WEEKLY HEALTH BULLETIN October 16, 2009

PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR THE FLU SEASON

Most of my patients want to know what they can take if they come down with the flu. Here’s what I tell them:

STAY HOME AND GET WELL

Some folks feel compelled to continue their usual routine when they get sick. If you’re fit and healthy, you can usually force yourself through the day. But why take a chance on your health? You only risk harming yourself and the people you come into contact with.

Remember that the flu virus is transmitted by respiratory secretions when you cough, sneeze or blow your nose. It also remains active on a hard surface for up to three hours. If you need to sneeze or cough, use the crook of your elbow rather than a hand. Carrying on with business as usual deprives you of the rest you need, prolonging your illness. You’re also likely to make other people sick. So take a sick break yourself. Stay home and get well.

TIME HONORED BLACK ELDERBERRY

Black Elderberry has a long history of use for the treatment of colds and the flu. A formulation from Nature’s Way, Sambucol, is a standardized version I recommend. It can moderate and shorten the course of any viral respiratory illness. This is supported by several smaller positive studies. Recent laboratory research actually shows activity against the avian flu strain H5N1, the subject of a great deal of concern and publicity a few years ago.

ANDROGRAPHIS: THE BEST EVIDENCE YET

Andrographis is from an Asian shrub and known as the “Indian Echincacea”. Solid evidence shows it can relieve the symptoms of viral upper respiratory infections. Because it is believed to confer general immune system support, it may help prevent the flu too. Research also suggests it may help prevent heart disease and support liver function. I sometimes prescribe it to patients who come to me with cold when who think they need an antibiotic. I recommend Andrographis Plus from Metagenics. This can be obtained from the Metagenics store accessible through the SUPPLEMENTS link of this web site.

ECHINACEA AND MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS

Both echinacea and medicinal mushrooms (“mycomedicine”) can be used to treat colds and the flu. In last week’s bulletin I discussed their use on a daily basis to help prevent illness over the winter. Not all echinaceas are the same. The product I recommend and use myself is Echinacea Premium, a tingly tasting tonic from the Australian company Medi-Herb with a high alkylamide content. Alkylamides are one of the principal active components of echinacea which account for its favorable effect on immune system function. The mycomedicine I recommend is Host Defense from New Chapter. Devised by Paul Stamets, a leading mycomedicine expert, Host Defense contains 18 extracts from mushrooms with known healing properties.

MESSAGE REGARDING OCTOBER ISSUE

Your October Issue is in the editing stage and notice of its availability for download will be sent to you on Tuesday, October 20.

Thank you for your patience.

Alan Inglis MD
American Country Doctor