Health Articles

There’s been a lot of talk about the swine flu these last two weeks. The immediate danger to most parts of the country is very small. Even so, all these news reports have got people thinking about what they can do to protect themselves. I’ve already had several patients ask me what they can do to keep from getting sick.

A strong immune system plays an important role. I recommend three things to all my patients to help the immune system stay strong and healthy. Take Vitamin C, get enough sleep, and wash your hands regularly.

I’ve recently added a fourth suggestion to that list. If you really want to give your immune system the support it needs, then I recommend astragalus.

Chinese Herb Gives You Dramatic Results

In Chinese medicine, astragalus has been used for thousands of years in many, many different ways.

Ancient Chinese healers used astragalus to reduce the affects of stress on the body. Whether a patient suffered from physical, emotional, mental, or environmental stress, healers used astragalus to help the person cope better and to prevent detrimental effects that stress might have on health.

Astragalus was used to make the body better able to fight off diseases. People took the herb to protect against colds and infections as well as more serious conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer.

Healers also prescribed astragalus to help increase the vitality of their patients. Even healthy patients could benefit from the improvement in stamina and energy that astragalus delivered. The history of astragalus is very interesting, but it’s the recent research on this herbal supplement that has me excited about recommending it to my patients.

Modern-Day Research Backs Up the Benefits of Astragalus

In the realm of modern medicine, the powerful health benefits of astragalus are just coming to light. It turns out there are good reasons why Chinese healers used astragalus for so many purposes. The herb is powerful and versatile when it comes to supporting your overall health. One of things I like best about it is that it works as both a preventative and as a treatment for many illnesses.

Astragalus has a number of valuable properties. It contains complex sugar molecules called polysaccharides that help strengthen the immune system. It has antibacterial properties that help to fight off infections and a number of diseases. It also works as an antioxidant and helps to protect your cells from damage. It has anti-mutagenic properties that make it a powerful ally in preventing cancer. And it helps reduce chronic, low-level inflammation that contributes to so many age-related diseases.

I just read a recent study in which scientists discovered that astragalus actually works to keep your cells younger. It stimulates the activity of telomerase, an enzyme that helps protect the DNA within your cells and that may slow aging at a cellular level. Younger cells mean less disease-especially cancer and a slower overall aging process.

In animal studies, researchers have also verified the effects of astragalus on stamina and vitality. In mice induced with chronic fatigue syndrome, astragalus helped to restore balance to the production of inflammatory cytokines and it increased the mice’s endurance.

For strengthening the immune system, astragalus works in a number of ways. It helps remove pathogens, it stimulates T-cell activity, and it activates a number of antiviral systems within your body. Through these means, astragalus supplements can protect you from everyday illnesses like the cold and flu. Other research shows that it can be an effective treatment for these illnesses, as well, helping you to recover faster.
Scholarly articles for T-cell activity
The immune-boosting properties of astragalus are so powerful that it actually interferes with immune suppressing drugs. These drugs are most commonly given to transplant patients to reduce rejection. If you’re on an immune suppressant for any reason, you shouldn’t take astragalus. Otherwise, this powerful supplement can benefit you greatly.

The recommended dosage for astragalus is one to 25 grams a day. You can find astragalus at health food stores. It’s commonly available as a standardized extract or in powdered capsules. For the best results, I prefer the extract. Your body will be better able to absorb it.

Whether you’re worried about the swine flu or looking for a good way to promote your overall health and slow down the aging processes in your body, astragalus is a good option. Give it a try… I’m certain you’ll be pleased with the results.

Mark Rosenberg, M.D.

Swine flu virus

The World Health Organization has declared it a pandemic and last heard Swine flu has hit India and Turkey. Caused by Influenza virus A subtype H1N1, it spreads when the virus gets airborne – through coughs and sneezes – and also by contact with infected persons and contaminated surfaces.
News results for virus A:
Many City Schools Still Closed by Flu
“Schools have proven to be a major incubator of the swine flu virus, which first surfaced last month at St. Francis Preparatory School in Fresh Meadows, Queens, with 69 confirmed cases. After a brief respite the virus re-emerged and across the city, 18 public schools have been ordered closed in the last week, almost all in Queens…“
Swine Flu Spreads in Japan, Despite Quarantine Inspections
“TOKYO, May 19 – To stop swine flu before it could sneak off airplanes arriving from North America, Japan dispatched masked health inspectors with fever-sensing guns to walk among passengers…”

The symptoms of swine flu coincide with that of a normal flu: fever, coughs, lack of appetite, lethargy, and in some cases, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The H1N1 virus primarily causes infection in swine (hence the name) and spreads to humans coming in close contact with infected pigs – in pig barns, livestock exhibitions etc. It is just a myth that the disease is contracted through pork meat, as proper cooking (at 160°F or more) kills viruses.

The bad news, however, is that there is no known cure or vaccine against swine flu. All we can do is avoid catching the virus, and if infected, assist our body’s immune system to deploy its weaponry and win the battle for us. A few precautions, especially if you are living in an area where incidence of Swine flu has been reported, could protect you from contracting the H1N1 virus:

1) Avoid contact with the infected
You have already noticed how fast common cold can spread. Same applies here. So avoid being in close proximity with infected persons.

2) Be wary of surfaces
When you bring your hand to your eye, nose or mouth, after touching a contaminated surface you are unwittingly allowing the virus entry into your body. Shaking hands, touching public surfaces as when traveling in community transport vehicles etc, can lead to catching the virus. Clean your hands often with warm water and soap.

3) Eat healthy
The immune system is our greatest ally in fighting off the virus. So keep your body fit with a diet rich in immunity boosters like whole grains, colorful vegetables and vitamin-rich fruits. Avoid food loaded with sugar and fat. They slow down the body’s metabolism and compromise its immune system. You can even take advantage of the antibiotic and antioxidant qualities of ginger and garlic by including them in your diet.

4) Sleep well
Good rest will keep your body primed for the fight against viruses.

5) Drink enough water
Drinking 8 – 10 glasses of water a day will keep the body sufficiently hydrated.

6) Avoid alcohol
Now is not the time for that impulsive binge. Alcoholic beverages are known to suppress immune system.

7) Stay active physically
Increased blood circulation and oxygenation while exercising, backs the immune system. It also aids in flushing out toxins and is a proven stress-buster.

Stay stress-free
The contagion may present a formidable picture to you. But don’t fret too much over it. It will only weaken your body and place it more at risk of a virus attack.

However, in spite of painstaking precautions if you still contract the virus, there is some good news. Scientists are of the consensus that the H1N1 infection is a rather mild one, one that can be managed with proper care. Here is what you can do if you develop severe flu-like symptoms.

a) Don’t Panic
Every flu is not a swine flu. But if the indications seem rather severe than usual, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor. Ask him to get yourself tested for swine flu virus.

b) Take the right medication
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. Let your doctor prescribe the one that is appropriate for you.

c) Nurture your health
Good sleep, drinking lots of fluids, a healthy diet and physical activity will keep your body robust in spite of the onslaught of the virus.

d) Don’t spread the virus
You can stop yourself from transmitting the virus to others: when you are sick, stay at home. Cover your mouth when sneezing, coughing etc.

Counter measures have been launched worldwide against the threat of swine flu. Hopefully, with the right measures, it would soon be under control. Meanwhile, let us protect ourselves and others from its incursions.
Zsofia Christopher

Protect Yourself From Swine flu virus

Swine Flu has certainly hit the news. You may well have a lot of questions and queries about “Swine Flu”. Should you and your family be concerned about the current pandemic of this dreaded illness – or at least as its incidence and mortality is portrayed daily in the media.

First of all “What is Swine Flu?” Human swine influenza a.k.a “Human Swine Flu” is a form of influenza or the “flu” which usually affects pigs themselves but can sometimes make people ill as well. Some severe cases of this “new” form of influenza have recently come to light and reported in the country of Mexico.

News results for swine flu virus:
Swine flu fears evident as world’s cases top 6000
“”MEXICO CITY (AP) — In China, mask-wearing police cordoned off more hotels Wednesday, quarantining anyone who came in contact with swine flu patients, no matter how mild their symptoms. Not so in Mexico, where the health secretary encouraged tourists to come relax in their favorite vacation spots despite a growing swine flu caseload.”"

Costa Rica blames singers for swine flu spread
“”Costa Rican health officials are questioning how four people who came in contact with a Lexington singing group in April may now have the H1N1 virus, or swine flu.
It is still not clear whether some Canta Mundi chorus members contracted the illness while there, or if they brought it with them, because the three people who had a mild form of H1N1 showed symptoms after their return to Lexington.”"

Next in line is the query as to what precautions both you , your family , friends, co-workers of fellow students can take as to prevent yourselves from becoming ill or coming down with this malady ?

The general precautions that can be taken are first of all that if you do cough – use a tissue, cover your mouth and nose. Take care to wash your hands often with soap and water especially if you cough or sneeze. It has been found in the medical and pharmaceutical professions that alcohol based cleaners are particularly effective in these cases in preventing the occurrence of as well as spread of the disease.

In addition in the prevention and basic treatment of most diseases and their progress and well as eventual recovery from your grandmother could have well told you to eat well, make healthy food choices, be physically active and fit and get adequate rest and regular sound sleep? Keep regular and proper hours.

If you do think that you have, have acquired or in the process of coming down with this current almost trendy influenza disorder what should you do? As with any flu like illness, if you do develop symptoms of a respiratory infection it is best to take the following steps and precautions. First of all don’t spread the influenza viruses unnecessarily or infect others with the affliction. It is always better to make the choice or choices to stay at home, away from school of work than take the chance of spreading the infection unnecessarily to others. This way you will reduce the chances of spread of the ailment in your community overall.

In addition you can reduce the spread of germs by avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth and by washing your hands frequently and regularly.

You may well be concerned about protecting your children. Overall children should take the same general and specific precautions as adults, when it comes to washing their hands regularly and covering their noses and mouths when coughing. Young children may need help with hand washing. There is nothing wrong with that. Children with flu like symptoms should stay home from school, just as a precaution as with adults who fear that they have contracted the malady, whether it is to take a break from school or day care depending on their enrollment and age. To avoid the spread of germs, routinely clean surfaces in areas where children do play.

Lastly you may be concerned all in all that since the disease is called “Swine Flu” , are the pig livestock stock themselves infected and is it safe overall to eat pork. Be reassured that if you cook the pork meat thoroughly then all is safe. There have been no reports at all, and in any manner, of people becoming ill through contaminated food. Viruses (including flu viruses and specifically the swine flu virus in this case), are easily killed by heat. Just ensure that any pork meats that you or your family ingests are thoroughly cooked, with clear juices and no visible juices. The rule of thumb is that pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 71 degrees Celsius which works out to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Protect yourself, your friends and family from this year’s pandemic – “Swine Flu”.
Syd E. Nohcud