Colds Flu & You

Colds, Flu, & You

• Is it A Cold Or The Flu?

         Take The Quiz.

• 3 Steps to Avoid Colds & Flu

          You Want To Know.

• Use Natural Solutions, And

         Build Health As You Recover.

Stay Healthy This Cold & Flu Season. Look Inside….

Topic: COLDS & FLUS                   

You may be shocked to learn that cases of the flu increased by a magnitude of 7 between 2010 and 2018 ~ That’s a 700% increase!

According to the CDC Annual Burden of Influenza, the 9 million cases in 2010 escalated to an estimated 49 million for the 2017-2018 season.

Death estimates have more than doubled, from 36 to 79 thousand.

Is It A Cold Or The Flu?

1. Did your symptoms come on suddenly (A) or did they come on over time (B)?
2. Is there fever of 102o or higher (A) or no fever (B)?
3. Are you exhausted (A) or can you push through your symptoms (B)?
4. Do you have a headache (A) or no headache (B)?
5. Do your muscles ache (A) or not (B)?
6. Do you have gastro-intestinal problems (A) or no digestive symptoms (B)?

If you gave more A than B answers, you probably have the flu. More Bs, a cold is likely.

Not sure? Your doctor can diagnose the flu in 10 minutes by testing a sample swabbed from the back of your throat.

About Colds & Flu

We all know that we can “catch” a cold or the flu from somebody else. But did you know that germs from a sneeze travel up to 200 miles an hour? Worse, they can go as far as three feet – and survive there for more than 24 hours. Yikes!!! No wonder colds and flu go around so fast.

Both colds and flu are the result of acute viral infections. Colds are caused by rhinoviruses that invade the upper respiratory tract. Rhino- means nose and each runny nose may be caused by a different virus.

Colds are self-limiting. They hit hard for four or five days. Symptoms are usually gone completely within ten days. According to the CDC, adults may get 2-3 colds/year while children may get as many as 12. According to the editors of Prevention every second someone in the US is catching a cold.

“The flu”, caused by the myxovirus, can be much more dangerous than a cold. Although flu symptoms usually begin to subside after three or four days, fatigue and weakness may continue for days or even weeks. The great influenza pandemics have killed millions of people worldwide. In fact the CDC estimates nearly a million flu-based hospitalizations and about79,000 deaths during the 2017-2018 flu season.

Although some people swear by their annual “flu shots” – and the CDC recommends them –  mainstream science has yet to devise a cure for colds or flu. Over-the-counter drugs may work for the suppression of symptoms. However, in the end, these nostrums don’t empower our immunity.

Plus, drugs cause side effects. For example, no fewer than 97 side effects have been ascribed to antihistamines alone. These include constipation, blurred vision, and the inability to urinate.

The purpose of this edition of Nutrition News is to present specific protocols for various types of colds and flus. These are natural solutions. They do not mask symptoms but heal them. As this healing takes place, we are further empowered by the strengthening of our immune systems.

Colds & Flu: The Basics

• Eat right and keep fit.
• Call on expert guidance.
• Commit to a supplement program to build and maintain your optimal health.

In this issue, we concentrate on the use of supplements, not only to maintain health but also to their specific use during acute attacks of cold and flus.

A multi-vitamin-mineral formula (MVM) is the foundation of any supplement program. In general, only bulk powders and liquids contain adequate amounts of the basic vitamins and minerals. Formulas may contain recommended amounts of some basic nutrients. Plus, they often contain additional nutrients such as antioxidants, amino acids, fibers, and dehydrated green foods.

To your MVM, add vitamin C (1000-3000 mg), vitamin D₃ (1000-5000 IU), vitamin E (200 IU of complete E), calcium (up to 1300 mg), and magnesium (at least half the amount of calcium).

Make sure your MVM contains zinc (25-50 mg). Also, add an omega-3 supplement (fish oil). Aim for 650-3000 mg of combined EPA and DHA. If you are under stress, add an adaptogen, such as ashwagandha.¹ Follow label instructions. (See Nutrition News, “Adaptogens”.)

Colds & Flu: The Basics

Footnote

¹ Adaptogens are “general tonics”. Ashwagandha completely changed our lives with its stress-reducing benefits.

Support Your Immune System: Garlic

You may already have some of these nutrients in your personal supplement program. Others are less common, but are particularly effective in the treatment of colds and flu.

1. Garlic. This homely herb has a 5000 year history of healing. Best known for its healthy effects on the coronary system, in his book Immunotics,

Robert Roundtree, MD, declares it is his “immunotic” of choice for any problems related to the gut. This includes stomach bugs.

Rountree puts garlic on his daily supplement list. We include it here on his recommendation for its use to beat colds and flu. 300-900 mg dried garlic extract daily or 1-3 cloves raw garlic.^.2

Support Your Immune System: Garlic

Footnote

² Personally, my body cannot tolerate that much garlic. Not only does a little make me gassy, I also reek. I have it on good authority that Kyolic brand Odorless Aged Garlic Extract™ does not cause these side effects. Surprisingly, I had never heard this before. I will be testing that out and posting my results at www.nutritionnews.com/aged-garlic-test/.​

Support Your Immune System: Antioxidants

2. Antioxidants: These are in addition to vitamins E and C above, and include the carotenoids and the mineral selenium. Carotenoids: A complete complex with 15,000-20,000 mg of natural beta carotene as Dunaliella. Add 4-10mg/d of astaxanthin from red sea algae, said to be the most powerful carotenoid antioxidant. Also take alpha carotene, lutein, and lycopene. (You cannot overdose on carotenoids.)

Selenium: Glutathione is one of the body’s three powerful naturally occurring antioxidants.³ Selenium is important to its effectiveness. Take selenomethionine, 100-200 mcg.

Support Your Immune System: Antioxidants

Footnote

³ The other two are SOD (superoxide dismutase) and catalase.

Support Your Immune System: Bioflavonoids

3. Bioflavonoids: These plant nutrients also have antioxidant properties. They fortify the body against infection, soothe inflammation, and can calm allergic (histamine) reactions. Take either mixed citrus bioflavonoids, 1000-1500 mg or proanthcyanadins (PCOs) as pine bark or grape seed extract, 75-150 mg.

Support Your Immune System: Probiotics

4. Probiotics: These are friendly bacteria that populate the intestinal tract. Sixty percent of the body’s immune cells are found there. Take either Lactobacillus GG, 1 capsule or L- acidophilus, 1 tsp of powder. Vegan forms are available.

Support Your Immune System: Colostrum

5. Colostrum: This is the initial breast milk secretion. In infants, colostrum provides the beginnings of the human immune system.

Commercially, bovine (cow) colostrum is used as a supplement. Over 4,000 studies show that the individual immune components fight cancer, chronic viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and other illnesses, such as chronic fatigue, candidiasis, Crohn’s disease, MS, parasites, and rheumatoid arthritis. Dosage varies. Follow the instructions on the label of the brand you buy.

Support Your Immune System: Astragalus

6. Astragalus: This adaptogen can be used daily to prevent becoming “run-down”.

Oppositely, use it to recover from feeling that way. In addition to supporting immune function, it is helpful in acute infections, such as colds and flu.

Range: 1000-2000 mg daily or 1-4 droppers-full of tincture

Support Your Immune System: Echinacea

7. Echinacea: Along with astragalus (above) and larch (below), echinacea enhances the activity of the immune system. Unlike asragalus, this herb is only useful in acute situations of colds, flu, and other infections.

Echinacea should only be taken during an active infection. It is a treatment not a preventive. It will not prevent colds and flu. Take 500-4000 mg daily for 14 days in divided doses.

Support Your Immune System: Western Larch

8. Western larch: This tree grows throughout the western US. It contains a chemical similar to that in echinacea, and astragalus.

Rountree recommends it especially for children with colds, ear infections, and flus. It comes as a cream-colored powder. Mix it with a little warm water, and then into fruit juice. ½ t 3x/d.

Support Your Immune System: Elderberry Extract

Elderberry extract: Begin taking this tasty syrup of Sambucus nigra at the first sign of the flu. is delivered as a tasty syrup. This is one of the remedies we keep on hand (along with the homeopathics below).

Protein structures in elderberry help keep the flu virus from replicating. This reduces symptoms and speeds recovery. Acute conditions, 1t every 3-4 hrs for up to 10 days.

Support Your Immune System: Olive Leaf Extract

10. Olive leaf extract: This extract is Dr. Rountree’s first choice for treating acute cold, flus, respiratory problems, and ear infections. Take 1-3 caps (500 mg) up to 3x/d.

FYI: Any liquid herbal extracts can be used for an old school steam inhalant. Just float a half dropper full on top of very hot water. Good for getting to throat and lungs.

Support Your Immune System: N-aceytl cysteine (NAC)

11. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC): Commonly used in ERs for acetaminophen poisoning,

NAC is another great remedy for the first sign of a cold or flu. Especially good for chest colds and bad coughs, it breaks the chemical bonds that hold mucus together. It also increases glutathione production, boosting the body’s antioxidant power. Take 2-6 500 mg caps daily in divided doses.

Support Your Immune System:

Vitamin A

12. Vitamin A: I am not talking about beta-carotene (the vitamin A precursor) here, but the actual vitamin A in oil form

Vitamin A does not appear on Dr. Rountree’s list, but it is on mine. Many people over 40 (or with degenerative diseases) lose their ability to transition beta-carotene into vitamin A.

I routinely take 50,000 IU every Monday to preserve my night vision. However, take it to dissuade viruses from attaching to the mucous membranes of the respiratory system. Take 10,000-25,000 IU/d during illness

Support Your Immune System:

Vitamin A

Footnote

4 I routinely take 50,000 IU every Monday to preserve my night vision. However, take it to dissuade viruses from attaching to the mucous membranes of the respiratory system. Take 10,000-25,000 IU/d during illness.

Homeopathy For Your Home

Purchase homeopathic cold and flu remedies at your favorite natural products store to keep in your home. Please take my word for it, these remedies can save you a lot of grief. All of them function best when taken at the first sign of cold or flu. In most cases, symptoms disappear within hours.

How does homeopathy provide a superior treatment approach to colds and flu? Homeopathy works because it responds to the body’s symptom profile, not to the disease.

Although colds can be caused by over 100 different types of viruses and flu viruses mutate from year to year, symptoms remain constant. The remedies contain several different homeopathic substances so that many symptoms are addressed simultaneously.

A number of homeopathic cold and flu combination remedies are available. Ask about popular combination remedies at the store and purchase one or two to keep in your medicine cabinet. Take the appropriate one at the very first sign of a cold or flu.

In particular, I want to recommend a remedy developed just for the flu. This remedy is peerless as long as you get it in your mouth. We don’t mention products by name unless they are one-of-a-kind. This product meets that criterion. Sometimes referred to as “Oscillo”, the remedy is Oscillococcinum.⁵ Some people report that it helps relieve symptoms even when taken during illness.

When using homeopathic remedies, follow the label instructions. Children may need more frequent doses than adults but they generally respond more quickly.

Want to know more about homeopathy? Contact us and we’ll send you our Nutrition News homeopathy issue.

Homeopathy For Your Home

Footnote

⁵ This product is made by Boiron, the French homeopathic manufacturer. Oscillo has been available there for over 75 years.

An Ounce of Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommend a flu shot as the first line of prevention, and add these simple steps to help prevent and control colds and flu.

1. Don’t Get It:

• Wash your hands often.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Touching surfaces that may be contaminated and then touching your face can bring the germs directly to you.
• Avoid close contact with people who are already sick.

2. Don’t Spread It:

• Keep your distance from others.
• Stay home from work, school, and errands.
• Contain your sneezes and coughs. Use a tissue when coughing and sneezing. Wash your hands afterward.

The CDC highly recommends that we use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer as an acceptable substitute when soap and water aren’t available. Good to carry around during cold and flu season.

The Solutions For Colds

Follow “The Basics” (above) for maintaining immunity. Then utilize the supplements below as they apply.

*Colds

Colds are the most common ailments suffered by humans. The following program can reduce symptoms and hasten recovery. Take the following supplements daily in divided doses for 1-2 weeks.

• Echinacea: 1 dropperful every 2-3 hours or up to 2 (500 mg) caps every 4-5 hours
• Astragalus: 1 dropperful every 2-3 hours or capsules yielding 1500 mg daily
• Garlic: 900 mg

Take additional

• Citrus bioflavonoids: 1500 mg (total 3000 mg)
• Vitamin C: for a total of 3000 mg

Solutions For Bronchitis

Upper respiratory viral infections can “get into the chest”. Do not take antibiotics. They only fight bacteria, not viruses.

The usual symptoms here are hacking cough, sometimes dry, sometimes with clear mucus. There may be fever up to 102o and mild chest discomfort with deep breaths.

Take the following supplements in divided doses daily for 1-2 weeks. Look for a lessening of symptoms in 3-5 days.

• Olive leaf extract: 2000-3000 mg
• Garlic: 900 mg
• N-acetyl cysteine (NAC): 3000 mg
• Echinacea: 1 dropperful every 2-3 hours or up to 2 (500 mg) caps every 4-5 hours.

Take additional

• Citrus bioflavonoids: 1500 mg (total 3000 mg)
• Vitamin C: for a total of 5000 mg. 6

Bronchitis can develop into pneumonia. This is a serious acute infection of one or both lungs in which the lungs fill with liquid. It can be either viral or bacterial (calling for antibiotics). Symptoms include fever, wet cough with thick green or yellow mucus, and rapid breathing at rest. Pneumonia is diagnosed with a chest X-ray. This disease can necessitate hospitalization..

CAUTION: See a physician with either a cold or bronchitis if you have shortness of breath, rapid breathing, a fever over 102o, or you are coughing up thick yellow or green mucus – or blood.

     You can continue to support your immune system without interfering with medical treatment. For pneumonia, use the following “immunotics”, along with The Basics.

• NAC: 3000 mg
• Echinacea: 1 dropperful every 2-3 hours or up to 2 (500 mg) caps every 4-5 hours.
• Astragalus: 1 dropperful every 3-4 hours or 1500 mg
• Garlic: 900 mg
• Olive leaf extract: 2000-3000 mg
• Citrus bioflavonoids: a total of 3000 mg

Solutions For Bronchitis

Footnote

6 Large amounts of vitamin C taken as ascorbic acid may be inexpensive but will result in diarrhea.

We introduced Ester C to the market many years ago. This product has been the standard for vitamin C absorption and bioavailability. The new kid on the block is Lypo-Spheric^TM Vitamin C by LivOn Labs.

Solutions For The Flu

 Influenza is a contagious respiratory viral infection. The flu virus mutates yearly so the immune system is always making a new adaptation to it. However, most healthy people pass through the discomfort and return to health.

The following nutrients can help reduce symptoms and speed recovery within 7-14 days. Again, take supplements daily in divided doses during that time.

• NAC: 1500-3000 mg
• Elderberry extract: 1 tsp every 3-4 hours
• Western larch: 1 tsp 3x/d
• Echinacea: 1 dropperful every 2-3 hours or up to 2 (500 mg) caps every 4-5 hours.
• Garlic: 900 mg
• Olive leaf extract: 2000-3000 mg

Take additional

• Citrus bioflavonoids: 1500 mg (total 3000 mg)
• Vitamin C: a total of 3000 mg

CAUTION: See a doctor with the addition of severe headache, particularly when accompanied with a stiff neck.

Siri Says:

First, I want to thank “integrative practitioner”, Robert Rountree, MD, and his co-writer Carol Colman for writing Immunotics, making Dr. Rountree’s extensive expertise available to the general public. The book informed all the cold and flu protocols presented here.

Secondly, if you are over forty, are a teacher, work in the medical professions, or work around lots of people, I recommend that you give your immune system specific support year round.

We swear by a product called Deep Health by Herbs, etc., Santa Fe, NM. (We do not receive any compensation for the mention of products in this newsletter…if only!)