WINTER HEALTH
| Published: 24th September 2006 16:56 |
The immune system is constantly under pressure to keep the body free from infection by fighting off a variety of different pathogens, mainly bacteria, viruses, yeast and fungi. Further more, it protects us from cancer and detoxifies the body. It is therefore very important that the health of the immune system is maintained, so that it is able to efficiently overcome these problems.
To prevent recurrent infections, it is vitally impoortant to give the immune system everything it needs to operate at its optimum ability. This is achieved through a nutritious diet, a healthy lifresyle and the use of various nutritional supplements.
We all hope that we can get though the winter without any serious problems such as 'flu' or heavy colds. In order to protect yourself, there are a number of natural remedies you can take.
1) Echanacea to motivate and stimulate the white blood cells. This can be taken in a low dose over the entire winter. At the first sign of a viral infection the dose can be increased. This will decrease the severity of the symptoms or prevent them occurring at all!
This preparation is available in tablets, capsules, tinctures or throat (cough) syrup.
Please note: people with an auto-immune disorder usch as rheumatoid arthritis, should not take echinacea as it will stimulate the immune system too much. In such cases an alternative herbal remedy can be found. (see below)
2) Olive Leaf this can be taken as per the echinacea directions above. This is available in vegetarian capsules
3) Colostrum an excellent natural remedy for protection against viral infections.
This is available in capsules.
4) Acidophilus to coat the gut with the good bacteria that protects against opportunistic 'bad' bacteria.
5) Antioxidant formula which supports immune response.
6) Glutamine which is needed to make white blood cells and antibodies. It is very useful for those people who get recurrent infections.
7) Ashwaganda Activates lymphocytes and boosts immune response
It goes without saying that your diet should be looked at to ensure that the required amount of vitamins and minerals are ingested. If your diet is lacking in vital nutrients, it would be wise to take a good quality vitamin and mineral supplement. There any many different manufacturers to choose from, but do ensure that you buy a good brand or it may not have the desired effect!
Should you be unlucky enough to succumb to a cold you could also suplement with Vitamin C,[/[/col which acts a free radical scavenger, picking up all sorts of trash, including virus trash. It can shorten the length of a cold from seven days to maybe two or three days. Vitamin C may also cut back on the coughing, sneezing and other symptoms. You could take two to three grams of this per day over a short period.
Sucking on [col=#000080]zinc lozenges can also cut colds short to an average of four days. The downside of this is that zinc can have an unpleasant taste. However we now have zinc lozenges with flavouring, which makes it much nicer to take.
Garlic is also very useful as it has an effect similar to an antibiotic. It can actually kill germs and clears up your cold symptoms more rapidly. Most garlic tablets or capsules are a maintainance dose only of two mgs. If you actually have a cold or 'flu', you would need to take a high strength product such as kyolic garlic which can be obtained in anything from 100 mgs to 1000 mgs. It can also be obtained in liquid form.
Another excellent product is Sambucol a liquid elderberry extract. This can shorten the period of infection and reduce the symptoms considerably.
Some people are very prone to cold sores which are caused by the Herpes simplex virus that is highly infectious.
The best treatment for these is to keep the area clean and dry. Change your toothbrush regularly. Protect the cold sore with a lip balm (preferably one containing L lysine). Additionally take the amino acid L lycine orally as it actually inhibits the viral cell replication that causes the cold sores. It also helps to avoid arginine rich foods as the virus needs this amini acid to replicate. So cut out things such as chocolate, cola, grain cereals, peanuts, gelatine, cashew nuts and beer.
All thes supplements may be purchased from Natures Bounty. 84 Queen street, Newton Abbot.
Telephone 01626 367050
We hope that this short article is of help to you.
Should you wish to add any comments or favourite tips for preventing or treating colds and 'flu'
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