* For prevention
* If you have a cold or flu; either viral or bacterial
Contracting a cold or flu is never too much fun.
With muscle aches, a dripping nose, a sore, scratchy throat, loss of taste, coughing, and extreme tiredness, we turn into walking balls of misery.
The good news is, is that there is plenty we can do to give your immune system the boost it needs to fight off the nasties.
The keys to boosting the immune system, being preventive and staying well during cold and flu season are . . .
BEING PREVENTATIVE . . .
* Increasing your Redox potential
* Increasing Nano Policosanol
* An uptake in vitamin C ( A buffered form of Vitamin C is best )
* Fat soluble Vitamins A, D and K2
* Zinc
* Proper nutrition and an uptake in protein
* Avoiding sugar
* Limiting alcohol
* Exercise
* Getting sufficient sleep
IF VIRAL ADD . . .
* Andrographis
* Garlic
* Glutathione
IF BACTERIAL ADD . . .
* A natural Antibiotic
Redox signaling molecules are the communication molecules for your cells. These molecules are responsible for sending powerful messages that help rejuvenate, restore, and protect cells.
Redox molecules signal when something is going wrong or needs to be changed, and then the body fixes the problem.
Unfortunately, certain things slow down or hinder the process of redox signaling molecules.
If these molecules cannot communicate then there is a problem, ie. you have contracted a virus, the body will not know what to do to rid the virus or protect itself.
Redox Molecules also . . .
a. They tell all cells how to heal by talking to your genes
b. They activate the immune system to destroy viruses, bacteria, hidden infections and diseased cells
c. Any antioxidant can’t work without Redox molecules
d. They even tell stem cells what to do.
There are 50 trillion cells in the body and typically when someone gets to the age of 60 around 50 to 70% or about 25 to 35 Trillion cells don’t know how to heal until Redox is used.
Without these amazing molecules imagine how sluggish your immune system would be?
Nano Policosanol
Functions of Nano Policosanol
* Provides the therapeutic effects of Vitamin D3
* Restores proper immune function
* Increases Vitamin C, Adiponectin and Testosterone levels
* Inhibits TNF-α and NF-κB
* Regulates thousands of human genes
* Reduces inflammation and pain
* Enhances wound healing
* Defends against viruses and bacteria
* Increases energy levels and cognitive function
* Relieves itchy eyes and itchy skin
* Rejuvenates healthier and youthful skin
* Regulates abnormal biomarkers
* Repairs damaged blood vessels and organs
* Corrects the underlying health problems
* Improves longevity and ageing
Advantages of Nano Policosanol
* Nano Policosanol contains policosanol nanoparticles with a size less than 60 nm. It can penetrate through all organs, get into the cell nucleus and regulate genes, making it more effective in improving human health.
* Nano Policosanol enables the human body to increase Vitamin C endogenously without taking any Vitamin C supplements. This helps to reduce the risk of diseases associated with Vitamin C deficiency.
* Nano Policosanol expresses more than 260 genes that are also known to be produced in the brain and can help to improve the condition of people with brain related health problems such as stroke and Parkinson's Disease.
* Nano Policosanol is very effective in enhancing wound healing (including diabetic wounds, cuts and burns), in repairing damaged organs and blood vessels and in healing skin diseases.
* Nano Policosanol helps to improve longevity through multitude of avenues.
* Nano Policosanol serves as the best antimicrobial agent against many viral and bacterial infections and Metadichol also reduces inflammation and pain of the joints and muscles.
Not all Policosanol products are made the same. Please contact us if you would like more information on Nano Policosanol.
White blood cells are the true heroes in the fight against colds and flu. They are the body’s primary defence mechanism.
They roam through the body targeting and attacking any foreign microbes like bacteria, viruses and parasites they come across.
If white blood cells are scarce, this is when we are more susceptible to infection.
Low levels of Vitamin C is linked to white blood cell deficiency due to its role in the production of white blood cells.
An uptake in vitamin C will allow your body to produce more white blood cells and thus, ensure optimal immunity and resistance against colds and flu.
Vitamin C, fortunately, is water soluble so any amount of the C you don’t need, your body will excrete.
Nutrition is where it all begins.
Nutrition supports the integrity of cells, and protein and vitamin C (which are both derived through nutrition) aid in the production of white blood cells, which as we learnt before, are the immune system's primary defence against viruses and bacteria.
As you can see, although all body systems require the right balance of nutrients, minerals and vitamins to function correctly, it is the immune system that benefits the most through what we eat.
During winter, when we should be focusing even more-so on strengthening our immune system, we often fall victim to the temptation of carbohydrate-rich foods.
The problem here is that these types of foods are lacking in nutrient density, and carbohydrates are converted into sugar which limits the effectiveness of our white blood cells. We will go through this in more detail soon.
Vitamins A, D and K2 are essential to good immune health. The body needs healthy fats and adequate protein to help absorb these types of vitamins.
We suggest incorporating chicken, beef or lamb bone broth into your winter diet.
Not only do they deliver warmth, much-needed respite from the cold, but also nutrients to fight against viruses.
The bone and the marrow contain essential amino acids like proline, lysine, glycine and cystine - all of which aid in the defence against colds and flu. Glycine and cystine are of particular importance as they serve a double purpose - also aiding in the synthesis of glutathione (whose benefits are discussed in greater detail in the next section).
Avoiding Sugar
As mentioned before, sugar limits the effectiveness of our White Blood Cells which ultimately suppresses our immune system. It is also known that sugar or glucose consumption will allow bacteria and viruses to thrive.
What's more, if you're eating foods that are high in sugar, you're typically doing so at the expense of healthy, nutrient-dense foods.
This often results in nutrient and mineral deficiency.
To defend against colds and flu, the body requires sufficient nutrients and minerals - most of which we derive from the diet. Ultimately, a high sugar diet compromises the body's natural ability to defend itself. [1]
Sugar is also an inflammatory food. If the body is inflamed, its natural response to to fight it.
If you are consuming excess sugar, and increasing your inflammation, your body will be focusing on putting that fire out, instead of defending itself against colds and flu.
Limiting Alcohol Consumption
Like sugar, alcohol causes inflammation. It also behaves like a solvent, thus hindering the synthesis of proteins essential to building immune-strengthening cells like lymphocytes.
As we mentioned earlier, a low protein status weakens the immune system, thus making it more susceptible to contracting colds and flu. [1]
Getting Sufficient Sleep
One bad night sleep lowers the immune system by 50% for up to 3 days!
Sleep is often underrated! It is absolutely essential to our health and is especially important during cold and flu season due to the role sleep plays in the immune system.
While we are sleeping, our immune system is releasing a protein that is critical in cell communication. Without it, our body would not be able to coordinate an immune response, and the immune system would be weak and defenceless.
Less sleep also increases cortisol, a stress response which further hinders the natural healing process.
When you start to feel those niggling uncomfortable feeling of cold and flu symptoms, you must act early to minimise your discomfort.
Setting up your immune system to be a healthy environment will mean that the virus has less change of survival - a virus will only be as successful as the environment allows for.
Some of the most effective treatments when you have symptoms are outlined below:
If Viral . . .
Andrographis and Garlic
Andrographis is sometimes called Indian Echinacea or the King of Bitters and has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda for centuries.
It’s medicinal activity is found in compounds known as andrographolides which have been shown to support a healthy immune response through the modulation of levels of immune cells in the blood.
If taken in the right dosage at the onset of a cold or flu, is highly effective in reducing the severity of symptoms.
Garlic has a plethora of health benefits, especially when consumed fresh and raw. Allicin, a sulfur compound gives it its healing properties, and also its pungent odour.
Just one milligram can do wonders for protection against pathological bacteria, viruses and parasites.
A daily dose of garlic is found to reduce symptoms of colds and flus by 70%.
Please note that these supplements should not be taken in large doses, nor should they be taken for long periods of time. Please give us a call or send us an email for advice and support around taking supplements.
An Uptake in Glutathione
Colds and the flu are both viruses - meaning they enter the body encased within a protein shell known as a 'capsid'.
Before a virus can infect the body, it must first bind to a cell and activate its 'neuraminidase' enzyme, injecting the contents (virus) into the cell.
The virus then multiplies within the cell - ultimately causing the cell to burst, at which point the virus escapes the cell and then infects the body. [1]
It is usually only after this burst that we will experience the onset of cold or flu symptoms.
In some circumstances however, the capsid will not bind to a cell and will be escorted out of the body by white blood cells meaning that there is no infection and no symptoms.
All of our cells contain Glutathione, an antioxidant that is designed to preserve the stability of the cells. Without glutathione, it is easier for the capsid to bind to a cell and make us sick.
Glutathione is obtained through diet, much like vitamin C and proteins - specifically from foods like lamb, eggs, asparagus and avocado.
Unfortunately only small amounts of Glutathione are found here and it is easily degraded by enzymes.
When taken in more concentrated doses in the form of a Glutathione supplement, it is not degraded and has a more significant effect.
If Bacterial . . .
A natural Antibiotic.
Suitable by itself for mild infections or in combination with antibiotics for more severe infections to eliminate resistant / residual bacteria.
Action:
* Antibiotic effect proven for more than 22 bacteria (many resistant strains too)
* Helps remove resistant pathogenic bacterial infections
* Protects the Microbiome by preserving healthy gut bacteria
* Suitable by itself for mild infections or in combination with antibiotics for more severe infections to eliminate resistant/residual bacteria
* Recommended for children
* None of the side effects of antibiotics and no destruction of the gut (leaky gut syndrome as seen with regular antibiotics)
If you are already a member of the clinic, good news! - you have access to our incredible practitioner-only products that ensure quality and effectiveness.
Dr Wayne is able to advise and subscribe supplements that will help build your immune system and also ones that may help minimise your discomfort during the course of a cold or flu.
If you would like further advice or information, please email us or call (07) 5474 5354.
Until next time,
Dedicated to Improving Your Wellbeing and Committed To Helping You Achieve Abundant Health and Wealth,
The team at Unique Health and Wellness.
Would You Like To Find Out More?
For existing members of the clinic, if you have questions or need extra support on your journey, we are here to help!
Call us on +617 5474 5354, or click here to send us an email.
For those who are not members of the clinic, there are two ways you can respond. . .
1. I would like to book in for your Free 20 Minute consultation online to ask further questions on how you can help me . . . or I will phone you on 07 5474 5354
2. I am pro-active about my health. I want to book now and I realise the consultation is normally valued at $300.00, however if I act now I will receive a substantial discount!
References:
[1] https://www.nutritiondiagnostics.com.au/blog/cold-and-flu-season-a-guide-to-boosting-immunity-and-staying-well/
The information provided does not take into account individual needs of any particular person. When providing this information, it is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research. The information provided should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction and is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
STATEMENT OF AFFILIATION:
Unique Health and Wellness Australia is affiliated with InnerOrigin with the intention of selling non-therapeutic goods which enhance health and wellbeing. These are ancillary products which will not compromise therapeutic goals. InnerOrigin also sells TGA approved therapeutic goods, however we actively discourage our clients from substituting their prescribed natural medicines with these products. Our financial interest in InnerOrigin will therefore not influence the quality of care we provide to our clients. Our high standard of care for our clients is always our first priority.
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