It is that time of year again. The beginning of running noses, coughing throats, and high fevers. Every one of which has not supported any weaknesses in their immune system are now prone to attack by the many microbes that lurk within our environments. Bacterias, Viruses, Parasites, and even Molds are now lurking around waiting for an unsuspecting host. There must be a way to which one can fend off these critters without having to run to the nearest doctor for an antibiotic. Additionally over the last few year research is being presented regarding antibiotic resistance and the need for more reserved antibiotic prescriptive approaches. The majority of the antibiotics are prescribed in primary care settings and very few times are the prescriptions as a result of a test to confirm the source of the infection. Strep tests and once-overs are typically the cure-alls to in-depth diagnostic testing and children as well as adults alike leave with a scrip in hand for the local antibiotic of the week. Staggering numbers of people approach their primary cares in an effort to find relief from a cough, cold, and flu symptoms with little questioning as to the efficacy of their treatments. Common pathogens causing these conditions in children is Streptococcus Pneumoniae which can concert into a covert serious pathogen in both children as well as the elderly. IN common treatment, Penicillin is often recommended in addition to Amoxicillian. Pre or probiotics are seldom prescribed as an addition in order to reinoculate the microbes in the GI system. Once an antibiotic bomb is sent into the system, it takes approximately two years for the microbes to regenerate themselves, in kind. In a recent Swedish study examining children’s upper respiratory infections and the treatment of which through antibiotics it was founded that although the antibiotics were still seen to be effective the results did prove that continued antibiotic treatment increases bacterial resistances to the antibiotics and therefore continuous work still needed to be made in an effort to reduce antibiotic prescribing as a priority. Antibiotics do serve a place in the management of microbes as long as additional precautions have been made in order to support the bodies immune systems. We still are very much a reactive species in terms of reacting to the disease process only when it becomes a systemic issue. Very few of us work towards preventing disease rather than managing it, however, we are noticing a great shift in healthcare as time goes on. This is seen to be true in the case of H.Pylori, which is a type one carcinogen, most often triple combination antibiotics are being used to treat this super bug, however, in the recent years, it has become more resistant to antibiotics. It is currently estimated that H.Pylori infects more than half of the population; over 80% in developed countries and 25% in underdeveloped countries. H.Pylori, although is still being treated effectively using a triple antibiotic therapy has shown residency towards several antimicrobial agents, specifically clarithromycin or metronidazole.
So what is a person suppose to do in the day in age of antibiotic resistance and fears of susceptibility? The first thing is clear as we leave the era of reactivity we stand firmly into proactivity, especially in the area of our health. It is vital that we work on building the health of the body rather than waiting for and fighting disease. Innovative methods of a cough, cold, and flu prevention have been presented as a means to help support the bodies ability to heal while reserving the need for antibiotics for more serious situations or surgical procedures to which infection possibility rates are high. Probiotic cocktails are provided to boost the microorganisms of the digestive system in an effort to fight infections as they are presented to the body. If all the doors and windows are locked when an intruder steps forth the greater the likelihood of keeping the bad guys out. Keeping a healthy digestive system, which houses the majority of the immune system, is key to keeping all the windows and doors locked in your house. Stimulation of IgA that targets both bacterial as well as viral invaders is key to preventing any pathogens from gaining access to your precious immune system. Strains of L.plantarum, L. Rhamnosus, B. Lactis proved to be protective in a recent three-month study against a placebo where subjects were asked to report daily respiratory cold symptoms such as a runny nose, fever, bronchitis, etc.
Aggressive actions the first time cough, cold, or flu symptoms are demonstrated is also critical to the advancement of health instead of the fighting of disease.
- 800 Mg Cimetidine
- 9,000 Mg of Garlic
- 200 Mg DHEA
- 1,200 Mg Lactoferrin
- 32 Mg Zinc Acetate Lozenges
- 10 Mg melatonin at bedtime
- 3,600 mg of Garlic extract
- Dose of Tamiflu
The above-mentioned protocol is concerned the nuclear bomb of any flu cells in the body leaving little life within it. This protocol should only be taken over a short period of time, based on the toxic nature of some nutrients if taken over periods of time. Consulting with your holistic family doctor in regards to your needs is beneficial as well as recommended as this is only a general protocol and one may need more or less of many one nutrient.
Herbs like slippery elm, elderberry syrup, and old Indian wild cherry bark have been known for centuries to help ease sore and dry coughs that may be raw from coughing. While essential oils such as thieves, tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus all have notable antimicrobial properties.
Natural remedies for treating children with a cough, cold, and flu include:
- Regular hand washing
- Good Nutrition
- Restful Sleep
As well as this nutrient supports
- Probiotics – Depending on the age probiotic strains are provided in order to help support the immune system.
- Vitamin D3 liquid in a lower dose than what is provided to adults (500-1,000IU)
- Echinacea, Vitamin C, Zinc – In the first onset of a cough, cold, or flu symptoms these should be given immediately to help support the immune system and aid int he ability to heal.
- Black Elderberry – This can help reduce duration as well as possible symptoms of the cold or a cough-
There may be a time to which seeing your holistic doctor may be indicated and recommended:
- If you or a loved one has difficulty breathing
- Difficulty keeping foods or liquids down
- Fever higher than 100C lasting more than three days
- A cough or nasal congestion that does not improve after 14-21 days
- Depleted energy reserves
Our office provides antibiotic free holistic and naturally cough, cold, and flu support using applied kinesiology or muscle testing as a diagnostic tool to determine the cause of the symptoms. Sometimes it is not a pathogen at all that is creating the symptoms so it is important to have a qualified healthcare professional evaluate the individual to determine what treatments are recommended for the immune system. Heavy metal, as well as chemical agents, could also be the cause even though the body is manifesting cold-like symptoms. Also, when working with supporting a person’s immune system sometimes less is more because anything out into the system will distract them body from getting well on its own. We are delighted to help you and your family in your healthcare journey in order to be proactive instead of reactive in a cough, cold, and flu season. Practice members and guests are treated at our practice and sick care appointments are available during office hours as well as after hours for practice members only. There is a relief as well as all natural healthcare support is only a phone call away. 757-685-4325
Book your Naturopathic Medicine Sick Care Visit with Dr. Steele by clicking here.
All information contained in this blog post is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and is neither intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment nor for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.