NSAND Articles
Winter Immune Protocol
April 13th, 2010 — Provided by Dr. Lois Hare, ND
Do Not Be Afraid -- Be Wise
Whether you choose to vaccinate or not you need to support your overall health. Strengthen your immune system through adequate sleep, healthy diet, and exercise, and take time to experience joy in your life -- have a belly laugh or two each day!
REMEMBER: You are an individual. Your body requires individualized treatment. See your Naturopath for consultation regarding protection and treatment of any and all seasonal disruptions.
The Swine Flu -- Know your virus
- The Influenza A Virus
- Strain H1N1: This describes the change in proteins on the surface of this particular
strain of the Influenza Virus. - Incubation (the time it takes for the virus to express itself as symptoms after
exposure): 2-4 days - Contagious period: 7 days post-infection
- Survival on Objects: 2-8 hours
- Symptoms:
- Symptoms often come on fast, within 2-3 hours o Fever o Body Aches and Joint Pain
- Cough,Shortness of Breath, Chest Pain
- Mild to Severe Respiratory Distress
- Fatigue
- Sore Throat
- Diarrhea, Vomiting, Abdominal Pain
- Large Amounts of Mucous; Sense of Drowning in Mucous
- Secondary Bacterial Infections Possible (ie, Staph or Strep infection)
- Cytokine Storm:
- Cytokines are cell messengers that signal the immune system to build a
defensive response. If the viral load (the amount of virus that has replicated in the body) is too high, the cytokines can overreact causing a biochemical cascade of cells that, in the case of H1N1, can effectively block the airways with inflammation so that the person finds it difficult to breathe.
- Cytokines are cell messengers that signal the immune system to build a
Prevention:
- Diet:
- No Sugar or Fruit Juice (Decreases Immune Function)
- Decrease Bananas and Dairy (Mucous Forming)
- Avoid Wheat and other food allergens (Taxes Immune System)
- Increase Vegetable Juices (ie, Carrot or Beet; 3 cups per day)
- Increase immune protecting foods such as shiatake mushrooms, garlic, and
onions - Choose Soups & Broths (ie, Miso Soup -- add garlic and cayenne for immune modulating effects)
- Add Herbal Teas such as Star Anise (1 tsp crushed seed to 1 cup of water, bring to boil and steep 20 minutes)
- Saline Rinses: DAILY. 2 hours before bed, 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 cup of boiled water, cooled to body temperature. Rinse mouth and sinuses. Neti Pot or Neil Med Sinus Rinse (available at pharmacies).
- Probiotics: Supports Gut Immunity, one of your body's first lines on immune defense. 6 billion cells per day with breakfast (Dosage may vary depending on your individual gut and immune health; speak with your Naturopath)
- Fish Oil: 1500mg per day, including 750mg EPA. (Dosage may vary depending on your individual gut and immune health; speak with your Naturopath)
- Hot Bath: Take Ginger tea with you! (1 Tbsp of chopped ginger, 1 cup boiled water, the juice 1/2 lemon, a pinch of cayenne)
- Book an appointment with your Naturopath to discuss appropriate dosages of protective treatments including homeopathics, herbals, and vitamin supplementation.
- A note about vaccination: It is an individualized choice to be vaccinated. Educate yourself about the pros and cons, read reliable information from trusted sources, have your immune capability assessed by your Naturopath, and speak with all of your health care providers before making an informed decision.
If you are exposed or begin to experience symptoms (in addition to what is listed above):
- Book an acute visit with your Naturopath for individualized treatments specific to
your unique symptoms. Homeopathics, Nutritional Supplements, Herbal Remedies, and Physical Therapies can all aid in decreasing the severity of the cytokine storm and length of the attack. - REST, REST, REST! This is your best defense! Do whatever you need to do to stay home to heal. This may take up to two weeks.
- oods which can help to prevent the cytokine storm: Garlic, Green Tea, Red Grapes/Raisins and 100% Red Grape Juice, Peanuts, Mulberries, Cranberry Juice, and Turmeric (sprinkle over stir fries and other main dishes)
- Avoid public places and exposing your friends and family members as long as you are experiencing symptoms (particularly 1 week post-fever).
- Avoid the following: Astragalus (if fever develops), Echinacea (worsens cytokine storm), Chlorella/Spirulina (Increases cytokine TNF alpha), Colloidal Silver
Go to the Emergency for Conventional Intervention if:
- Children: Fast Breathing, Shortness of Breath, Poor Fluid Intake (leading to Dehydration), Bluish Skin Colour, Rapid Worsening of Flu Symptoms, Rapidly Increasing Fever, or Fever Associated with a rash
- Adults: Shortness of Breath, Chest Pain or Pressure, Confusion, Dizziness, Persistent Vomiting