The Flu
Q: I just had a 24-hour “flu.” Can I do anything about it, next time?
A: Recently I have had many patients asking about the validity of over-the-counter natural cold/flu fighters. The two most common products are Airborne® and Zicam®.
Clinical trials have shown that taking zinc with the onset of cold symptoms can reduce the severity and duration of the cold. Zicam is basically Zinc. Some of these products, such as the cold and flu version, also contain a pain reliever/fever reducer, an antihistamine, a cough suppressant, and a nasal decongestant.
Other helpful vitamins for cold and flu are Vitamin C and Vitamin A, both of which stimulate and are needed for a healthy immune system. Airborne has high doses of vitamins, especially Vitamin A and C and other immune-boosting herbs. Airborne would be most beneficial if taken preventatively when your risk of infection is highest. Both Airborne and Zicam should be taken within 24 hours of the symptoms starting to be most effective in reducing the severity and duration of the common cold or flu.
Common colds and the flu are caused by viruses, so taking antibiotics does nothing as a treatment. There is no cure for these viruses, but with the onset of symptoms, focusing on increasing your immune system will help decrease the severity and duration.
Herbs such as echinacea speed the healing process but can also be taken preventatively. Other herbs such as goldenseal, Oregon grape, ginseng, astragalus, and elderberry are great immune stimulators and viral fighting herbs. I generally recommend that a patient take a high dose of a supplement that contains some of the above-mentioned herbs and vitamins for the first 48 hours of symptoms. A schedule would be taking two capsules every two hours and then two capsules three to four times a day until the symptoms abate. If a patient also has a sore throat or a cough I may add a gargle or tea made of mucilaginous herbs and expectorants.
Most of the above can be given to children in lower doses, and many drug companies now have children’s herbal immune-stimulating tinctures to ease the suffering. You want to stimulate the body’s natural healing process, and the best way to do that is with them in bed and asleep. Echinacea should be avoided in people with autoimmune diseases, and some of the above-mentioned herbs may cause stomach irritation or other side effects. Therefore it is best to consult a physician.
— Lindsey Nelson
Need to Start Walking Again
Q: How soon after a motor vehicle accident can I get back to my walking program?
A: Depending on the extent of injuries after a motor vehicle accident, walking can be a great type of gentle movement therapy that allows the body to heal while maintaining a dynamic state. You should always have a trained professional examine you to evaluate the type and severity of the injuries that have occurred.
The best time to be examined is within the first week after the accident, when your body is still in the acute inflammatory phase. During this phase the inflammation and vaso-dilation causes swelling, redness, pain, and loss of function. This is also the best time to have a passive treatment applied. The physician performs therapies in an effort to relieve pain, disperse fluids, increase circulation, and maintain normal muscle tone and range of motion. Such therapies would include ultrasound, electric stimulation, chiropractic adjustments, and myofacial release.
The next stage of healing is called the repair phase and occurs two days to six weeks after the injuries occurred. During this phase collagen and scar tissue is synthesized and deposited. Passive care should still be applied in an effort to prevent early adhesions, orient repair tissue, relieve pain, and maintain normal muscle tone and range of motion. Usually two weeks into this stage the active portion of the treatment can begin. This is where the patient becomes involved and can start participating in their care. Pain-free range of motion exercises and stretches should be performed on a daily basis. In some cases gentle movement therapy like walking is a great way to get the heart rate going and restore normal movement and function. It would be a good idea to create a route near home so if anything flares up, there is not too far to go to make it home.
The last stage of healing is the remodeling phase, which may last from three weeks to 12 months or more. This is where the collagen and scar tissue are remodeled into a more functional form. During this phase, active care should be the dominate form of care, including physical therapy and strengthening exercises. This is done to allow proper alignment of the collagen, increase the elasticity of the scar tissue, break down adhesions, relieve muscle spasm, and increase strength and range of motion. This is the stage of healing where the patient should be able to return to their normal walking routine.
— Jacob May
This Issue’s Experts
Lindsey Nelson, ND, is a naturopathic primary care physician and can be reached at 503-279-0205 or lindsey@clearh2o.org.
Jacob May, DC, brings careful thought and analytical thinking blended with a holistic approach to medicine and can be reached at 503-279-0205 or jacob@clearh2o.org. |
