The session has just started. Please feel free to join and submit your questions now.
After the session has ended, you can view the whole dialogue by clicking Recent Sessions, or the Archive.
Yours,
Health and Science Editor
Name
Editor
-
Profession
Question
If someone begins to feel the symptoms of flu, what are your recommendations?
Answer
When you begin to feel the symptoms of a flu coming on:
1. Take 1000mg of buffered vitamin C every two hours. When you have a lose bowel movement you know you have reached tissue saturation and you decrease the amount by 10%. This is according to the work of Dr. Linus Pauling. In various clinical trials, vitamin C was shown to reduce the amount of time you are ill and allow you to recover faster. Vitamin C is also an anti oxidant, so it also assists the body in "cleaning up" any metabolic waste caused by the destruction of the virus. I prefer buffered vitamin C or a drinkable powder because it prevents the side effects of in taking too much acid.
2. Avoid overeating. You do need to keep your strength up, but light easily digested foods are the best. Soup, broth and bone broths are good. Avoid meat, beans and legumes, raw vegetables and fruits. These foods are difficult to digest and will divert the body's energy to digestion. Some experts recommend a partial fast, but plenty of liquids- herbal tea, water, broth.
3. Eliminate white sugar and do not over consume honey. One tablespoon of sugar can shut down the immune system for up to an hour according.
4. Water. Drink at least 8-10 8oz glasses of water. Water will assist the body in removing waste. The body is mostly made of water and in order for the body to function properly, we need optimal hydration.
5. Medicinal mushrooms like maitake, reishi and shiitake. Certain mushrooms have an affinity for the reparatory system and help boost it. New Chapter carries a full line of immune-mushroom products (www.newchapter.com) Also, the work of Paul Stamets with the US Defense Departments program "Bio Shield" has proved that a mushroom is the best defense against smallpox and perhaps the flu!
6. Rest and sleep as much as possible. The more you fight this, the longer you will remain ill. The body needs you to rest so it can focus all its energy on fighting the infection.
Name
Editor
-
Profession
Question
Could you tell us some natural ways that can make our immune systems better able to combat infectious agents?
Answer
Food is the best medicine, but in moderation. The prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, emphasized eating with moderation repeatedly.
When we overeat we cause the body to work harder and there is more waste produced.
It is difficult for a well nourished person to become ill (especially now that we know about hygiene). Taking a good multivitamin everyday will help insure that each cell is working properly (particularly the B vitamins, zinc, selenium, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins D,A, and C). Remember, when we become ill we become ill one cell at a time. Avoiding white sugar, white rice and white flour will also boost the immunity. These are all inflammatory substances that rob our bodies of nutrients. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like coconut oil also help keep the immune system healthy.
Muslim women who cover also need to be aware that they may suffer from a vitamin D deficiency that can compromise the immune system. Fish contain large amount of vitamin D, but the most effective and abundant source is the Sun. Exposing the forearms, legs and chest to the Sun allows our bodies to produce vitamin D. The time spent in the Sun varies according to skin color.
Keep stress in check. Physical, emotional and environmental stress in excess can cause the immune system to not run optimally. This is due to the hormonal response (too much adrenaline) and the taxation of the organs of the endocrine system (primarily the liver, adrenals and thyroid).
Maintain thyroid health. The work of the late Dr. Broda Barnes demonstrated that people suffering from untreated hypothyroidism suffered more from infectious disease, particularly respiratory infections.
Maintain digestive well being. 70% of our immune system is located in our gut, known as Gut Associated Lymphatic Tissue (GALT). In the age of antibiotics, it is easy for the natural balance of gut flora to become unbalanced. It is the imbalance of this gut flora and low stomach acid that sterilizes our food, that is many times the path way for infectious agents. Probiotics and yogurt help restore this balance. To learn more read Liz Lipski's book "Digestive Wellness."
Name
Van
-
Profession
Question
I know there is bird flu, swine flu, etc. that animals or birds affect each other. Is it confirmed that swine flu can affect humans? Or is it another virus cocktailed with swine flu?
Answer
Just like humans, birds and swine catch flu and have flu seasons. People working in close contact with swine can and do contract swine flu. Swine can also contract human flu.
To give a bit of background, the Influenza of 1918 originated as a mutated swine flu. Then there is the 1976 case of swine flu at Fort Dix, Texas that mobilized the US to vaccinate over 40 million Americans.
Swine flu can jump species and does. I describe this in more detain in my articles on avian flu at www.womenshealingcircle.org.
Name
Selma
-
Profession
Question
What natural things that can counteract the flu infection if regularly taken?
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Selma,
I mentioned in an earlier post here steps one can take to boost the immune system. There are various reparatory tonics that can be taken monthly for the first year and then every 3-6 months the following years.
I use:
4 parts fennel seed
4 parts anise seed
2 part lemon grass
1 part mullen
1 part red clover
During pregnancy mullen is counter indicated because it can cause spontaneous abortion. Fennel should be limited in consumption during pregnancy also.
The tonic (meaning it is safe for everyone and can be taken often) herb astragalus is also immune supporting. It is a root that looks like a popsicle stick. It is sweet and children like it. You can add it to foods that use water to cook in, make a tea, or suck on it.
Name
Muslima
-
Profession
Question
How can I raise my children's immunity to flu without giving them too many medics?
Answer
Asalaam Alikum,
The herbal tonic tea I mentioned, as well as the suggestions I made about diet, will all help strengthen a child's immunity.
I failed to mention to brew the tea, use 1 heaping tablespoon to 8 oz of water and let brew for 20 minutes. For children, use 1 teaspoon in 8 oz of water and let brew for 15 minutes. This should be done once a month for a year. The following year you would need to do it 3-6 times a year.
A good multivitamin will also help. The best children's vitamin I have found is by Ola Loa. Most children's vitamins are as sweet as candy.
Probiotic food like yogurt are also great. Visit www.westonaprice.org or www.wildfermentation.com for more information and ideas.
Name
Ahmed
-
Profession
Question
I want to ask the doctor if we can depend on the flu vaccine or it will not be against all strains?
Answer
As of yet there is not a flu vaccine that can combat both A and B strains of influenza (flu). Currently there is no vaccine for the Swine Flu. At times you hear Tamiflu being described as a vaccine, but that is not correct.
I find mushrooms fascinating because of their adaptability, as well as being mentioned in the Qur’an. Mushrooms, like us, must also fight disease and adapt or die. As such, they can be used to help us maintain health, even when exposed to something like smallpox. Like all living beings, they look for balance and when we ingest plants to maintain or regain health, they assist our bodies in finding that balance.
Please visit fungi.com for more information on medical mushrooms.
Name
Jaap
-
Profession
Question
I watched Al-Jazeera this morning and there was an expert who asserted that between 2005 and 2009 there were 13 reported cases of swine flu. How far is this correct?
Answer
There have been various reports of swine flu. What makes this swine flu unique is that it is easily transmitted from person to person.
Name
Syed
-
Profession
Question
I want to know how to protect myself against swine flu, I know there is no treatment.
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Syed,
Protecting yourself from swine flu is no different from any precaution you would take against other strains of influenza, like washing hands.
In addition to the suggestions I have made you can also do the following:
1. Do not use antibacterial soap and sprays. These antibacterial products usually kill the "good" bacteria leaving a foothold for more pathogenic bacteria, funguses and viruses to cause damage. Instead, use natural essential oils like lavender and tea tree. You can add 6-8 drops of one to 4 oz of hand soap, 8-10 drops to water to make a spray (pour into a spray bottle). One client I worked with suffered from chronic respiratory infections and I made these products for her and she took the tonic tea that I recommended here and she was fine even after shaking hands with a student (she is a teacher) who had leprosy. You can use these for washing and cleaning your hands, phone etc ...
It is interesting to note that during the Middle Ages when the bubonic plague was at its height, the perfumers were not falling ill. It is believed that because they worked so closely with essential oils, which are antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, that they were spared because of the chemical actions of the oils they used.
2. Eat coconut oil
Lipid coated viruses like influenza can be easily killed by Lauric Acid found in coconut oil. It can do it in part because of the structure of Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs), which are similar to other lipid-coated cells. It literally splits the viral cell open exposing it to our white blood cells (part of the immune system), according to Dr. Bruce Fife, C,N, N.D. author of "The Coconut Oil Miracle."
Eating 3-4 tablespoon of coconut oil or rubbing it on our skin as a protective barrier can also be used as a precautionary measure.
3. New Chapter have a line of immune defense products, including an excellent nose spray. Visit them at www.newchapter.com.
Name
Editor
-
Profession
Question
How can we build respiratory health?
Answer
The respiratory tonic I mentioned is a good starting point.
I also earlier mentioned treating hypothyroidism, reducing stress, diet and supplements.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the lungs are affected by sadness. So, this is to say, sadness can affect respiratory health. It is something to think about.
