plenty of liquid maintains a moist respiratory tract that repels viral infection. This is another reason for not increasing the heat in your living quarters. By increasing the heat you will produce a much drier environment.. This drier, hotter air will make your cold much worse by drying out mucous membranes, thus allowing virus' and bacteria a better environment to multiply in. Keep a window slightly open even in the coldest weather, and use a room humidifier if the air in your living quarters is to dry.
Sugar consumption even from natural source like fruit juice, can impair immune function. This is because glucose (blood sugar) and vitamin C compete for transport into the white blood cells. Decreased vitamin C levels may result in significant reduction in white blood cell function making it more difficult to fight off the infection. Therefore the old habit of drinking lots of orange juice for a cold may actually help the cold last longer. Diluting the orange juice one-to-one with water would be better .The best advice is to drink HERBAL TEAS and WATER.
WHAT NUTRIENTS HELP THE MOST?
Vitamin C has been shown to be very effective as an antiviral and antibacterial nutrient. Its main effect is to improve host resistance. This means that vitamin C enhances white blood cell production, increases interferon production, antibody responses, and the secretion of thymic hormones.
Quercitin is a powerful, natural, anti-histamine
Zinc is critical for optimum immune system function. Like vitamin C zinc possess antiviral and antibacterial properties. High zinc concentrations appear to inhibit viral replication.
Vitamin A & Beta-Carotene have both immune enhancing properties and are potent anti-oxidants of the mucosa lining. These anti-oxidants effect helps to eliminate inflammation of the mucosa linings.
Many different herbs may be used when fighting colds. The two I like the best are Pau D’Arco and Astragalus. If your patient is not sensitive to mushrooms Myco Potent is a great choice.
WHAT PRODUCTS CAN HELP THE MOST?
Immunotone Plus take one capsule every hour for the first 24 hours Then, take two capsule four times a day.
Perque Zinc & Throat Lozenges- take one lozenge every hour the first day, then take one every three hours.
Mention herbal throat spray here
Pau D’Arco/Astragalus Root- take 2 dropper fulls mixed together in 3 ounces of water every hour the first day, then take the mixture four times a day.
or
Myco Potent Immune-taken just like the herbs. This my favorite product along with Immunotone Plus to fight colds and flu
C+ Bio Fizz- With bioflavinoids and Quercitin, this product will go a long way in fighting your cold. Take two capsules three times daily for the duration of your cold.
Xylitol Gum-Can be very soothing to the throat while at the same time xylitol provides an anti-bacterial effect.
Combining these products along with rest and plenty of liquids should enable your patients shorten the duration of their cold and get them on a healthy footing quickly
Any questions about colds and their treatment should be directed to Dr. Steven Felder 1-914-939-3621 or e-mail steve.felder@verizon.net
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Posted
by Dr. Steven Felder
