Be fighting strong this flu season!

By: Dr Asima Hoosen

INFLUENZA

Basically Influenza is a CONTAGIOUS DISEASE caused by various viruses. Symptoms include high fever, headache, general malaise (muscle aches, weakness), Coughs.

We have two types of immunity.

Passive Immunity – Natural defenses that we are born with or acquire through our mother’s milk

Acquired Immunity – This develops in response to contact for the first time with a virus or bacteria. At first contact the pathogen imprints information. Immediately the immune system adapts itself to the pathogen by producing ANTIGENS to fight of the disease whilst establishing a memory of the pathogen (T Memory Cells).

 The effects of antibiotics

• Antibiotics severely disable the immune system. Not only do the antibiotics destroy the “bad” microbes but also the “good” microbes that are responsible for the flora gut balance.
• Essentially Doctors prescribe antibiotics for secondary bacterial infection which isn’t antiviral and therefore does not aid the body in fighting off the virus.
• Antibiotics mask the experiential symptoms thus not allowing the body to fight off disease naturally and attaining immunity. In the process bacteria develop resistance to that antibiotic rendering it ineffective. Finally antibiotics alter the ability to manufacture appropriate immune cells and hinder their effectiveness

ANTIHISTAMINES

• These are known to have a sedating effect –by passing the blood brain barrier causing drowsiness
• It Impairs cognitive functions and memory thereby reducing learning ability in school going children
• Suppresses or block the histamine receptors

Here are great tried and tested remedies

For the early stages…

Herbal:

• Anti-viral – Sipping on soothing teas such as Hot Cinnamon or Ginger tea with honey, Cayenne pepper tea, Elderberry tea, lemongrass

• Dispensary – Echinacea drops or tablets, Olive leaf, Oregano (oil and infusion)
• Fever – Peppermint tea, Elderflower tea
• Headaches and Sleep – Chamomile tea ½ cup before bed
• Sore throat – an infusion of Thyme is amazing. Use Thyme infusion to gargle at least 6 X/ day. Zinc lozenges or tablets.

• Energy levels and Concentration, Circulation – Ginseng and Gingko biloba
• Respiratory Symptoms Congestion, Cough – Holy Basil

Naturopathy remedies

• Fever and Anti viral: For dehydration drink lots of fluid include fruit juices such as red berries (antioxidants), Oranges (Vitamin C), Vitamin C 1000mg 4 times a day, Vitamin A (5000iu), Zinc (20 – 60mg)

• Steam or soak – Soak in Thyme herb, Eucalyptus oil, Peppermint oil. Holy Basil (Upper and lower respiratory tract)
  • Steaming or soaking allowsyou to break the fever, Re-energises and re-vitalizes  you. Soothes headaches and relieves muscle aches.
• Decongestant – Mustard Oil is a brilliant decongestant and anti-inflammatory for children and adults, whilst bringing on a warming effect. Apply into the nasal passages, into the ears and on the chest. – Cayenne pepper, Ginger

• Vitamin D – We produce Vitamin D when exposed to the sun. Its immune building properties were first noticed by doctors, noting the positive response tuberculosis patients had upon exposure to sunlight. We do know that it is associated with increased mood and overall health.

HERE’S A TIP: INFLUENZA VIUSES CAN BE INACTIVATED BY SUNLIGHT

 Diet Regimen

• Often our digestion processes are compromised during the flu so it would be advisable to follow a diet to enable our bodies to metabolise and absorb as much nutrients as possible. The healthier your diet along with the maximum nutrients the stronger your immune system becomes to fight off illness effectively.
• Don’t eat DAIRY PRODUCTS and SUGAR as it produces more mucous. Sugar and WHEAT compromises your immune system. GREEN JUICING (All green Fruit and Veg) with Turmeric every morning. Nutmeg with Honey works well as an energy booster and alkaliser.
• Include the following in food
  • Garlic
  • Black pepper (piperine aids the bioavailability of medication especially Vitamin C),
  • Cumin
  • Fenugreek and Mustard seeds (anti parasitic and expectorant properties, Post nasal drip), 
  • Turmeric contains curcumin
  • Corriander – Antihistaminic properties for allergies. Vitamin C, Make an infusion
• ANTIOXIDANTS support the immune system by eradicating free radicals. These include:
  • Red Berry Juices such as strawberries, cranberry (rich in Vitamin C), Raspberry, Goji Berry  and Pomegranate (High in Antioxidants)

Biochemic Tissue salts

• Nat Sulph and Ferrum Phos  for the early stages
• Kali Sulph – Stuffiness, yellow catarrhal discharge, reduce temperature
• Calcium Phosphate – For Convalescence

Always remember that disease is not designed to kill you.

Whenever the immune system successfully deals with an infection, it emerges from the experience stronger and better able to confront similar threats in the future. Our immune system develops in combat. If at the first sign of infection, you always jump in with the antibiotics, you do not give the immune system a chance to grow stronger.

***The above article is meant for awareness and educational purposes and does not intend to diagnose or treat any condition. Please remember to consult a health care practitioner for expert advice***

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