​The Truth About Colds and Flu Doctors Won’t Tell You

If you suffer from cold or flu, you may want to let it run its course and rest both physically and emotionally, instead of taking conventional drugs that are supposed to suppress the symptoms.

Conventional medicine claims that there is no “cure” for common cold, and flu should be prevented with vaccines loaded with chemicals. You are also supposed to ease your discomfort with the help of different medications.

Unfortunately, this only indicates a lack of understanding what colds and flu are really like, and their effect on your body.

They are both caused by viruses. You have to understand what viruses can do at cellular level before you understand what colds and flu do at that very same level.

Do you remember your science classes when you learned about cellular division? Each of the cells are parent cells, and through mitosis (genetic duplication) and cytokinesis (cellular division) parent cells divide into daughter cells. Each daughter cell is considered to be a parent cell that will later divide into two daughter cells, and the process goes on.
Viruses, unlike your cells, cannot duplicate through mitosis and cytokinesis. They are microscopic particles of genetic material, and each is coated with a thin protein layer.
Viruses cannot reproduce on their own, as they are not designed to do so. The only way to manage flourishing in your body is to use the machinery and metabolism of your cells, and then produce copies of themselves.

Once viruses access your cells, of course, depending on the type of the virus that is involved, two things can happen:

1. The virus uses cell’s resources to replicate many times. It later breaks open the cell, and the newly replicated viruses leave and search for new cells to infect. This is called lysis, and it effectively kills the cell.

2. The virus incorporates in the DNA of the cell, so it can be passed on to the daughter cells that stem from that cell. Later on, the virus in every daughter cell replicates itself as we already described. The cell is lysed once there are multiple copies of the virus.
As you can see, the infected cell dies due to lysis in both cases.
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Why colds and flu can be good for you when allowed to run their course
Viruses responsible for colds and flu mostly infect the weakest cells, usually cells that are burdened with excessive waste and toxins. You should get rid of such cells anyway, and replace them with new and healthy cells.

Colds and flu can be considered as a natural event that allows your body eliminate old and damaged cells. If there is no viral infection, it would take much longer for such cells to be identified, destroyed and eliminated.

Just imagine the “stuff” you blow out of your nose when you have a cold or flu, followed by all the dead cells in the mucous, due to the lytic effect viruses have.

As you can see, there is no need of cure for common cold. It is nature’s way to keep you healthy. Get plenty of rest, eat well and stay hydrated during colds and flu, and you do not need all those vaccines or heavy medications that suppress congested sinuses, fever or cough.

Each of these uncomfortable symptoms is a way through which your body eliminates waste material and goes through colds and flu. It is okay to use over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen in cases when the discomfort becomes intolerable, or if these medications help you sleep well.

However, try to avoid medications that suppress helpful processes like fever, cough and runny nose.

But, just because colds and flu help your body does not mean that you should expose yourself to them to improve your health. Protect your health and improve your immune system, get enough sleep and introduce some health-promoting dietary and lifestyle changes.

This will help your cells stay strong against viruses that knock on their membranes. In that case your body will not have enough weak cells available for the colds or flu to do their job and lyse them.

How to differentiate common cold and flu?
Colds come on gradually, within a day or two. You feel tired, sneeze, cough and have a runny nose. In most cases, you do not have a fever, but if you still have it, it is slightly higher than normal. A cold will last for 3-4 days, but sometimes even 10-14 days.

Flu comes suddenly, and it is more serious. It leaves you tired, weak, with a fever as high as 104f. Muscle and joint pain, severe headache, sore throat and a feeling of being chilled are just some of the symptoms. It would take much effort to get off the bed. The fever lasts 3-5 days, but you will feel weak and tired for 2-3 weeks.

Final Note
You do not need any antibiotics, because common colds and flu are caused by viruses. People who take these feel slightly better because antibiotics provide a mild anti-inflammatory effect.

But, the side-effects sure outweigh the benefits. Antibiotics affect friendly bacteria in the digestive tract. If you really need some help when dealing with pain during colds or flu, take a small dose of acetaminophen instead of antibiotics.
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Traditional Naturopathic Healthcare Principles 
A guiding principle of traditional naturopathic healthcare is the physical body will heal itself when the obstacles to that healing are removed. This principle is called vis medicatrix naturae – the healing power of Nature. A second principle is to treat the whole person. This principle recognizes that a person is not only the physical body. The physical, emotional, and spiritual are integral parts of the whole person.
 
To live within these principles of traditional naturopathic healthcare should not be expensive. The greatest obstacles to health that we face as a culture today are the tens of thousands of man-made chemicals and natural toxins that suppress our immune system. These chemicals also trigger gene expression that leads to diseases. Avoidance is critical for good health. It is a matter of making conscious choices about the foods that are consumed.
Stress plays an important role in our health. But it is not only how we manage stress. Releasing negative feelings while focusing on positive thoughts is the most powerful practice of natural medicine that leads to well-being and happiness.

The following Tips Support These Traditional Naturopathic Healthcare Principles
  1. Eat colorful vegetables and fruits; avoid processed sugar, salt, potatoes, flours, or   
       hydrogenated oils.
  2.  Drink the purest water available.
  3.  Eat raw and lightly cooked seasonal foods so that you limit exposure to roasted, baked    
       and fried foods.
  4.  Use natural cleaners and glass containers so that you avoid plastics and harsh 
       Chemicals in the home and in food preparation.
  5.   Grow house plants that absorb toxins in the air.
  6.  Enjoy relaxing heat therapies such as baths, steam and saunas.
  7.  Eat organic and free-range foods when available.
  8.  Expand your mindfulness by daily spiritual practice of meditation and/or 
       contemplation.
  9.  Move your body; walk, don’t drive; take the stairs.
10.  Work on body mechanics by stretching and strengthening weak muscle groups.
11. Stay connected: strengthen relations with your family and friends.  Be active in your 
       community!

Study:
Ginger is 10,000x more effective at killing cancer than chemo
(it won’t destroy healthy cells!)
 
August 29, 2019 Leave a comment 157,132 Views

Ginger has been used as both food and medicine for thousands of years.

Native to southeastern Asia, ginger has been a common ingredient in these parts of the world and has long been prized for its aromatic, culinary and medicinal properties.

This underground stem, which is used as both a spice and herb, is packed with active ingredients that play a variety of roles in your body and is still a popular remedy for motion and morning sickness, however, current research offers new hope for cancer patients.

Ginger has helped many a cancer patient fend off nausea and inflammation during treatment. Now it appears it can do even more.

In a Georga State University study on the effects of ginger extract on living cells, researchers found that ginger extract induced growth-inhibition and death on cancerous cells, while leaving the healthy cells alone.
 
Ginger was found found to have virtually no side effects, which separates it from modern-day chemotherapy.  Some forms of chemotherapy have actually been found to increase the rate of metastasis, causing cancer to appear in other organs that were unrelated to the organ being treated.
 
“Whatever manipulations we’re doing to tumors can inadvertently do something to increase the tumor numbers to become more metastatic, which is what kills patients at the end of the day,” said Dr. Raghu Kalluri, working on an unrelated study at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
At George State, the researchers found that ginger extract shrunk prostate tumors in mice by 56%, while reducing inflammation and providing anti-oxidants.

This study comes in addition to 17 other studies linking ginger to anti-cancer benefits.  The plant has also been subjected to peer-reviewed studies that link it to healing when dealing with over 101 other diseases.
You can enjoy the benefits of ginger in various way, teas, extracts, supplements, and you can eat raw ginger to benefit quickly from its healing powers.

Source: Health Holistic Living

4 of the Best Natural Antihistamines
Overview
If you have seasonal allergies, you know they can be challenging. These symptoms can become nearly unbearable sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and sinus pressure.

You’ve likely used many over-the-counter (OTC) solutions to attempt to tame these seasonal symptoms and may want to try something else. There is evidence that completely natural solutions can ease your symptoms.
Hay Fever, allergenic rhinitis, or seasonal allergies — numerous drugs, both prescription and OTC, are made to help combat these cold-like symptoms. But some of these medicines have their own lengthy list of side effects.
Understanding how histamines work can help you better understand how natural antihistamines can be an ally during allergy season.

How do antihistamines work?
Allergies are an immune response to an otherwise harmless substance. This substance — whether it’s pollen or dust — comes into contact with cells in the mucus membranes of your nose, mouth, throat, lungs, stomach, and intestines. This triggers the release of histamine.

Histamine is a part of the immune system that causes all of the symptoms you associate with allergies — the sneezing and cold-like symptoms you dislike. Antihistamines block histamine activity, seeking to stop the allergic reaction.

Many allergy medications on the shelves of your local drug store work as antihistamines. But there are also certain foods and plant extracts that can have similar effects on histamine production.

1. Stinging nettle
A common herb in natural medicine, stinging nettle, may also be a natural antihistamine. In one study, 58 percent of participants found their symptoms relieved with the use of freeze-dried nettles, and 69 participants rated it better than the placebo.

Stinging nettle can be found online and at health food stores. The study participants in question used 300 milligrams (mg) each day.

2. Quercetin
Quercetin is an antioxidant found naturally in onions, apples, and other produce. Research has shown the antihistamine effects of quercetin. One study  found that it even lessened the respiratory side effects of allergies in rats by reducing inflammatory response in the airways.
You can get quercetin as a supplement or simply add more quercetin-rich foods to your diet (the better choice of the two).

 WHERE CAN I GET QUERCETIN?   Quercetin is found in grapefruit, apples, and okra.

• Quercetin is available as a supplement in pill and tablet form, but try to opt for natural sources first.

 

• 3. Bromelain

Bromelain is a compound most commonly found in pineapples, but you can also find it in supplement form. It’s said to be effective at treating respiratory distress and inflammation associated with allergies. One study suggests taking between 400 to 500 mg three times daily.

Taking in bromelain through the natural food pineapple consumption is recommended.

4. Vitamin C
Vitamen C is an easy-to-find natural antihistamine. It’s prevalent in many fruits and vegetables, and also in supplement form.

Because it’s free of side effects and nontoxic, it’s a safe solution for treating stuffy nose and other unpleasant symptoms of seasonal allergies. Research suggest taking at least 2 grams (g) per day for the best antihistamine results. Increase your intake with three to five citrus fruits a day.

The Take Away
When you suffer from allergies, relief can seem just out of reach. By combining natural remedies with proper self-care and allergen avoidance (when possible), you can find allergy symptom help. Proper diet and exercise can help your immune system operate at its highest levels.

Also, remember that while food sources of these antihistamines are natural and safe, supplements aren’t regulated in the United States. So be sure to get them from quality sources, and check with your doctor prior to using supplements.

Triclosan, a Chemical Formerly Used in Antibacterial Soaps,
Was Found to Impair Muscle Function
In a study, the chemical inhibited muscle activity in individual human heart cells, mice and minnows

Some chemicals in antibacterial soap have been banned by the FDA after testing showed they did not provide any benefit over normal soap and water. 

Editor’s Note, May 13, 2019: This article was originally published on August 13, 2012. In September 2016, the FDA banned the use of triclosan and 18 other active ingredients in over-the-counter antibacterial soaps. Manufacturers were given one year from the FDA announcement to remove these ingredients from their products or take the products off the market. The headline of this article has been updated to reflect this fact.
Take a look at the bottle of antibacterial hand soap in your bathroom. Chances are good that a particular chemical is listed among its ingredients: triclosan.

The antibacterial substance, which was first developed in the 1960s to prevent bacterial infections in hospitals, has since been incorporated into everything from hand soaps to toothpastes to mouthwashes. Manufacturers see it as a marketing bonus, increasing consumer confidence that a particular product kills harmful bacteria. Even some household products—such as kitchen utensils, toys and bedding—include triclosan.

In recent years, though, research has shed light on a number of problems with employing triclosan so widely. Studies have shown that the chemical can disrupt the endocrine systems of several different animals, binding to receptor sites in the body, which prevents the thyroid hormone from functioning normally. Additionally, triclosan penetrates the skin and enters the bloodstream more easily than previously thought, and has turned up everywhere from aquatic environments to human breast milk in troubling quantities.

To this list of concerns, add one more: A new paper, published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, indicates that triclosan impairs muscle function in both animals and humans. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of California, Davis, found that the chemical hinders human muscle contractions at the cellular level and inhibits normal muscle functioning in both fish and mice.

“Triclosan is found in virtually everyone’s home and is pervasive in the environment,” said lead author Isaac Pessah. “These findings provide strong evidence that the chemical is of concern to both human and environmental health.”

In the first phase of the study, the researchers exposed individual human muscle cells, both from the heart and typical skeletal muscles, to concentrations of triclosan similar to what our bodies experience in everyday life. Then, they used electrical stimulation to cause the muscle cells to contract. Normally, electrical stimulations prompts an immediate muscle contraction—a mechanism that is responsible for the entirety of our muscle activity. In the isolated cells, though, exposure to triclosan disrupted communication between two proteins crucial for proper muscle functioning, causing failure in both the heart and skeletal muscle cells.

The research team also tested the effects of the chemical on two types of live animals—mice and fathead minnows. In the mice, heart muscle function was reduced by as much as 25 percent after exposure to a single dose of triclosan, and grip strength was reduced by as much as 18 percent.

The minnows were used in the experiment to mimic the effect of triclosan in marine environments. After being exposed to concentrations of triclosan equivalent to those found in the wild for 7 days, the minnows were significantly worse swimmers than minnows that hadn’t been exposed to triclosan, and were less effective in swimming tests that simulated the the act of evading a predator.

Using studies with animals to make assumptions about human health is always dicey, but the researchers say the fact that triclosan produced similar results in widely varying conditions with different animals—and the troubling effects of the chemical on human heart cells in test tubes—are causes for concern. ”The effects of triclosan on cardiac function were really dramatic,” said co-author Nipavan Chiamvimonvat. “Although triclosan is not regulated as a drug, this compound acts like a potent cardiac depressant in our models.” He speculates that in some cases, triclosan may be responsible for exacerbating heart problems in patients with an underlying condition.
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Additionally, the FDA has declared that there is no evidence that using antibacterial soaps with triclosan confers any more health benefits than simply washing with conventional soap and water, and the agency is currently conducting a risk assessment for the chemical. ”Triclosan can be useful in some instances, however it has become a ubiquitous ‘value added’ marketing factor that actually could be more harmful than helpful,” said study co-author Bruce Hammock. “At the very least, our findings call for a dramatic reduction in its use.”

Read more: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/triclosan-a-chemical-used-in-antibacterial-soaps-is-found-to-impair-muscle-function-22127536/#0xX9QtjvjlpP4sbw.99

10 Traditional Naturopathic Tips for Healthy Eating During the Holidays
              
The sheer amount of yummy food available in the month of December is incredible.
Home baked goodies, office parties, Grandma’s holiday feast, food given as gifts, candy on display as decoration; it’s everywhere and very tempting to eat, even for naturopathic doctors and medical physicians!
For most of us, we tend to gain weight between mid-November and the New Year. Not to mention all the sugar and treats can lower our immune systems, create general sluggishness and make it hard to think clearly.
Below are some of our favorite holistic healing strategies for staying healthy during the holidays.

1. Don’t go to that party hungry.  We’ve all heard this one before, but it’s probably one of the best tips out there.  It’s like going grocery shopping when you’re hungry; you’re more likely to make poor choices when your hunger is your motivation.
2. Don’t skip breakfast before Christmas dinner.  This is related to the first one.  Many folks will eat light early in the day, “saving room” for the holiday feast at Grandma’s.  But it might be better to eat a good, healthy, filling breakfast that morning.  You will still be hungry and will enjoy the meal, but won’t gorge yourself into a turkey-coma.
3. Focus on maintaining your weight now and all natural weight loss later!  If you want to lose weight, this is usually not the time to do it; often maintaining weight is enough of a challenge and goal!  You don’t want to set yourself up for failure with unrealistic goals.  Also, don’t fall into the trap of “I’m going to start dieting in January, so I might as well eat whatever I want now!”-because the more you gain now, the more you’ll have to lose later!  Up and down of weight is actually more dangerous than maintaining a steady weight and starting an all natural weight loss plan.
4. If you’re going to a potluck, bring a healthy dish you love.  That way you know at least one dish will be good for you, and since it’s one you know you like, you’ll be more likely to eat it.
5. It’s okay to say “No.”  I know Aunt Edna made that cake, but you don’t have to eat it.  You really don’t.  Maybe split a piece, or take just a bite, without having to eat the whole portion.
6. Take the focus off food.  So many holiday gatherings are centered on food.  Consider having a party with board games, or have everyone make ornaments and tell stories; all activities that aren’t 100% food focused.
7. Be aware of the calories you are drinking.  Alcohol, egg nog, fruit punch, hot chocolate with whipped cream…all come packed with hidden, nutrient-poor calories.  Be aware of how much you are consuming as it can really start to add up!  Drink water before you go and during the gathering so you aren’t drinking these other drinks simply because you are thirsty.
8. Don’t deny yourself 100% of the holiday foods.  When it comes to holistic health care and all natural weight loss the key is moderation-take smaller portions, smaller bites.  If you have a cookie at lunch, then don’t also have a cookie at 2:00 then 4:00 and again after dinner and another before bed.  But don’t feel like you can’t have the cookie at all!
9. Relax and keep your stress levels down.  The holidays can be very stressful, and it’s common to self-medicate with sweet holiday foods in order to feel better.  Instead, take time for yourself, breathe deeply, go for a walk, and keep your stress level in check. Your state of mind always affects your body and holistic healing.
10. Above all, enjoy the holidays.  Remember they are not about food, but about spending time with those you love.  Have fun, and enjoy that occasional cookie.

 
               Stay Healthy During Cold and Flu Season
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Winter Is Coming!                            
10 Ways To Strengthen Your Immune System

Winter is coming and, especially with the cold and flu season, it’s important to know what we can do to keep a strong and balanced immune system to stay healthy and avoid infections.
 
1. Eat a balanced diet with whole foods
You need many nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, D and E, as well as minerals selenium and zinc, and Omega 3s, to support your immune system. Focus on eating whole foods, such as quality animal protein (if you're an omnivore), legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, as well as plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Superfoods such as bee pollen, camu camu, reishi mushroom, and micro algae can give you an extra boost.
Avoid processed meats, fried foods, soft drinks, processed baked goods, or products with artificial sweeteners or refined sugars. Eating too much of them suppresses the immune system.
 
2. Get plenty of vitamin C
Fresh fruits and vegetables are our best sources of vitamin C, which help to strengthen our immune system and keep our body healthy. Great food sources of vitamin C include berries, citrus, kiwi, bell peppers, and dark green vegetables.
 
3. Use herbs and spices
Cook with onions, garlic, ginger, black peppercorn, cayenne pepper, allspice, curry, and turmeric. They contain components that help to boost our immune system.
 
4. Drink plenty of clean water
Water helps in the production of lymph, which carries white blood cells and other immune system cells. Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your health. For an extra boost, add a slice of lemon, which will provide extra vitamin C.
 
5. Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a day
Chronic fatigue is known to increase risks of illness. The body rejuvenates and strengthens when it’s at rest. If you can, sleep 7 to 8 hours a day, and if needed, take an afternoon nap. Your body will thank you.

6. Say hello to friendly bacteria
It’s known that about 80% of our immune system is located in our digestive system. So keeping a healthy gut is very important to keep a strong immune system. Probiotics are good bacteria that can be found in whole and fermented foods, such as raw sauerkraut, miso, yogurt, kefir, kimchi and microalgae, or in the form of supplements. If you take supplements, it’s best to choose a brand that offers different sources of bacteria and one that's ideally refrigerated.
 
7. Avoid antibiotics (if possible)
As much as possible, try to avoid antibiotics. They've been shown to attack beneficial bacteria in the digestive system and suppress immune functions. Unless you really have to take them, see if you can find a natural alternative first.
If you have a cold, sip on a cup of hot water with lemon, ginger, and organic honey. You can also get echinacea or zinc, which are great for flu and cold. Make sure you get plenty of vitamin C and drink a lot of water. If you're taking antibiotics or any other medication, take quality probiotics.
 
8. Exercise!
Exercising is not only a great way to get in shape, but it also increases our immune function, improves sleep quality, and makes our body stronger. If you do not have any health conditions that prevent you from exercising, find the time to work-out, even if it’s only a long walk!
 
9. Soak up some sun
Vitamin D is important to strengthen our immune system, so try to go outside a few times a week for about 30 minutes, without sunscreen, when the sun is not at its highest. You can also get small doses of vitamin D from fatty fish.
 
10. Relax, laugh, and enjoy life
Chronic stress and depression can weaken the immune system and makes us more vulnerable to illness. It’s important to take the time to enjoy life and have fun!
 
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