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Articles By Dr. Marni Ross
Naturopathic Approaches to the
H1N1 Flu Virus
In this article, I will provide some basic information on
the H1N1 Flu Virus and discuss alternative approaches
that can be used if one decides not to go ahead with the
H1N1 vaccination.
What is the H1N1 virus?
H1N1 is currently the predominant strain of circulating flu
virus. It is similar to other flu viruses in terms of how the
body responds and the severity of the illness. What is
different is that it is a new strain, so the body doesn’t
have natural immunity, and it may cause serious illness in
some cases.
What are the Symptoms of H1N1?
Signs of H1N1 are flu-like and present as an acute
respiratory illness. Symptoms include sudden onset of
fever and/or cough along with possible headache, muscle
and joint pain, fatigue sore throat and runny nose, and
sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
How does H1N1 spread?
The virus is spread from person-to-person. It is
transmitted as easily as the normal seasonal flu and can
be passed to other people by exposure to infected
droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing that can be
inhaled (within 6 feet), or that can contaminate hands or
surfaces.
Naturopathic Recommendations for avoiding H1N1:
- The most important prevention method that is
often overlooked is good hygiene, specifically frequent
handwashing. Some researchers believe that hand
sanitizers are effective at preventing transmission,
however, the research is conflicting and proper
handwashing is still the number one recommendation.
- Minimize or avoid sugar consumption - One of
sugar's major drawbacks is that it raises the insulin level,
which inhibits the release of growth hormones, which in
turn depresses the immune system.
- Exercise – regular exercise has a direct immune
boosting affect
- Reduce stress – chronic, severe, long term stress
takes a toll on our adrenal glands, our stress glands.
Under normal amounts of stress, our adrenal glands
function as they should, releasing hormones such as
adrenaline and cortisol which help to regulate many
normal bodily functions. However, when our adrenal
glands go into overdrive, they eventually shut down and
this can adversely affect many systems including our
immune systems allowing viruses to enter our bodies.
- Get lots of sleep – research shows that lack of
good quality sleep prevents regulation of key chemicals
produced by the immune system to fight infection and
say that sleep and the immune system are closely linked.
- Probiotics – studies have shown that
supplementation of good bacteria can decrease the
symptoms of upper respiratory infections.
- Vitamin D – vitamin D levels decrease during the
winter months, the same time that seasonal influenza
rates are at their highest. Therefore it is beneficial to
have serum 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels tested during the
winter time and if levels are found to be low, then daily
supplementation of 3,000-5,000 IU is beneficial. For
children, a recommended dose is 1,000-2,000 IU daily.
- Homeopathic remedies – Influenzinum is a good
general homeopathic that can be used to prevent the
seasonal flu, however it is best to see a naturopathic
doctor to determine if this is the right remedy and to
prescribe the correct dose and potency.
Benefits of Fish Oils
Fish oils, sometimes known as Omega 3 fatty acids, are
one of those supplements that truly can benefit so many
people and help to treat a variety of health conditions.
Fish oils contain two essential fatty acids – EPA
(eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic
acid). These essential fatty acids can be found in
vegetarian sources as well, such as flax oil, however only
a very small amount can be converted into EPA.
So what exactly are these essential fatty acids and how
can they help you? DHA is required for optimal brain
health. The cells that surround the brain need these
fats. Therefore DHA specifically helps with memory
retention, concentration and focus. In addition, it is
required for the brain of a developing baby, so all
pregnant women out there, consider adding fish oils to
your list of supplements. EPA has an anti-inflammatory
affect on the body, so any type of inflammatory condition
such as arthritis, eczema, allergies, inflammatory bowel
disease, asthma and headaches can improve when
these fats are taken. EPA also has a huge impact on
cardiovascular health. Specifically, it can the lower the
“bad” cholesterol and can help with arteriosclerosis.
Eating different types of fish such as mackerel, salmon,
herring, sardines, black cod, anchovies, albacore tuna,
and wild game is a sure way to get your Omega 3 fatty
acids. However, when treating the conditions mentioned
above, sometimes eating fish is not enough. In these
situations a good quality fish oil supplement is often
beneficial.
Immune Boosting Tips
Now that fall is here, the changes in weather can take a
toll on our immune systems. Here are some naturopathic
tips to keep you staying healthy:
Other Lifestyle Factors:
H1N1 Flu Virus
In this article, I will provide some basic information on
the H1N1 Flu Virus and discuss alternative approaches
that can be used if one decides not to go ahead with the
H1N1 vaccination.
What is the H1N1 virus?
H1N1 is currently the predominant strain of circulating flu
virus. It is similar to other flu viruses in terms of how the
body responds and the severity of the illness. What is
different is that it is a new strain, so the body doesn’t
have natural immunity, and it may cause serious illness in
some cases.
What are the Symptoms of H1N1?
Signs of H1N1 are flu-like and present as an acute
respiratory illness. Symptoms include sudden onset of
fever and/or cough along with possible headache, muscle
and joint pain, fatigue sore throat and runny nose, and
sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
How does H1N1 spread?
The virus is spread from person-to-person. It is
transmitted as easily as the normal seasonal flu and can
be passed to other people by exposure to infected
droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing that can be
inhaled (within 6 feet), or that can contaminate hands or
surfaces.
Naturopathic Recommendations for avoiding H1N1:
- The most important prevention method that is
often overlooked is good hygiene, specifically frequent
handwashing. Some researchers believe that hand
sanitizers are effective at preventing transmission,
however, the research is conflicting and proper
handwashing is still the number one recommendation.
- Minimize or avoid sugar consumption - One of
sugar's major drawbacks is that it raises the insulin level,
which inhibits the release of growth hormones, which in
turn depresses the immune system.
- Exercise – regular exercise has a direct immune
boosting affect
- Reduce stress – chronic, severe, long term stress
takes a toll on our adrenal glands, our stress glands.
Under normal amounts of stress, our adrenal glands
function as they should, releasing hormones such as
adrenaline and cortisol which help to regulate many
normal bodily functions. However, when our adrenal
glands go into overdrive, they eventually shut down and
this can adversely affect many systems including our
immune systems allowing viruses to enter our bodies.
- Get lots of sleep – research shows that lack of
good quality sleep prevents regulation of key chemicals
produced by the immune system to fight infection and
say that sleep and the immune system are closely linked.
- Probiotics – studies have shown that
supplementation of good bacteria can decrease the
symptoms of upper respiratory infections.
- Vitamin D – vitamin D levels decrease during the
winter months, the same time that seasonal influenza
rates are at their highest. Therefore it is beneficial to
have serum 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels tested during the
winter time and if levels are found to be low, then daily
supplementation of 3,000-5,000 IU is beneficial. For
children, a recommended dose is 1,000-2,000 IU daily.
- Homeopathic remedies – Influenzinum is a good
general homeopathic that can be used to prevent the
seasonal flu, however it is best to see a naturopathic
doctor to determine if this is the right remedy and to
prescribe the correct dose and potency.
Benefits of Fish Oils
Fish oils, sometimes known as Omega 3 fatty acids, are
one of those supplements that truly can benefit so many
people and help to treat a variety of health conditions.
Fish oils contain two essential fatty acids – EPA
(eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic
acid). These essential fatty acids can be found in
vegetarian sources as well, such as flax oil, however only
a very small amount can be converted into EPA.
So what exactly are these essential fatty acids and how
can they help you? DHA is required for optimal brain
health. The cells that surround the brain need these
fats. Therefore DHA specifically helps with memory
retention, concentration and focus. In addition, it is
required for the brain of a developing baby, so all
pregnant women out there, consider adding fish oils to
your list of supplements. EPA has an anti-inflammatory
affect on the body, so any type of inflammatory condition
such as arthritis, eczema, allergies, inflammatory bowel
disease, asthma and headaches can improve when
these fats are taken. EPA also has a huge impact on
cardiovascular health. Specifically, it can the lower the
“bad” cholesterol and can help with arteriosclerosis.
Eating different types of fish such as mackerel, salmon,
herring, sardines, black cod, anchovies, albacore tuna,
and wild game is a sure way to get your Omega 3 fatty
acids. However, when treating the conditions mentioned
above, sometimes eating fish is not enough. In these
situations a good quality fish oil supplement is often
beneficial.
Immune Boosting Tips
Now that fall is here, the changes in weather can take a
toll on our immune systems. Here are some naturopathic
tips to keep you staying healthy:
- Vitamin C – acts as an immune enhancer and has
antioxidant properties. I usually recommend either
Scorbatate (Genestra) or Ultra Potency C
(Metagenics) as these contain high amounts of
absorbable Vitamin C. - Zinc – also helps to boost the immune system.
- Probiotics - help to replenish friendly intestinal
bacteria and support digestive and immune health. - Echinacea – an excellent herb to be used SHORT
term to boost the immune system. Works best
when taken at the onset of cold/flu symptoms. - Astragalus – another great herb that can be used
long term to prevent colds.
Other Lifestyle Factors:
- Drink lots of water
- Get plenty of rest
- Wash your hands often to prevent transmission of
a virus - Eat a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables to
ensure that you get enough of your vitamins and
minerals.
Useful Links
Resources
Alternative Medicine Digest
http://www.alternativemedicine.com
The Friends of Alternative & Complementary Therapies
http://www.thefacts.org
Herb Research Foundation
http://www.herbs.org
Health
Canadian Health Network
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca
Canadian Women's Health Network
http://www.cwhn.ca
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/index.html
Associations
The Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors
http://www.oand.org
The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors
http://naturopathicassoc.ca
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
http://www.naturopathic.org
Alternative Medicine Digest
http://www.alternativemedicine.com
The Friends of Alternative & Complementary Therapies
http://www.thefacts.org
Herb Research Foundation
http://www.herbs.org
Health
Canadian Health Network
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca
Canadian Women's Health Network
http://www.cwhn.ca
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/index.html
Associations
The Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors
http://www.oand.org
The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors
http://naturopathicassoc.ca
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
http://www.naturopathic.org
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