A "Sunny Cure" for the Cold and Flu?

A "Sunny Cure" for the Cold and Flu?

You may remember hearing about stories of Tuberculosis sanitariums of the 18 and 1900's where the main treatment was fresh mountain air and sunshine? Actually, there may have been more to it than we expected as leading research is now proving.

Why is it that winter and early spring are predictably the time we get more colds and flues? Why is it that they are also more symptomatic, longer lasting and more likely to be deadly? Even in the tropics the rainy season with its increased cloud cover is the time of increased illness!

New research by Dr. John Cannell, a psychiatrist that worked at a hospital for the mentally ill, is linking low Vitamin D levels with increased cold and flu susceptibility.

Dr. Cannell recognized that his patients could be having a Vitamin D deficiency from lack of sunshine due to the amount of time they spent indoors. He prescribed the men in his ward with 2000 IU of Vitamin D daily to supplement this deficiency.

In April of 2005, an influenza epidemic broke out at the hospital and amazingly his patients receiving the daily Vitamin D were left untouched!

He explains a possible reason for this is that Vitamin D enhances immunity as it decreases inflammatory action of cytokines and improves ability of the immune system to oxidize or destroy invaders. Vitamin D also stimulates anti-microbial proteins in the immune system which play a direct role in protecting the lung. (1)

Summer sunshine produces incredible amounts of vitamin D, which is actually a pro-hormone, that becomes activated when sunlight strikes the skin. Sunlight is divided into three rays of ultraviolet light: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVB is the ray that is responsible for converting vitamin D into active hormone but also responsible for burning (which can cause skin cancer). The key is… DO NOT GET BURNED! There is a fine line between healthfulness and harmfulness and even slight reddening can increase risk for skin cancers.

Fair skinned individuals need far less sunshine exposure to activate the vitamin D. The darker the skin pigments the more difficult for the sun to penetrate. Thus, those with darker skin will often have Vitamin D deficiency in the winter.

We only get sufficient sun in the US for approximately 3 months of the year. If you are north of 35 degree latitude N or south of 35 degree latitude S you are likely to benefit from supplemental vitamin D from September to May.

Ultraviolet rays from sunlight or artificial light has shown to reduce incidence of viral respiratory infections. (1) Which means even tanning beds can improve vitamin D levels and immunity. I often recommend them as well for treatment of seasonal affective disorder during the winter as the extra light supports serotonin and balances mood; as long as the patient doesn't get burned.

Of course sunlight isn't our only source of Vitamin D but it is also found in our food as vitamin D3 especially in free range eggs, organ meats, and of course the infamous cod liver oil.

Cod liver has been used by grandmothers for centuries for protection of the cold and flu season- they were on to something! Cod liver oil contains vitamin D as well as being rich in vitamin A which is also a well known immune enhancer and mucous membrane protectant. It also has the benefit of the omega fish oils EPA and DHA which confer an anti-inflammatory effect. The recommended dose is 1 tsp per 50 pounds of body weight or 1 tablespoon per 150 pounds.

Cod liver oil should not taste "fishy". We like Carlson's or another brand that is identified as fresh by its clean taste. 

Krill oil, like fish oil, contains both of the omega-3 fats eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA), but hooked together in a different form. In fish oil these omega-3 fatty acids are found in the triglyceride form whereas in krill oil they are hooked up in a double chain phospholipid structure. (The fats in our own cell walls are in the phospholipid form.) Attached to the EPA leg of the phospholipid is a molecule of astaxanthin, an extremely potent anti-oxidant. The phospholipid structure of the EPA and DHA in krill oil makes them much more absorbable and allows for a much easier entrance into the mitochondria and the cellular nucleus. In addition to EPA and DHA krill oil contains a complex phospholipid profile including phosphatidylcholine, a potent source of reductive-stress-reducing choline, which also acts as a natural emulsifier.
Krill oil contains vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin D and canthaxanthin, which is, like astaxanthin, a potent anti-oxidant. The anti-oxidant potency of krill oil is such that when compared to fish oil in tems of ORAC (Oxygen radical absorptance capacity) values it was found to be 48 times more potent than fish oil.



Our preference in the office is the Krill oil.
 
It is very important to realize that vitamin D is an essential nutrient but it in excess it can be toxic- it is important to test before supplementing to make sure that levels aren't too high. Dr. Carrell found that a dose is between 2000-5000 IU daily was enough to curtail infections. This beats RDA recommendation of 400 IU daily!

Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D or 25(OH)D) levels should be monitored with optimal levels at 40-50 ng/mL with the standard range being from 20-56 ng/mL. Important to keep your levels above 35 ng/mL as levels lower than 20ng/mL have been associated with chronic illness, cancer, and autoimmune disease.

We should also keep into mind that living healthfully is the most important factor to a healthy immune system and flu prevention. The flu often presents after New Years which follows the heavy feasting and partying season of the holidays. Is it possible that all this indulgence has an effect on the immune system's ability to protect you from invaders?

Certainly so!! A healthy immune system starts with healthy living. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through clean diet, pure water, and frequent exercise along with periodic cleansing and fasting is as important if not more so than supplementing with vitamin D alone.

Make an appointment with us today to see how you can optimize your immune system.

Source: 1) Cannell John J. and Reinhold Vieth, et al. "Epidemic influenza and vitamin D." Epidemiology and Infection 134 (2006): 1129-40

Dr Rodger Niemi
Renaissance Chiropractic Center
2530-473-0300

Diaphragmatic Breathing (stomach breathing).

When overcoming high levels of anxiety, it is important to learn the techniques of natural breathing.  Many people who live with high levels of anxiety are known to breathe through their chest. Shallow breathing through the chest means you are disrupting the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide necessary to be in a relaxed state. This type of breathing will perpetuate the symptoms of anxiety.
The natural breathing technique is called Diaphragmatic Breathing (stomach breathing).  We automatically breathe this way when we are born.  Diaphragmatic breathing uses the diaphragm muscle (a strong dome shaped muscle) located under our ribs and above our stomach.  When we breathe in, we push the muscle down, and our stomach moves forward.  When we breathe out, the diaphragmatic muscle moves back to resting position and our tummy moves back in.  There is little or no upper chest movement.  
As we grow older many of us change our pattern of breathing and start breathing through our chest. This can be the result of a number of factors such as the pressure on women to have a flat stomach, certain fashions, poor posture, and of course anxiety.
Diaphragmatic breathing is intended to help you use the diaphragm correctly while breathing to:

• Strengthen the diaphragm
• Decrease the work of breathing by slowing your breathing rate
• Decrease oxygen demand
• Use less effort and energy to breathe

Diaphragmatic breathing technique

1.  Lie on your back on a flat surface  or in bed, with your knees bent and your head supported. You can use a pillow under your knees  to support your legs. Place one hand on your  upper chest and the other just below your rib cage. This will allow you to feel your diaphragm move as you breathe.

2.  Breathe in slowly through your nose so that your stomach moves out against your hand. The hand on your chest should remain as still as possible.

3.  Tighten your stomach muscles, letting them fall inward as you exhale through pursed lips (see "Pursed Lip Breathing Technique"). The hand on your upper chest must remain as still as possible.

When you first learn the diaphragmatic breathing technique, it may be easier for you to follow the instructions lying down, as shown on the first page. As you gain more practice, you can try the diaphragmatic breathing technique while sitting in a chair, as shown below.


To perform this exercise while sitting in a chair:

1. Sit comfortably, with your knees bent and your shoulders, head and neck relaxed.

2. Place one hand on your upper chest and the other just below your rib cage. This will allow you to feel your diaphragm move as you breathe.

3. Tighten your stomach muscles, letting them fall inward as you exhale through pursed lips (see "Pursed Lip Breathing Technique"). The hand on your upper chest must remain as still as possible.

Note: You may notice an increased effort will be needed to use the diaphragm correctly. At first, you'll probably get tired while doing this exercise. But keep at it, because with continued practice, diaphragmatic breathing will become easy and automatic. 

How often should I practice this exercise? 

 At first, practice this exercise 5-10 minutes about 3-4 times per day. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend doing this exercise, and perhaps even increase the effort of the exercise by placing a book on your abdomen.

The Brain Back Body Exercise program and DVD

The Brain Back Body Exercise program and DVD.  Dr. Robert Adams of Neuro Technologies out of Sonoma California created the program; a combination of specific neurological integration exercises combined with traditional strength building protocols. The program is divided up into three different chapters, or days, each day focusing on specific body area.
The coolest thing about the program is not only the instructional DVD, but the fact that it sells as a complete kit providing the user everything they need to perform the warm-ups and the exercises right in their own home.

The kit includes:
- The Brain Back Body DVD
- Large 65cm sports fit ball (Burst Free holds up to 600 pounds)
- Mini fit ball for neck strengthening
- Ball pump
- Light exercise band for resistance training
- Extra heavy exercise band for resistance training

 This exercise program can be done by almost anyone.  Ask your doctor at Renaissance Chiropractic Center about the program.

Should we be using Anti-bacterial hand cleaners

WE have become a little to germophobic. We are buying boat-loads of antibacterial hand sanitizers. Schools are putting hand sanitizers on the list of items needed for the start of the school year. Sanitizing wipes are stationed around the grocery stores as you shop.

So, what is the benefit and risk f using these hand sanitizers?

The benefit is that you can use these products almost anywhere. They are convenient. They will kill about 98% of the bacteria and viruses on contact.

What are some of the known risk?

The active ingredients do not kill all the bacterial an viruses, leaving the strong to grow stronger. This can lead to potentially greater numbers of resistant strains of the bacteria and viruses.

Triclosan and triclocarban are antibacterial chemicals commonly added to consumer products. In laboratory studies, they have been shown to disrupt hormones and can encourage the growth of drug-resistant bacteria or "superbugs."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls antibiotic resistance one of the most pressing health issues facing the United States. Infections caused by bacteria with resistance to at least one antibiotic have been estimated to kill more than 60,000 hospitalized patients each year.

In recent studies, Triclocarban has been shown to artificially amplify the effects of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, which could promote the growth of breast and prostate cancer.

Surveys of the U.S. population from ages 6 to over 65 have found residues of triclosan in over three-quarters of people. these chemicals are now commonly found in our streams and waterways. High levels can be found in sludge from waste-water treatment plant. With these chemicals in our environment, there may be a detrimental impact on fish habitat. The impact on the food-chain could be devastating in the long run. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin; open cuts, breaks in the skin; nose, mouth and eye after using the products on the hands. Triclosan and triclocarban have been found in breast-milk of nursing mothers. Animal studies have shown both of these chemicals can interfere with hormones critical for normal development and function of the brain and reproductive system. Triclosan has been associated with lower levels of thyroid hormone and testosterone, which could result in altered behavior, learning disabilities, or infertility.


“If the ‘germ theory of disease’ were correct, there’d be no one living to believe it.” - B.J. PALMER

We don't always have the opportunity to wash our hands with hot soapy water. So, these hand sanitizers are a part of our environment now. Once let out of the bottle, it is very difficult to put the genie back.

Most bacteria are beneficial, only a small portion of all bacteria are pathogenic (disease causing). Pathogenic bacteria are opportunistic, they are constantly in the background waiting for a weakened host to infect. Many of these infections are caused because we have become out of balance with the normal beneficial bacteria. Taking antibiotics for a simple cold wipes out the normal flora (beneficial bacteria), giving the opportunistic pathogenic bacteria a foothold to grow. Growing unchecked, these infections can cause disease.


How do we decrease the impact of these chemicals?

• Avoid anything labeled "antibacterial" or "antimicrobial" which contains triclosan or triclocarban, such as soaps, gels, cleansers, toothpaste, cosmetics and other personal care products.
• Avoid other "antibacterial" or "antimicrobial" items such as cutting boards, towels, shoes, clothing and bedding.
• Use regular soap and hot water to clean effectively.
  
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when you don’t have access to running water.

When you are in a situation that requires to to use one of these hand sanitizers, remember to wash your hands with hot soapy water as soon as possible. avoid putting your hands to the mouth or eyes when you have used these products.

READ LABELS!!!!!