Wednesday, January 28, 2004

Fight colds and flu by boosting immune system

With cold and flu season upon us, everyone is aware that precautions must be taken to protect ourselves. Though flu vaccines are available, taking them exposes us to side effects. Since flu and cold germs are viruses, antibiotics, which combat bacteria, are not effective for these disorders.

Since our immune system’s function is to protect us from or resist disease, boosting this system seems like the most logical and safest way to stay healthy during this time of year.

Clinically, I have found over the years patients reporting that they get fewer cold and flu symptoms, especially after they have completed their initial care and are holding their spinal adjustments. How this works appears to be the chiropractic adjustment on the immune system itself.

An abstract of an article, “Chiropractic and The Immune Response: A Literature Review” in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, Oct 2000, relates: “It has been known for more than a century that there are nerve endings in various organs and tissues comprising the immune system. The mechanisms by which neuroendocrine agents can act as messengers within the immune system and immunological cell products can participate in the control of the CNS (central nervous system) functions have been described in the scientific literature. Anecdotal and scientific evidence have been shared by doctors and students of chiropractic, and patients, concerning improved health status, in addition to resolution of musculoskeletal complaints, from receiving chiropractic care.”

The author also sites the results of an article in the Chiropractic Journal of Australia (1993) titled “The Effects of Chiropractic on the Immune System: A Review of Literature,” which states that the review of a few studies of chiropractic or manipulative treatment on the immune system suggests that this treatment may influence immune function. This research, indeed, explains the reports of my patients, that they are better able to resist cold and flu symptoms when they are under chiropractic care.

Additionally, if you do get the flu or a cold, there are conservative, safe ways to boost your immune system to help it fight the effects of these viruses. Mr. Sam Yong of NewHealth Nutrition in Fayetteville provides us with the following:

• Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that has numerous health benefits. It helps to neutralize free radicals (harmful agents that damage cells, cause disease, and accelerate aging); aids in tissue repair, and enhance immune function. Vitamin C benefits colds and flu by aiding in detoxification was well as increasing the production of interferon, a natural substance with antiviral effects. When combating the cold or flu, take 5 grams (5,000 mgs) or more in divided doses (too much at once may cause diarrhea). Vitamin C is safe and water-soluble, the body excretes excess amounts.

• Zinc also has these antioxidant effects and work well with vitamin C to enhance immune function. Zinc lozenges are easy to use and have easy absorption. Take one 15mg lozenge every two hours for two days at the first signs then reduce to total amounts of 80mgs.

• Echinacea is a flower that has been used for hundreds of years by Native Americans for boosting immune function. This flower comes in preparations of liquid extracts, capsules/tablets, and even teas. Echinacea helps stimulate white blood cells (our main line of defensive cells that destroy harmful invaders) and also has antiviral properties. Follow directions on label.

• Goldenseal is a bitter herb that has natural antibacterial properties, cleanses and detoxifies the body, and strengthens the immune system. Echinacea and goldenseal work best when taken together for both the cold and flu. Follow directions on label.

• Garlic has powerful antibacterial and viral effects. Good for infections and healing. Tonifies the immune system. Studies arebeing done for cancer fighting effects. Also beneficial for circulatoryhealth.

• Cayenne pepper helps increase circulation. Beneficial for colds and flu by increasing the flow of mucous to trap and eliminate bacteria and waste and by relieving congestion.

• Black elderberry (Sambucol) builds the blood and cleanses the system, enhances immune function, fights infection, helps to relieve inflammation, lowers fever, soothes the respiratory tract, and increases perspiration (which helps to detoxify and eliminate wastes).

More about this important topic can be heard at this month’s Health Talk, tomorrow at 3 p.m. at the Heritage of Peachtree Retirement and Assisted Living Center, 1967 Ga. Highway 54 West, Fayetteville.

— Dr. Marilyn Durden