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a dose of 1,200 IU per day, vitamin D3 reduced the incidence of Influenza A among a cohort of Japanese schoolchildren, but was associated with an increase in incidence of Influenza B, giving no overall advantage in preventing flu-associated illness.
Recurrent sinusitis and upper respiratory tract infections account for more than $1 billion in unnecessary and largely useless antibiotic prescriptions annually. This is a major driver of antibiotic resistance. Much of it could be prevented if patients prone to sinus problems, seasonal allergies and respiratory infections routinely practiced sinus irrigation. New updates on the classical Indian neti pot could make this simple self-care practice more appealing to Americans.
Clostridium difficile has surpassed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as Microbial Enemy No. 1 in America’s hospitals. This bug can cause severe, often life threatening colitis, is increasingly common and more virulent than it used to be. Overuse of antibiotics is a main driver of the epidemic, and public health leaders are calling on community based physicians to be extremely judicious in their use of antibiotics.
What’s really interesting about H1N1 is the way it seems to mirror back to people what they fear most and trust least. Our individual reactions and responses to this bug tell us more about our human nature, than the nature of the virus or its potential health consequences.
What happens when a naturopathic doctor & his girlfriend get the H1N1 flu? A whole lot of coughing, sneezing, fevering and bed rest, that’s what. Swine flu is nasty, says Dr. Michael Traub, but for most people it’s not likely to be life-threatening.
Maintaining the functional integrity of the innate immune complex through a vegetable-rich diet, and immune enhancing vitamins & minerals obviates the need to fret over which strain of flu virus will predominate. A competent immune system will defend against them all.
An extract of Elderberry (Sambucus) proved effective in reducing symptoms associated with human influenza in a new placebo-controlled clinical trial.
The most important concept in medicine, I think, is the Law of Parsimony. It dictates that when explaining the cause for an event or series of events, the simplest explanation is likely to be most valid.
Nasal washes can be a big help for patients with seasonal allergies. Many people use salt water. But this not the best choice, as it is irritating and it inhibits natural defense mechanisms. Xylitol nasal washes are effective in stimulating allergen clearance without the risk of irritation, and with the added benefit of inhibiting bugs that cause upper respiratory and middle ear infections.
Stock prices are soaring for the drug companies that make and market Tamiflu, thanks to the Bird Flu scare, and prominent government officials particularly Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, are making big bucks as a result.
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