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A Holistic View on the Flu

11/29/2014

It is the fall, so everywhere you look are signs to get the flu shot. A direction you may want to reconsider given the fact that our body is capable of fighting off these flu viruses as long as we nourish ourselves.

Why does the flu have a season?
Think about it. We have viruses (including the flue virus) around all year long. So what makes September through March flu season? Well, there's a few theories:

In September, the kids go back to school and the germs spread like crazy from kid to kid.
October starts the candy season, which begins with Halloween and ends after Christmas.
It is also a time for people to snuggle up inside because it's cold outside. This leads to drier air and may make it harder for our system to fend off an invading virus.
We are not reaping the benefits of the sun because this time of year, the sun is tilted and we can't make Vitamin D (in NJ). And if we went outside all the time wearing sunscreen in the summer, we didn't get the needed Vitamin D then either.
The virus may also live on surfaces longer, which extends the time we can become exposed.

What can we do?
We can support our immune system. After all, the immune system was designed to be our defender. You do this by cleaning up your diet and eating more fresh vegetables, especially leafy greens and limiting sugar as much as possible. Did you know that for two hours after a sweet treat, your immune system is sluggish?

Limit your stress and find out your stress triggers.
Listen to your body, if you start to feel something coming on, slow down. Rest can do wonders.
Supplement with Vitamin D, it modulates our immune system and many are deficient to begin with.
Supplement with Vitamin C, it has antiviral and antibacterial properties and stimulates your immune system.
Zinc also stimulates the immune system and some research shows that it may decrease symptoms a day or two sooner.
And don't forget to wash your hands, cover those coughs and stay home if you are feeling sick.

One more thing you can do is educate yourself so you can make an informed decision whether or not you want to receive the vaccine. The Center for Disease control (CDC) reports that the flu vaccine is only 60% effective. Possibly because it is almost impossible to figure out which strain is going to be most active since there are over 200 strains of flu-like viruses. There are also questionable ingredients in the vaccine that actually tax our immune system, not making it stronger.

Give your immune system the support it needs. Follow these tips this flu season and give your body the extra support it needs.

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Has your child been labeld with ADD?

11/3/2014

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If so, he has probably been put on a medication because it is perceived that this eases school disturbances and makes them more manageable. But, should they be on medication? Hyperactivity and behavior issues are not diseases and some of the medications come with serious side effects. What if changing your child’s diet helped?

ADD is diagnosed by a specialist who compares the behavior of your child with the criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association. The diagnosis of children with ADD/ADHD is rising. Characteristics include: excessive fidgeting, trouble paying attention, easily distracted, restlessness, irritability, excessive crying, temper tantrums, excessive talking, poor sleep with night awakenings, inability to perform simple tasks that are developmentally appropriate, inattention when attention is needed, out of control impulsivity. There is no known cause as to why children exhibit these behaviors but there are very strong links to underlying nutrition deficiencies/excesses, heavy metal toxicity, food allergies, reactions/toxification of vaccines, food allergies etc.

By using nutrition intervention many children can experience improvement in behavior. The following are some suggestions of what you might want to eliminate:

Salicylates - these can occur naturally or artificially. Naturally occurring include foods like almonds, apples, apricots, bananas, blueberries, cherries, cucumbers, grapes, grapefruit, lemons, melons, nectarines, oranges, peaches, prunes, raisins, raspberries, peas, green peppers, hot peppers, pickles and tomatoes. Artificial Salicylates include artificial colors like food dyes commonly identified by the color with a number and preservatives like BHT, BHA, EDTA, TBHQ, Benzoates, Proprionates, Nitrates and sulfites are synthetic and are usually more of a problem than salicylates found in food.

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS)
Refined sugars
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) - a flavor enhancer

Trans fatty acids (hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils) – a manmade fat that is solid at room temperature.

Gluten (proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and spelt)
Casein (a protein found in dairy)

For the above whole foods I would recommend an elimination/provocation diet to see if these foods affect your child. When doing the elimination/provocation diet make sure to eliminate all supplements because some vitamins in the supplements may increase the behavior problems.

What to include:

A high nutrient dense diet with plenty of fiber and antioxidants. Make sure to include green leafy vegetables!
Organic foods
Fruits and veggies (including blending and juicing them)
Water
Essential fatty acids – food sources include leafy greens, flaxseeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds. If using fish oils use cleanly sources oils.

The key to helping your child is to find out as best you can the underlying cause and start the healing process. And always remember that food is the foundation to which your build your body, it is a factor in everything and a great place to start your journey.

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A Holistic View on the Flu

Has your child been labeld with ADD?

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