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After
The Flu
By G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN
You
just got slammed by a mean case of the flu. Your immune system has
taken a real beating and is still vulnerable to attack. Two weeks
of rest, fresh fruits, seafood, and the low pressure of a Hawaiian
beach are probably out of the question. Instead, it is back to work
where you are in close contact with patients all day: patients who
cough; patients who sneeze; patients who forget to wash their hands;
and patients who harbor all kinds of germs looking for a new home.
When you get the flu, you need to recover quickly.
Here are my recommendations:
1. Hydrate: Your fluid needs increase due to the
sweat you lose with a fever. It's likely that your food and fluid
intake are inadequate when you're sick. Thus, it is likely that
you will be dehydrated. You also need the extra fluids to help flush
the abnormal metabolites your system has accumulated. Drink an extra
40-60 ounces of pure water above what you would normally imbibe.
It is also a good idea to hop on the scale and see how much weight
you lost during your illness. The majority of your deficit is fluid.
2. Reinoculate: A high fever will do a number on
your intestinal flora. If you were vomiting or took antibiotics,
your bacteria have been further insulted. If you do not supplement
with a probiotic, your recovery will be lengthened. To reinoculate
your bowel, take at least three billion active lactobacillus microflora
daily. Choose combination products that contain multiple strains
such as acidophilus, bifidus and bulgaricus.
3. Vitamins: It is no surprise that your needs
temporarily increase during recovery. Elevate B complex to 100 mg
with extra pantothenic acid (500 mg for adrenal support). If you
already take 400 IU of vitamin E, you are covered. Elevate your
vitamin C to between 15 and 20 mg per pound of body weight. Bioflavonoids
and proanthocyanidins work well with vitamin C. They are powerful
antioxidants and membrane supporters. Take 500 mg of bioflavonoids
and 100 mg of proanthocyanidins.
4. Minerals: Shoot for the RDA levels of minerals
(which can be a challenge for calcium and magnesium). Increase your
zinc intake to 40-50 mg per day.
5. Proteins and Amino Acids: The high-quality whey
proteins available on the market promote the proliferation of "good
bacteria" in the gut. They contain bioactive peptides that
have both antiviral and antibacterial properties. Whey is also very
high in essential branch chain amino acids and is important in the
production of glutathione (a tri-peptide that is a very powerful
component of our immune system).
Arginine has been in the news recently for hypertension, erectile
dysfunction and heart disease. Arginine also stimulates the immune
system. Add 3-6 grams to your protein shake or eat lots of chicken
soup, which is a great source of arginine. If you suffer from herpes
outbreaks, make sure you also take lysine.
6. Foods: Stay away from stressors such as alcohol,
caffeine and sugar. I found one 1973 paper (AJCN 26:1180-1184) that
tested 100-gram servings of fructose, sucrose, honey and orange
juice on how they affect cellular immunity. The results revealed
that the capacity of neutrophils to engulf bacteria was decreased
for 1-2 hours after absorption of these highly concentrated simple
carbohydrates.
7. Herbs: Echinacea is now the largest-selling
herb in the United States. It improves our white blood cells' ability
to battle infection. Germany's Commission E Monographs (the best
object of analysis of herbs by an independent multidisciplinary
channel of scientists, allopathic, and alternative practitioners
currently available) recommends supplementation as soon as you start
to feel sick. The commission also states that echinacea should not
be used continuously for more than three weeks at a time.
Goldenseal
contains chemicals that prevent the growth of viruses, fungi and
bacteria. It is often combined with echinacea in immune system formulas.
In the October 1999 issue of the University of California, Berkeley
Wellness Letter, the editors advised against the use of goldenseal
due to its "unpredictable action" and potential side effects
that include respiratory failure. This statement was not referenced
with a specific study, and this publication is known to be quite
conservative when it comes to supplements. In his 1999 book A Consumer's
Guide to Herbal Medicine, Dr. Steven Karch states there have been
no reports of goldenseal causing serious toxicity. Dr. Karch further
states that due to the tremendous amount of goldenseal sold in the
United States, the lack of good studies is "distressing."
Elderberry is a rich source of quercetin and rutin. Elderberry has
also reduced flu symptoms and shortened recovery time in humans.
In a 1995 article in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary
Medicine [1995:1(4) 361-369], elderberry extract ingestion
produced more antiviral antibodies in humans than the placebo preparation.
Herbal Dosing:
Due to different potencies, raw material sources, and manufacturing
techniques, it is impossible to give advice that is both safe and
therapeutic without knowledge of the specific preparation. Thus,
products should be used according to the recommendation of the company
that produces the supplements you choose. As the use of herbal medicine
increases, I hope to see industry-wide standardization.
8. Energize: After a significant viral insult,
it is not uncommon to suffer from postviral fatigue. Coenzyme Q10
(.75 mg per pound of body weight), potassium and magnesium aspartates
(1-3 grams per day) and ribose (2 grams per day) can kick-start
your intramitochondrial energy systems if you still feel drained
after your fever and body aches subside.
SUMMARY
A good case of the flu really stresses one's system. Start the program
as soon as your stomach allows. Follow recommendations one through
six for three to four days for each day you have a fever. The seventh
recommendation, herbs, is best used during your illness and for
two or three days following it. Finally, if you have postviral fatigue,
follow recommendation number eight for two to four weeks. If your
energy is still low, after one month seek a second opinion.
916
E. Imperial Hwy.
Brea, CA. 92821
(714) 990-0824
Fax:
(714) 990-1917
gdandersen@earthlink.net
www.andersenchiro.com
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