An Ounce of Prevention
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION…
Susan Fox, L.Ac., M.S.O.M.
Due to the daily deluge of media attention to the outbreak of H1N1 virus, commonly referred to as swine flu, fear and questions as to what we can do to prevent contracting or reduce the symptoms of influenza permeate our conversations. Seems we’ve been down this road before….I prepared the following article nearly 4 years ago during the bird flu scare, with suggestions for building immunity in the model of Traditional Chinese Medicine and conventional wisdom, as well as things to consider for intervention should we find ourselves with the signs and symptoms of the flu.
First, let’s not forget our common sense approach to prevention. Wash your hands, avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing to prevent transmission of viruses. Also, get plenty of rest. Get to bed by 11pm and try to get 8 hours of sleep each night.
For prevention, Acupuncture stimulation has been shown to have an effect on bolstering the immune system responses, including increasing IgA levels (an immunoglobulin involved in strengthening immunity) and by activating white blood cells and antibodies. Acupuncture points also have specific actions to reduce fever and chills, relieve nasal congestion and other symptoms associated with a cold and flu presentation. My favorite prescription is referred to as an “acupuncture tune-up”, as it addresses all of the organ systems associated with immunity. If you feel in need of a tune-up, make your appointment today.
Herbal remedies have a complementary role in boosting the body’s defense systems. Many herbal formulas used to both prevent and treat a cold and/or flu incorporate Astragalus Membranceus, which has been shown to contain medicinally-active compounds that stimulate the immune system. Named “huang qi” in Chinese medicine, it is described in ancient texts as having the ability to create a barrier as strong as jade against invasion of wind. Modern medicine now refers to these as airborne viruses. It is fascinating to note how a body of medicine that was developed through clinical observation thousands of years ago is now demonstrating its theories to be supported by modern scientific investigation. I have several formula that include huang qi in the office. Depending upon your specific constitution and presentation, I will determine the best for you.
Mushrooms, specifically reishi (ganoderma), maitake (grifola), shiitake (lentinus), polyporus, and tremella.contains high percentages of polysaccharides, which activate white blood cells and stimulate complements and antibodies. My favorite formula, called Ten Mushroom formula by EcoNeugenics, is available at the office.
Vitamin D is essential for a prevention program. Adults need 5,000 IU when midday sun exposure is not possible, infants need 1,000 IU, and older children need 2,000 IU.
Vitamin C at 2-4 grams per day prevents inflammation and maintains the body’s vigilance against infection.
Vitamin A is essential to immune function and mucous membrane integrity. I recommend taking it in the form of beta-carotene or in consumption of whole foods.. The recommended daily amount (RDA) of vitamin A is 1,000-2,000 IU for children, depending on their age (1,000 at one year of age, 2,000 by age nine). One egg contains 300 IU, one cup of whole milk or whole milk yogurt contains about 225-250 IU of vitamin A. One tablespoon of butter contains 350 IU of A.
Zinc has potent immune protective effects. Take 25 mg zinc per day, but if you continue zinc for an extended period of time you will also need to take copper to prevent a deficiency (10:1 ratio of copper to zinc). Get a supplement that contains both.
For intervention, Traditional Chinese medicine consider infectious disease as wen bing (warm disease) and treat it with heat-clearing herbs. Many of these herbs are confirmed to have remarkable antibiotic effects, including antibacterial and antiviral. We have these formula at the ready should you find yourself symptomatic.
In addition, homeopathic remedies containing Influenzinum, a specific preventive for the flu, as well as support if you are exposed to the flu. I have a supply at the office in drops or spray. If you have been diagnosed with H1N1, we can supplement your influenzinum remedy with the nosode (i.e., remedy created from some element of the disease itself, such as a discharge or diseased tissue) H5N1, bird flu. This is the closest element that matches the H1N1 virus that is currently available
If you would like to schedule an appointment for consultation or treatment, you can go online to our website, www.balancerestored.com. In the left navigation, click on the icon “Make an Appointment”, then click on my name, and you will be connected to my web-based patient calendar. Please be advised that first-time use requires registration and then reservation.
Let’s keep our minds, bodies and spirits at ease – let’s keep our Balance Restored. To stay informed on local updates, you can access additional information at www.marinflu.org. But first, take a breath, and remember: this is a flu. We’ve experienced the flu each year; with proper precaution, and without panic, we will be fine.