Unique Treatment for Preventing Illness or Getting over Flu Symptoms – by Dr Steven Arculeo, DC
Flu Fighting Foods – by Dr Helen Lee
Foods That Fight Colds & Flu – by Dr Melody Hart, PhD, ND
Virus Free Holiday – by Dr Tom Bayne
H1N1 Update – by Dr Martha Howard, MD
Hot Water For Colds And Flu – by Dr Martha H Howard, MD
Safe Alternative to the Common Cold – by Dr Jaena Stanley-Gonzaga, D.C.
How a Good Dental Plan can Ward Off Winter Sickness – by Andie T Pearson, DMD, CCST
Back To School Swine Flu Precautions – by Dr Martha Howard, MD

Here is a great one I have used successfully with many patients over the years. This will help someone either get over flu like symptoms or not get sick when they feel like they are coming down with something if they do this routine. A real full body detox and immune system booster!
Scallion/Ginger tonic:
Ingredients:
I bunch of scallion/green onion, chopped
6 coin side slivers of fresh ginger
4 cups of water
Shoyu (quality soy sauce)

Directions:
Put all the above ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer and reduce by half so you are left with two cups. Drink the two cups while hot. Get into a very warm bath. Get out and wear sweatshirt and sweat-pants and get into bed. You will break a sweat. Sleep though the night and many times you will feel better if not much better the next day when you wake up.

The best way to safeguard against the flu is to increase your immune health.


Keep the digestive system happy. When the digestive system is healthy it is able to breakdown and access nutrients from the foods you eat, it is better able to get rid of toxicity, and process “bad” bugs such as bacteria & viruses. Add fresh ginger to your food or in tea to sooth and stimulate optimal digestion. Increase “good” bacteria such as acidophilus and bifidus which can be found yogurt or kefir.


Keep Alkaline pH: Keeping the internal acid/alkaline chemistry balanced will support a healthy immune system. Lemon is an acidic fruit that creates the opposite alkaline response in the body. Half a fresh lemon squeezed into a cup of hot water helps break up congestion, stimulates digestion, and creates an alkaline or healing pH chemistry in the body. 1-2 tsp Organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar in 8-16 oz water is also great in creating alkaline pH.


Dark leafy green vegetables like kale, swiss chard, and spinach provides vitamins B12, folic acid, potassium, vitamins A, C & K which supports a healthy immune system.


Deep restorative sleep is crucial for the overall body’s health! Making sure you put sleep a priority especially during stressful periods of time will allow the body to restore from the stress of the previous day and allows it to support you for the day to come. When we lack restorative sleep our body is unable to meet the demands of the day leaving it more vulnerable to other stresses such as bacteria and viruses. Celery contains nutrients that help to lower blood pressure, lower adrenaline, and increases muscle relaxation which aids in sleep.


Useful Links
Digestive Facts
10 Ways To Boost Immune Health
12 Vital Foods To Boost Your Immune
Natural Remedies For Coughs And Colds
AC Vinegar
Health Benefits Of Celery

Onions benefit colds and flu by sulphur compounds and vitamin C plus quercitin, being the most active ingredient. Sulphur is what gives the onions the pungent aroma as well as the health promoting benefits, even antimicrobial properties. The sulphur content in onions is not as high as garlic, about one fourth the amounts. The high vitamin C content is what gives the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A recommended dosage would be 2 to 3 onions per week.


Garlic has allicin as an active ingredient giving it antiviral and antibacterial properties. Garlic cleans your liver (which cleans your blood) since your blood cycles through your liver every three minutes. So thereby stimulating the white blood cells and in turn boosting the immune system.One can make a Onion garlic syrup for mucous release.


The benefits of honey are that it acts as a natural antibiotic with antiseptic properties. There are vitamins such as B-complexes, C, D, E, minerals enzymes and propolis. Bees produce honey by mixing flower nectar with their enzymes. The propolis in honey boosts the immune system, disables viruses and fights infections. There are different types of honey: locally grown is best for seasonal allergies, asthma and respiratory conditions. Honey acts as a homeopathic in treating like with like in helping the body to heal itself. So if the propolis is locally grown you are treating with the irritants that are common to your area. A pediatric study may show it is more effective than cough syrup because it coats the throat better. Honey benefits not only sooth a sore throat also helps colds, flu, headache, nausea. Dosage would be a tablespoon 4 times per day taken straight or in tea.


Cayenne has a high vitamin C content making it a natural choice for a cold, also vitamin A, B, calcium and potassium plus increases the circulation in the body. I like in a capsule form taking 2 – 40,000 heat units (950mg), or liquid 4 drops of the 200,000 heat units. If you place a few drops in water and gargle with it every 15-30 minutes you will be amazed at how quickly your sore throat will disappear.


Ginger health benefits are the volatile oils they warm the body helping the body to sweat breaking a fever and eliminating toxins, plus they stimulate mucous release.
Ginger is a metabolic enhancer the warming also helps with nausea, is a great digestive aid, lung and chest decongesting, and as a body cleansing herb. Ginger tea (especially combined with honey) helps too sooth the throat.

While traveling over the holidays there are a few easy to implement ideas to keep you and your family virus-free. Whether it is a cold or the swine flu no one wants to ruin their vacation by spending precious time away sick. Try out these preventative measures:


Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water especially while flying to keep your immune system strong. Water helps keep mucous membranes moist enough to combat the viruses they encounter. Dry mucus membranes are a breeding ground for infection


Say no to dessert…sugar decreases immune response and provides an environment in the body where infection can thrive. When white blood cells are exposed to high levels of sugar in the bloodstream, they have a decreased ability to fight infections.


Sleep it off…for many people vacation is a lot of visiting and doing, and not much different from the stress of their normal life. Plan things for later in the day and sleep in a little. Get to bed before midnight


Stock up on your D…vitamin D is necessary for your body to mount a defense against viruses. The dark winter months keep our body’s covered and inside most of the time. Unable to process Vitamin D from the sun our body loses the ability to fight viruses when we come in contact with them.


Go easy on the holiday cheer….a glass of wine or two can be very positive to your immune health, but many days of heavy alcohol consumption can leave your body fatigued, toxic, and susceptible to infection. When it comes to booze a little really can go a long way…in keeping you healthy.


The holidays are meant to be enjoyed. You should spend time with family and friends and be thankful for the past year. Be nice to your body and provide it with the things it needs to be healthy and your holiday season will remain infection-free.

(Updated: November/December 2009)

What is in the H1N1 vaccines?

Back in June, when manufacture of the H1N1 vaccine was being discussed, there was some concern that it might contain adjuvants (substances that increase immune response, and may be toxic to some people); or the mercury-based preservative thimerosal, which has been removed from nearly all routine vaccinations for children. The vaccine manufacturers all made the decision to omit adjuvants. There are three forms of vaccine being manufactured—a nasal form, a single dose injection, and a multi-dose vial. Unfortunately there is thimerosal in the multi-dose vials of the H1N1 vaccine. I am recommending the nasal form of the vaccine and the single-dose injection, but because of the thimerosal, I am not recommending vaccination from the multi-dose vials at this time.

Nov 16 vaccine update: The fifth vaccine, produced by Glaxo-Smith-Kline has just been approved by the FDA—however, it is also a multi-dose vial which contains thimerosal, with 25 micrograms of mercury in each 0.5 ml dose. The PDF of the GSK “Highlights of Prescribing Information” states, “Safety and effectiveness of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine have not been established in pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children.”http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM190377.pdf

Who is at risk for H1N1 flu?
The H1N1 flu virus (swine flu) is different from the seasonal flu–seasonal flu tends to attack the very young and the elderly. H1N1 attacks pregnant women and children. According to an October 20 CDC meeting, more than half of the hospitalizations from 2009 H1N1 flu reported by 27 states from September 1st and October 10th were people age 24 and younger. About 23 percent of the deaths reported from 28 states during this period were in this age group. In addition, about 90 percent of the hospitalizations and deaths from the 2009 H1N1 flu are in people age 64 and younger. We have already had one death of a 14 year old in the Chicago area. There were 26 pediatric deaths from H1N1 virus in the second week of November.

Who needs to get vaccinated?
First, it is really important to deal with fears about H1N1 vaccination, and to state once again that two forms of it–the nasal form, and the single dose injectable form, are safe, and contain no mercury preservatives or adjuvants. (It is grown on eggs, so people with egg allergies should consult their doctor about getting the vaccine.) Some batches of the vaccine being prepared by Novartis will not include eggs in their production, but will use a cell-culture process that does not use eggs in any step of the process.

That said, here are the people most in need of vaccination, according to the CDC:
Pregnant women, Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age (the vaccine is not recommended for children under 6 months, so vaccinating household members helps to protect them), Healthcare and emergency personnel, All people from 6 months through 24 years of age. For more information see http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu

What are the signs that a person with the flu needs emergency medical care?

Difficulty breathing or chest pain; purple or blue discoloration of the lips; vomiting and inability to keep fluids down; signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing; absence of urination; or in infants, no tears when they cry; seizures.

What about prevention and natural remedies?
Prevention and a strong immune system are important, especially since there is a shortage of the vaccines. Frequent hand washing or using hand sanitizers (two good, nontoxic hand cleaners are CleanWell and Clean George are both available online); keeping hands away from eyes and nose; not sharing food or drinks; and keeping surfaces like computer keyboards clean, and staying home if you get sick are still some of the most important forms of prevention.

Building immunity is crucial. There is no “quick fix” for the immune system, but here are some ways to give it a boost:

Natural flu remedies
Elderberry, oscillococcinum, and Chinese herbs (consult your practitioner) are some of the best known natural flu remedies.

Original H1N1 Information

What is in the H1N1 vaccines?
Back in June, when manufacture of the H1N1 vaccine was being discussed, there was some concern that it might contain adjuvants (substances that increase immune response, and may be toxic to some people); or the mercury-based preservative thimoserol, which has been removed from nearly all routine vaccinations for children. The vaccine manufacturers all made the decision to omit adjuvants. There are three forms of vaccine being manufactured—a nasal form, a single dose injection, and a multi-dose vial. Unfortunately there is thimoserol in the multi-dose vials of the H1N1 vaccine. I am recommending the nasal form of the vaccine and the single-dose injection, but because of the thimoserol, I am not recommending vaccination from the multi-dose vials at this time.

Who is at risk for H1N1 flu?
The H1N1 flu virus (swine flu) is different from the seasonal flu–seasonal flu tends to attack the very young and the elderly. H1N1 attacks pregnant women and children. According to an October 20 CDC meeting, more than half of the hospitalizations from 2009 H1N1 flu reported by 27 states from September 1st and October 10th were people age 24 and younger. About 23 percent of the deaths reported from 28 states during this period were in this age group. In addition, about 90 percent of the hospitalizations and deaths from the 2009 H1N1 flu are in people age 64 and younger. We have already had one death of a 14 year old in the Chicago area.

Who needs to get vaccinated?
First, it is really important to deal with fears about H1N1 vaccination, and to state once again that two forms of it–the nasal form, and the single dose injectable form, are safe, and contain no mercury preservatives or adjuvants. (It is grown on eggs, so people with egg allergies should consult their doctor about getting the vaccine. Some batches of the vaccine being prepared by Novartis will not include eggs in their production, but will use a cell-culture process that does not use eggs in any step of the process.

That said, here are the people most in need of vaccination, according to the CDC:

Pregnant women, Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age (the vaccine is not recommended for children under 6 months, so vaccinating household members helps to protect them), Healthcare and emergency personnel, All people from 6 months through 24 years of age. For more information see H1N1 Flu Information

What are the signs that a person with the flu needs emergency medical care?
Difficulty breathing or chest pain; purple or blue discoloration of the lips; vomiting and inability to keep fluids down; signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing; absence of urination; or in infants, no tears when they cry; seizures.

What about prevention and natural remedies?
Vaccination is not the only answer! Prevention and a strong immune system are equally important, especially since there is a shortage of the vaccines. Frequent hand washing or using hand sanitizers (two good, nontoxic hand cleaners are CleanWell and Clean George are both available online); keeping hands away from eyes and nose; not sharing food or drinks; and keeping surfaces like computer keyboards clean, and staying home if you get sick are still some of the most important forms of prevention. . Building immunity is crucial. There is no “quick fix” for the immune system. The best immune strengtheners are proper diet (whole foods, avoid processed foods as much as possible, no high fructose corn syrup, food dyes or additives); exercise, sleep, and de-stressing activities. The supplement N-acetyl cysteine has also been studied as a flu preventive.

Natural flu remedies: elderberry, oscillococcinum, and Chinese herbs (consult your practitioner) are some of the best known natural flu remedies.

If you get chilled and begin to get the symptoms of a cold or flu, first take 1000 milligrams of Vitamin C with 8 ounces of water, then fill a tub with very hot water, as hot as your feet and legs can stand, sit on the edge of the tub with your feet and lets in the water and a blanket wrapped around you until you sweat. Add more hot water as it begins to cool, and sit there at least 20-30 minutes.


Why this works? A hot environment increases your circulation and kills viruses. (Fevers are part of the body’s defenses against microbes.)


The only caution on this treatment is whether you have enough strength and balance to sit on the edge of a tub. You can do this for an older person who does not have the strength by getting a large, deep bucket and filling it with hot water, putting some plastic under the bucket, and having them sit in a chair.


This begins to work immediately. I have had colds go away completely in less than 12 hours with this method.

There is no known cure for the common cold: however, it is possible to shorten the duration and frequency all together. When trying to kick the common cold it is best to focus on strengthening the immune system and enhancing the cleansing process. At the first signs of a cold, before it is full blown, is the best opportunity to kick it. There is no known cure for the common cold: however, it is possible to shorten the duration and frequency all together. When trying to kick the common cold it is best to focus on strengthening the immune system and enhancing the cleansing process.


At the first signs of a cold, before it is full blown, is the best opportunity to kick it. Initial immune boosters would be Oil of Oregano, Echinacea, Golden Seal and trace minerals. Since the body is already focused on getting rid of the excess viruses and proteins in the body, it is best to help out the cleansing and congestion with digestive enzymes that have bile salts.


Foods to eat at this time include plenty of water, hot fluids, soups, and easily digestible foods like cooked vegetables. Adding garlic and ginger to your soup or foods are definite immune boosters as well. Definitely stay away from sweets since they weaken the immune system and dairy which increases mucosal secretion and congestion.


Some home remedies to open up the airways are eucalyptus or peppermint oil, place several drops in a hot tub or a few drops in a couple of cups of hot water for inhaling the steam. Essential oils have also been known to boost the immune system. The neti pot is very helpful to cleanse and clear out the sinuses. Acupressure points at the bottom of the feet help to stimulate detoxification, digestive function, and immune system. The body’s healing mechanism is very powerful. As you assist in helping your body prioritize healing, medication is rarely needed.


Initial immune boosters would be Oil of Oregano, Echinacea, Golden Seal and trace minerals. Since the body is already focused on getting rid of the excess viruses and proteins in the body, it is best to help out the cleansing and congestion with digestive enzymes that have bile salts. Foods to eat at this time include plenty of water, hot fluids, soups, and easily digestible foods like cooked vegetables. Adding garlic and ginger to your soup or foods are definite immune boosters as well. Definitely stay away from sweets since they weaken the immune system and dairy which increases mucosal secretion and congestion.


Some home remedies to open up the airways are eucalyptus or peppermint oil, place several drops in a hot tub or a few drops in a couple of cups of hot water for inhaling the steam. Essential oils have also been known to boost the immune system. The neti pot is very helpful to cleanse and clear out the sinuses. Acupressure points at the bottom of the feet help to stimulate detoxification, digestive function, and immune system. The body’s healing mechanism is very powerful. As you assist in helping your body prioritize healing, medication is rarely needed.

The holidays are finally here, and so are the illnesses of winter. Not many people can afford to be home with a cold or the flu during this season, so it is important to prepare the body for combating viruses. ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Andi Pearson, DDS, explains that something as simple as good dental health can actually help protect against sickness.


“Not many people realize that dental health is connected closely with other areas of human health,” says Dr. Pearson. “The mouth is where the digestive system begins and is the gateway for most nutritional processes. It is the starting place for keeping bacteria out and letting essential oils in.”


Both the American Medical Association and the American Dental Association have done recent studies that illustrate the link between dental health and diseases like diabetes and heart disease. If oral health is not maintained well, the endocrine and immune systems have to work harder to break down foods during the digestive process or fight harmful bacteria, leading to compromised or incomplete efficiency. Dr. Pearson provides the following tips for keeping your dental defense strong during the winter months:


- Brush with Essential Oils – Add a drop of cinnamon oil and a drop of myrrh oil to your toothbrush before brushing. Both oils are antibacterial and antiviral, which can prevent infection and provide extra defense against cold and flu bacteria.


- Get the Whole Mouth Involved – Do not underestimate the power of dental homecare. Make sure to brush at least three times a day to wash away daily bacteria. Also, brush into your gums, tongue and cheeks at the end of a brushing cycle to build resistance against daily illnesses floating around the office and home.


- Keep It Extra Clean – There is nothing more effective than a professional deep clean. Consider seeing a dentist for a cleaning every 3 months in the winter to proactively combat hard-to-reach bacteria. Also, dentists check for gum disease, which can weaken the immunity towards illnesses.

Vaccination Precautions
I do not feel it is wise to receive swine flu vaccination for grade school children at this time.

The vaccines being developed are to contain the “adjuvant”—a chemical that induces greater immune response—squalene, which is known to cause a harmful immune response in rats resembling rheumatoid arthritis.

There are currently no other vaccines containing squalene that have been approved for use in the United States.

There are generally about 100 child deaths per year in the United States from flu. Even if that is doubled by swine flu, I do not feel it is worth the risk of exposing your child to possible long-term problems with immunity.


Effective Ways to Protect Children from Getting the Disease-
Make sure children carry tissues and hand sanitizer, and know how to use them—sneeze or cough into the tissue, throw it in the wastebasket (not on the desk), put a dime size blob of hand sanitizer on hands and rub together until dry.

Make sure children are trained as much as possible not to share drinks or food, and not to touch their eyes nose or mouth with their hands.

Avoid close contact with sick people.


Natural and Homeopathic Alternatives
N-acetylcysteine.

A recent study reported in the August 2009 issue of the American Family Physician journal, showed that elderly patients taking 600 milligrams of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) twice daily over the flu season were much less likely to have clinical influenza illness (29% vs. 51% of controls), and when they did have it, episodes were much less severe. In addition, cell mediated immunity was improved in the people receiving NAC, and not in the controls.

Give children N-acetylcysteine in a dose that is proportional by weight to the adult dose of 600 milligrams twice a day.

A 70 pound child would be given 300 milligrams twice a day. A 35 pound child would be given 150 milligrams twice a day, and so on. For children under 2, consult a physician.


Treatment for Children who Contract the Virus
I recommend supportive treatment—rest, fluids, and Chinese herbs

The combination of two readily available formulas, Zhong Gan Ling and Yin Chiao Chieh Du Pian (both available online) is effective for treating flu.

CDC now is recommending that people stay home 24 hours after fever is gone (without Tylenol) rather than the previous recommendation that they stay home 7 days OR 24 hours after the fever is gone, whichever is longer.

Emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention, according to the CDC:

- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough


General Virus Information
At this time, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) does not consider novel H1N1 “swine” flu to be more dangerous than other types of seasonal flu, but it does state that the disease burden of swine flu is greater on young people.

The flu virus is mainly transmitted from person to person by sneezing or coughing, but can also survive for 2 to 8 hours. If you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your nose or eyes, you can be infected.

The most important thing to consider about swine flu is how to teach good public health preventive measures that are based on actual facts about the way the flu virus is transmitted.

For more information, please visit www.ChicagoHealers.com.


About ChicagoHealers.com
Chicago Healers (www.ChicagoHealers.com) is the nation’s pioneer prescreened integrative health and healing network, offering a comprehensive understanding of each practitioner’s services, approach, and philosophy. Our practitioner experts advocate natural and empowered health and life choices through their practices, the media, educational events, and our website. With close to 200 practitioners offering over 300 different alternative therapies, ChicagoHealers.com has provided nearly 400 free educational events for Chicagoans. ChicagoHealers.com provides a steady resource for TV and print news where member practitioners are requested as experts for health and lifestyle stories. ChicagoHealers.com is regularly featured on every major TV network (ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX) and in leading publications such as Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune. ChicagoHealers.com takes the guesswork out of finding Chicago’s premier alternative health and healing practitioners. For more information, visit www.ChicagoHealers.com.