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September 20, 2009

Dear Reader,

Now that fall has arrived, we’re once again heading into the cold and flu season. I’ve also heard newscasts predicting that the number of swine flu cases will be increasing in record numbers. While there’s no need for panic, there’s no question that we could all benefit from strengthening our immune system…especially at this time of the year.

My first advice is to remember the basics. Wash your hands often, avoid exposure to infected people, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze, drink plenty of water, and get plenty of fresh air.

There are also a few other steps that can help to keep your immune system virtually “bullet proof” all season long.

Promote and Restore Healthy Acid/Alkaline Balance

Overacidity can cause nasal and bronchial congestion and inflammation as well as depressed immune function, making you more susceptible to colds, flu, and other infections. The biggest culprits are our typically “high acidic” American diet, stress, travel—and especially right now, the change in seasons.

Unless you're one of the rare individuals who is naturally alkaline, restoring your body to a more healthful, slightly alkaline state is one of the most important steps you can take to boost your immunity. If you start to feel the signs of a cold or flu coming on, immediately take 1/2 teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in water (increase to one teaspoon if symptom relief does not occur). Do this three to five times per day.

Because acids tend to accumulate during the night, it's a good idea to keep this solution in a closed container by your bed so that you can sip on it whenever you wake up. (Very rarely one might become overly alkalized. If this occurs, you might experience a tingling sensation in your extremities, feel over-energized, are unable to sleep, or experience muscle spasms, stop taking the baking soda immediately. To rebalance your system, take a teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar or half a lemon in water. Restart the bicarb the following day at a lower level.)

Ironically, some of the more traditional cold and flu fighters—orange juice and ginger ale—actually make you more acidic. Instead, opt for lots of water, which helps neutralize acidity. In addition, drink plenty of herbal teas (ginger and peppermint are especially good), and vegetable or chicken broth. Fasting on these liquids for the first day or two will also give your liver a much-needed rest as it works round-the-clock to combat infections and speed recovery.

Reduce Inflammation, Fight Infection, and Boost Immunity

In addition, no matter what your body pH, add the following nutritional supplements to your daily program at the first sign of cold or flu symptoms. These will support your body's immune system as it fights infection.

• Colloidal silver

While studying regeneration of limbs, spinal cords and organs in the late 1970s, Robert O. Becker, M.D., author of The Body Electric, discovered that silver ions promote bone growth and kill surrounding bacteria. Research indicates that colloidal silver may be a natural antibiotic and preventive against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections by disabling the enzyme that these one-celled pathogens need for oxygen metabolism. It has also shown promise against sinus and ear infections.

Take two dropperfuls of colloidal silver (5-10 parts per million potency) every four hours for the first day or two for an acute infection, decreasing to every six to eight hours as symptoms abate. Swish the solution in your mouth for 60 seconds before swallowing to enhance absorption.

• Colostrum

This “first milk” produced by all mammals after delivery of their newborn is crucial to initiating the immune response in many species. A number of studies have found colostrum to be helpful in the treatment of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis, allergies, colds, and herpes infections.

Take 500 mg twice a day, in capsule form, on an empty stomach. Make sure it contains only colostrum or acidophilus, as other ingredients can interfere with absorption.

• Echinacea

This root has long been used in traditional botanical medicine for its immune-enhancing properties. It works by increasing the number of phagocytes, specialized cells that surround and engulf pathogens, and stimulates other “killer” cells, such as T and B lymphocytes. In short, echinacea can not only make colds shorter and less severe, it can sometimes stop a cold that is just starting.

I suggest taking 10-30 drops of a 1 percent echinacoside liquid extract three times daily. (Many herbalists believe that part of the herb's benefit comes from direct contact with the tissues at the back of the throat.) Take echinacea no longer than eight weeks at a stretch, and do not use it if you have an autoimmune condition.

• A Good Multinutrient

When your body’s struggling, your immune system suffers. That’s why it’s important to take a good multinutrient all year long—but especially at this time of the year. You want one that gives you a full range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to counteract stress, and keep your immune system balanced and strong.

• Mineral-Buffered Vitamin C

Over the years, I have found vitamin C very useful for shortening the course of colds and flu in many of my patients. In addition to its antiviral and antibacterial benefits, vitamin C also enhances your immune function by supporting white blood cell activity and function and increasing antibody levels.

According to a 1994 study from the International Journal of Vitamin and Nutrition Research, just 200 mg of vitamin C a day helped elderly patients with either severe acute bronchitis or pneumonia. Researchers also found that those patients who received vitamin C fared much better than those who simply received the placebo. Furthermore, those patients who were most severely ill received the greatest benefit from the vitamin.

I recommend starting with moderate doses, such as 500-1,000 mg of mineral-buffered vitamin C, one to three times daily. You can work up to as much as 5,000-10,000 mg (5-10 grams) a day. If you reach “bowel tolerance” (loose stools), level off and even decrease your dosage.

• Selenium

In addition to promoting healthy detoxification, selenium also augments and restores immune function. Studies show that it does this by stimulating white blood cell growth and thymus function. Additionally, selenium deficiency has been shown to weaken immune function and inhibit your body's ability to resist infection. I recommend taking 200 mcg of selenium (as selenomethionine) once a day.

***

A healthy diet and daily exercise are also critical in keeping your immune system strong. Now, I’m not saying that any of these steps are going to stop you from getting a cold or the flu—but a healthy immune system is a fantastic weapon for staying as healthy as possible!

Here's to your health!


Susan M. Lark, M.D.

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