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Thursday, 17 January 2008 |
 A chronic, degenerative condition that increases susceptibility to fractures of the bones.
The word Osteoporosis literally means 'porous bones'. Risk factors include aging, being female (although men do suffer but to a lesser degree), going through an early menopause ,and never having had children (nuliparous). One out of 4 women and one out of 8 men develop osteoporosis in their lifetime. It develops
over many years and is a result of slow demineralisation of the bones and is usually only diagnosed after a fracture or a bone density scan.
Calcium is the most significant mineral in bones but boron, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc and Vitamin D are all necessary for the correct metabolism of calcium. Bones are constantly being broken down and rebuilt leading to a constant turnover of minerals.
Prevention is better than cure in this disease and because the infrastructure of the bone is determined by the age of 30 all you can do after that age is maintain mineralization. It is therefore necessary that our children start preventing problems at an early age. However, it is never too late to start, and age should be no barrier.
Prevention.
A diet that contains a high quantity of meat cause a high acid residue after metabolism which then requires more calcium to neutralise it and this can be drawn from the bones thus depleting the calcium in the bones. A vegetarian diet favours a good phosphorous/calcium ratio and is therefore preferable to a diet of meat and dairy products.
Alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, coffee and sugar speed calcium loss from the bones.
A diet rich in calcium is better than supplements as the calcium in food is more easily absorbed. In some studies
foods like spinach, chard, and chocolate contain calcium oxalate that binds with calcium impeding its absorption and phytates found in whole wheat and some other whole grains will also bind with calcium thus increasing phytates found in whole wheat and some other whole grains will also bind with calcium in the gut thus increasing a tendency to develop osteoporosis.
Certain drugs like steroids and some Antibiotics, especially if taken over a long time may also increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Doing regular weight bearing exercise such as brisk walking or weight lifting 4 times a week for 45minutes is highly recommended.
Sun bathing avoiding the mid day sun will help the production of Vitamin D thus helping the absorption of calcium.
Treatment.
Diet.
A meat free diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, sprouted seeds and beans and yoghurt is ideal. Lots of green leafy vegetables and adequate sources of protein is preferable.
Foods that contain phyto-oestrogens may also help to hold calcium in the bones and include, apples, brown rice, cherries, oats, olives, peanuts, plums and Soya products.
Foods that contain appropriate vitamins and minerals include almonds, barley, celery, kale, mustard greens and turnip greens. Salad should be served with cider vinegar or lemon juice to increase calcium absorption.
Taking calcium rich foods prior to bedtime is useful as far as calcium absorption goes if a little hard on the digestion.
Milk and dairy sources are not a particularly a good source of absorbable calcium and for this reason should not be increased in the diet.
Sources Of Dietary Calcium (mg /100g)
Milk Products.
- Cheddar Cheese 800
- Camembert Cheese 380
- Yoghurt 180
- Cows Milk 120
- Cottage Cheese 60
Fish
- Whitebait 860
- Sardines 550
- Shrimps 320
- Prawns 150
- Haddock 110
- Oysters 110
Nuts Seeds & Beans
- Almonds 250
- Soya flour 250
- Brazils 180
- Haricot Beans 180
- Red Kidney Beans 140
- Tofu 128
- Sunflower Seeds 120
- Buckwheat 114
- Butter Beans 85
- Walnuts 61
- Peanuts 61
- Soya Milk 21
- Sesame Seeds 11
Vegetables & Fruit
- Parsley 330
- Dried Figs 280
- Turnip Greens 250
- Kale 225
- Watercress 220
- Broccoli 100
- Dried Apricots 92
Other
- Kelp 1093
- Black Strap Molasses 579
- Black treacle 500
- Carob Powder 352
- Brewers Yeast 210
- Tripe 150
- Egg Yolk 130
- Cocoa powder 130
Vitamins & Minerals.
- Vitamin B Complex 25-50mg 2 or 3 times daily
- Vitamin C 1000 - 2000 once or twice daily to bowel tolerance.
- Vitamin D 400- 1000mg per day
- Magnesium 400mg twice daily
- Vitamin E 400 - 800 IU per day
Calcium is often supplied with Vit D and magnesium already in it. Check producers.
Remember the best way is to get your requirements in food which is more easily absorbed. For good retention of vitamins do not overcook food.
Cod liver oil or halibut liver oil daily.
Apple cider vinegar, water and honey twice daily. Use a good organic cider vinegar. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 17 January 2008 )
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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 17 January 2008 |
 Iron deficiency is the commonest cause of Anaemia. However there are other dietary factors are also necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells. They include Amino acids, Vitamin B6 & B12, Copper and Cobalt and Vitamin C. Vegans (those who eat no animal products at all) should be extremely vigilant in making sure they include a good balance of amino acids and Vitamin B12.
Iron is best absorbed from foods like fish, liver and red meat, and more effectively absorbed in the presence of Vitamin C and Fructose (fruit sugar). Eating fruit and vegetables with iron containing foods aids absorption.
Vitamin C and iron are present and in fairly high levels in foods like Broccoli, Kale, Spinach, Peppers and other dark green vegetables.
The daily requirement of iron for adult men is about 1mg. For women of child bearing age this is almost 2mg. Dietary iron is not easily absorbed and only about one eighth of the intake is available to the body. Therefore men need to consume 12mg and women 24mg to obtain their daily requirement. After illness, during lactation and pregnancy, and in blood loss, intestinal disease and malabsorption, these needs increase.
Iron absorption can be inhibited by phosphates, phytates and oxalates. These bind with iron to form insoluble substances that are unabsorbable. Foods containing these substances are eggs, spinach ,rhubarb and unrefined cereals, especially whole wheat.
It is possible to take too much iron, especially if taking supplements that have not been prescribed by a health professional. Testing for Iron Deficiency Anaemia is essential before supplementing.
Taking a diet of Iron , B12 and Vitamin C rich foods is the easiest and preferred way to obtain natural readily assimilated Iron into the body. Eating organically produced foods is especially important if you are eating meats.
Food Sources Of Iron.
Food Iron mg./100g.
- Kelp 100
- Curry powder 75
- Shellfish 10 - 40
- Brewers yeast 22
- Liver 12
- Molasses 11
- Cocoa Powder 11
- Pumpkin Seeds 11
- Soya beans 8
- Soya Flour 8
- Parsley 8
- Chives 8
- Lentils 7
- Chick Peas 7
- Almonds 5
- Sesame Seeds 5
- Brazil Nuts 3
- Raw Spinach 3
- Leafy greens 2-3
Food Sources Of B12.
- All seaweeds such as kelp , arame, nori etc.,
- Miso (Fermented Soya bean paste)
- Blue Green Algae,
- Spirulina,
- Chlorella.
- Brewers yeast.
Strict Vegans should have their B12 levels checked annually.
Contact me for a diet sheet. |
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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 17 January 2008 |
 This is an extremely common condition which affects 4 times as many women as men, and affects almost half of the population of the over 50's. The reason that women are more affected than men, is possibly the result of child bearing.
A varicose vein is one which has become distended, swollen, lengthened and twisted. The most commonly affected veins, are the ones in the legs, but haemorrhoids (piles) are also a form of varicose veins.
The veins have no pump pressures behind them to move blood and are dependent on small valves which permit only one way movement of blood and prevent backwards flow by the action of the "muscle pump" which is created by the contraction and relaxation of surrounding muscles.(e.g. when walking the calf muscles serve to push the blood back up the legs). The tissue of veins is delicate and they can easily prolapse which will lead to a pooling of blood in the vein, thus creating a swelling of the vein leading to a varicosity.
Varicose veins are unpleasant to look at, they may be painful, but they are rarely dangerous. They may however predispose to a thrombus (blood clot) but this is relatively rare. Apart from the swollen vein itself, symptoms are usually aching and tiredness of the leg with a heavy feeling and occasional pain. If the circulation to that area of the leg where the vein is sufficiently reduced, a brownish discolouration may appear and could progress to form a venous ulcer. Again, because of the poor circulation these ulcers can be particularly difficult to treat and they may become infected.
Factors that may predispose to or aggravate varicose veins include:
Overweight - pregnancy or obesity which puts pressure on the large veins returning blood from the lower limbs and restricts blood flow.
Constrictive Clothing - Skin tight jeans and tight waists on trousers and skirts etc.
Lack Of exercise - This can cause poor muscle tone in the legs and poor circulation.
Standing for Long Periods - This will restrict blood return from the legs by force of gravity. It is especially damaging to stand on concrete or tiled floors.
Inherited Weakness - Varicose veins often run in families and this type of weakness in the blood vessel wall may make you more liable to develop varicose veins. Weakness may also be acquired, (e.g. after an accident, Phlebitis or Surgery.
Constipation - Straining with bowel movements may increase pressure on the abdomen and restrict blood flow through the larger vessels that drain the legs. This is often the main cause of haemorrhoids.
Sitting crossed legged - Sitting in this position may restrict the blood return from the legs.
Holistic Treatment Of Varicose veins.
Any tendency to constipation should be dealt with. A high fibre diet containing bulking agents if necessary like psyllium seeds maybe used. Plenty of spring or filtered water should be drunk, at least 8 glasses a day if possible. A gentle laxative could be used if necessary.
If standing for a long time it is best to wear support stockings and developing the habit of contracting and relaxing there calf muscles is a good idea, stand on your toes and then back on your heels repeatedly.
Keep the legs raised whenever possible on a pouffe or foot stool.
Exercise is very important. Exercise that works the legs is ideal and will be helpful. Walking, Cycling, Dancing, Running, Aerobics, Netball etc will all be useful. The inverted Yoga postures can be very helpful;, but if you cannot stand on your head, lay on the floor with your legs up the wall. Try to use this position before putting on support stockings.
Hydrotherapy can be useful to improve circulation and tone up veins. Put 2 large buckets in the bath tub and fill one with hot water and one with cold. Sit on the edge of the bath and plunge feet and legs into the hot water bucket for 20 seconds and then into the cold water bucket for about 45 seconds.
Repeat this several times for 5 - 10 minutes. Always finish with cold water so that you leave the veins toned and tightened.
Supplements To Strengthen the Veins.
- Vitamin C plus bioflavonoids to bowel tolerance.
- Rutin and Quercitin 50mg daily
- Vitamin E 400iu. daily
- Vitamin A 10,000 iu. daily
Herbal Treatments.
There are many herbs useful for treating varicose veins :
- Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastranum)
- Lime Flowers (Tilia europea)
- Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis).
- Externally Marigold(Calendula)
- Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastranum) maybe massaged into the tissues..
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Written by Administrator
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Wednesday, 16 January 2008 |
 There are certain times in life, when breathing becomes different to the norm. In an emotional crisis or stressful situation you have probably been aware that your breathing pattern changes. In other words the breath reflects the mood or state that you are experiencing. As your emotional state influences your breathing, so can your breathing affect your emotional state. You can control the breathing given that you understand that your emotional state can be changed by regulating this.
When you are relaxed your breathing is slow , rhythmical and quiet. When asleep it becomes deep and forceful but when under stress breathing can become rapid and shallow. When angry your breathing can become quite irregular. Therefore panic and stress can be controlled by by changing your breathing pattern. Certain breathing techniques can be learnt to stop stress and anger from harming your body.
Regular breathing exercises especially when practised first thing in the morning in the open fresh air can invigorate the mind and body. The Chinese and Japanese practise this art daily so that everyone can function at their optimum. The Chinese perform many Tai Chi routines that have the breath as a most important part of this discipline. The following exercises are taken from their knowledge of the role of breathing and I have tried to change them into simpler terms so that we can all manage them every day.
Stress Strategy.
When are you under stress ? At work when your boss is asking for more than you can manage? At home when the kids are demanding more of you than you can give? When shopping and there is no time to waste and their is a huge queue? When you have to get home from work because early as your wife has asked friends to a special dinner party and you are stuck in a traffic jam? Need I go on. All these times and many more will start your pulse racing, the frustration builds to anger and the tension and anxiety builds.
This simple breathing exercise works at replacing the tension with serene calm. Sit comfortably in a chair, let your shoulders drop and widen, let your head lift upward from your shoulders as if being lifted from above. Look straight ahead and fix your gaze on a place dead ahead. Practice this initial letting go. Do not force it to be comfortable. It may take time to achieve this, but practice makes perfect. Nothing was achieved in 5 minutes.
When you can do this with ease, your lungs will be free to fill from the bottom to the top. Start by taking a few slow but gentle breaths. Breath in freely to a count of 3 and then let the breath out again to a count of 3. Let the chest expand and deflate as you breath in and out. Do not force the breath. You are now beginning to 'calm' the breath. In this way you can quieten the nervous system, control the stress and get your body and mind back in balance. Once you have worked out the knack of doing this, you will be able to do it anywhere, even in a traffic jam, providing you are stationary. This is very simple but most effective.
Breathing Exercises to Reduce Tension.
Tension often shows in the neck and shoulders. When you feel this tension there is a simple exercise that you can do to reduce pain and stiffness. It can be done at work or at home, indeed at any time. If needs be you can do this several times a day when feeling tense or under pressure.
Stand up, stretch your arms high above your head and then let them fall loosely to your sides. Push your shoulders back and hold your stomach muscles in, tuck your bottom under, let your head rise and your shoulders drop, thus encouraging blood flow. Take a slow breath in counting 1-2-3-4 and then release the breath to a slow count of 1-2-3-4. At the same time allow your shoulders to drop further. Now make a circle with your head and let it drop onto your chest., roll the head over the left shoulder to drop further behind you and roll over the right shoulder and back onto the chest. Roll the head 3 times to the left then 3 times to the right breathing easily all the time. Finally lift the head take a deep steady breath and you will feel less tired and less tense.
Regular Daily Breathing exercises- To be done outside in the fresh air.
Refreshing Breathing.
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Take a deep breath in through your nose at the same time rise onto your toes, lift your arms above your head and fully stretch you arms and fingers reaching upwards as you do so. Let your breath out in one fast puff and at the same time come off your toes
and band at the waist until you end up bending forward almost touching the ground. Do this exercise 3 times.
Exercise to Help Sore Throats - Balancing breathing.
Do this exercise especially if you have a cold or sore throat. Stand with feet shoulder width apart and breathe in through your nose, whilst clenching your fists at the same time bringing them up to shoulder height knuckles upward, elbows pointing to the sides. As you breath out slowly through your mouth, open your fists push your palms forward and fingers upward. Time it so that the breath runs out as the arms reach full stretch, then breathe in through your nose, clench your fists and bend your elbows so that they are again near the shoulders, elbows out. Repeat this exercise 6 times and on the last breath let your arms come in and gently float down to your sides.
Breathing Exercise to Energise.
Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Bend knees slightly. Breathe in through the nose and at the same time bring hands to shoulder height, palms facing forward , right hand by right shoulder and left hand by left shoulder. Breathe out through the mouth very slowly and at the same time push the palms and arms forward. Imagine you are pushing against a heavy weight. Breathe in through the nose and draw the hands back towards the shoulders. Now as you breathe out again through the mouth, push the palms to the side at shoulder height, imagine you are parting 2 walls. Again as you breathe out push your palms above your head and breathe in once more. Bring your palms back to shoulder height, turn palms to face down and then as you breathe out push the palms down and then let them rest at your sides. Take 3 breaths and them repeat the whole thing 3 times.
Exercises For Specific Organs.
Exercising our muscular body is part of our everyday normal life, but exercising our internal organs helps aid digestion and elimination whilst invigorating our internal function.
Stomach.
This exercise aids digestion.
Stand with feet together and place your left hand on your stomach. Lift your right hand to shoulder height, elbow and arm to right side, palm facing in front of you. Breathe in through your nose and then out slowly through your mouth. At the same time push your right palm out in front of you. Time the outward motion with the outward breath. Breathe in through your nose and draw your right hand back to its starting position.
Start this exercise off at 3 times increasing during the next 3 weeks to 6 times. When finished place your right hand on your stomach and your left hand on top of your right hand. Do 3 in and out breaths.
Liver.
Standing with heels together, breathe in through your nose and rise up on your toes. Turn your head to the right as you breathe out slowly through your mouth. Lower your heels and turn your head to face forwards. Repeat turning head to the left. Do this exercise 3 times to each side and increase gradually.
Kidneys.
Stand with feet just over shoulder width apart, knees bent. Place palms together, left hand on the top with fingers facing in opposite directions. Place the hands level with the abdomen about 9" in front of you. Now reverse the position by rotating the hands but keeping them touching. Keep repeating this motion up to 20 times, each time you change turn just your head to look first right, then left. Press hard on the palms, which creates heat. When you have done the 20 times, direct this heat over the kidney by placing your right hand on your right kidney area and your left hand on the left kidney area. Hold position for one minute and feel the warmth from your hands and then release. Relax for a minute or so.
Lungs.
As well as being for the lungs it also helps with cold relief and blocked energies. Lie on your back, arms by your side, legs lying out straight and relaxed. Take a long In breath through your nose, as you do so take your arms up and then rest them down on the floor above your head. Now make a very loud Aces sound and continue the sound slowly until you run out of breath. At the same time let your hands lift up and in a semi-circular motion come down to your sides. Repeat 3 times. This is called the S Breath.
Breathing Exercises To Help Sleep.
This exercise is helpful for those minds that will not turn off after the days events. Go to bed, close your eyes and make yourself comfortable, breathe in and out deeply, deepening your breath as you exhale. Try and visualise your breath moving up from the diaphragm to your lungs and out of your mouth. In your mind think of the air as the arc of a rainbow from your mouth back to your stomach and through an imaginary hole to your diaphragm and then up through your diaphragm, lungs and out of your mouth. Start all over again with a slow deep rhythmic breathing counting 1-2-3-4 as you breath in and 1-2-3-4- as you breath out, visualising the circle of air, keep your mind fully concentrated on this circle of air and you will find sleep gently encircles you. |
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Written by Administrator
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Wednesday, 16 January 2008 |
 Before commencing an anti-mucous diet, check that there are no anatomical reasons for this problem and no infection present. It is then always important to check for allergies. See Allergies.
Foods To Avoid.
Dairy products - milk, butter, cream and cheese.
Sugar and all refined carbohydrates (white bread, cakes, puddings, pastry, white pasta and rice, and anything containing sugar or white flour.
Fried foods.
Eggs.
Margarine.
Peanuts and Peanut Butter.
Foods To eat in Moderation.
Whole grain cereals (brown rice, buckwheat, millet, and quinoa)
Polyunsaturated vegetable oils (flax, safflower and sunflower)
Honey, barley malt and maple syrup.
Foods To Eat Plenty Of.
Fruit, fresh, dried or cooked.
All kinds of Salads.
Oil , Vinegar and lemon juice dressings.
All vegetables, raw or cooked (Do not overcook) especially onions, leeks and garlic.
Proteins : Pulses (beans, lentils and peas), nuts, all kinds of fish and free range chicken.
Some sensitive people develop mucous problems from soya beans and tofu and although
not common, avoid these if you have adverse reaction.
Drinks.
All kinds of herb teas, especially Elderflower (Sambucus), Golden rod (Solidago), Mint (Mentha) and Plantain (Plantago).
Any coffee substitute, (Bamboo,Dandelion Coffee etc) with soya milk instead of cream. There is a soya cream on the market called soya dream and it really is very nice.
Fresh unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices. A juicer can be useful here, buy a more expensive one as the cheaper ones have too much pulp and not enough juice which makes it very expensive .
Essential Oils to Use As Inhalation
Eucalyptus clears a stuffy head and nose and is antimicrobial.
Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. See also usage for children below.
Peppermint clears the head and alleviates congestion and stuffiness.
Sage dries the mucous membranes.
Thyme is anti-microbial all the way through the respiratory tract.
Place one to three drops of each oil in a stainless steel, china or glass bowl.
Pour on boiling water.
Place a towel over your head and inhale the steam. Be very careful to keep your head at a distance from the boiling water, it is very hot and the herbs are strong! Take shallow breaths and even come up for air.
Continue inhaling steam until it cools.
For children. Place the bowl on the floor and hold the child firmly on your lap. Alternatively place the oils in a small saucer or burner and place on the radiator in the room. Essential oils can also be used in a humidifier or a diffuser. There are some very effective ones that can be bought from Boots or Argos.
See Oils in online shop.
Diet Advice.
- Avoid large, heavy meals.
- Avoid smoky atmospheres.
- Drink at least half an hour before or two hours after a meal.
- Eat garlic freely.
- Get as much fresh air and exercise as possible.
Supplements.
Vitamin C 1,000mg daily or to bowel tolerance. |
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Written by Administrator
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Wednesday, 16 January 2008 |
 We are exposed to many viruses at all times so it would seem that we catch colds when the body’s resistance is low. Maintaining a good resistance and general well being is probably the best course, being that prevention id better than cure. It should be pointed out here that because colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics are virtually useless except for the fact that they may help inhibit the development of bacterial infections.
Major symptoms include :
- Dry, sore throat.
- Nasal congestion.
- Sneezing.
- Slightly raised temperature.
- Swollen cervical lymph nodes.
- Watering Eyes.
We catch a cold when the conditions in our body allow it to thrive. Catching a cold happens because or body is not functioning to its best ability.
In most people a cold will last for up to 7 days. Using herbs and natural remedies can usually reduce this to 2 or 3 days, although symptoms may get worse before improving as the body’s immune system is stimulated to fight off infection.
If catching a cold is something that you do regularly in the winter, then keeping a mucous free diet (See Mucous Diet in health Information Sheets) is a good beginning. Treating the cold herbaly with such herbs as Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) Peppermint (Mentha piperata) and Yarrow (Achillea millifolium) works well in an infusion with honey and lemon.
General Therapeutics.
Liquids.
During a cold, the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract tend to get dry, this irritates them even more and also provides a better environment for viruses. Drinking fluids rehydrates the membranes as well as reducing the solute concentrate of the blood which enhances leucocyte function.
Sleep & Rest.
The body functions at its best when sleeping, relaxing or meditating. This is because it is at these times it is under the control of the parasympathetic nervous system. Quiet and rest are therefore very important when treating the common cold.
Sugar.
Too much sugar acts to impair immune function, possibly by inhibiting uptake of Vitamin C into the leucocytes.
Sugar of all sources both natural and refined should be limited whilst suffering from a cold.
Treatments.
Cold Formula. - To be started as soon as first signs of the cold are apparent. Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Sambucus niger (Elderflower) and mentha piperita (Peppermint). Equal parts in a hot infusion or tinctures in hoe water, combines well with lemon, honey and root ginger.
Sore throat - Gargle with tinctures of Salvia officinalis (Sage), Thymus vulgaris (Thyme), and Commiphora mol mol (Myrrh). Take 5 - 10mls of diluted tinctur mixture in warm water, gargle and then swallow .
Excessive mucous .- Use anti-catarrhals e.g. hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal), Solidago virgaurea (Golden Rod), and steam inhalations such as Eucalyptus , Thyme, Sage and peppermint essential oils.
Swollen Lymph Glands.- Make an infusion with Galium aparine, allow to cool and drink at least 500mls of cold infusion per day.
Aching Bones.- Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset), and Sambucus niger (Elderflower), in an infusion or as tinctures.
Fever.- Use diaphoretics, (also see Influenza ) e.g. Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Sambucus niger (Elderflower), Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset and Nepeta cataria (Catnip) as an infusion with dried
herbs or tinctures.
Immuno-stimulants.-Echinacea spp.(Echinacea) I prefer angustifolia, Astragalas membranaceous.
Supplements.- Vitamin C up to 2000mg or to bowel tolerance.
Zinc lozenges Up to 7 a day for a week. Or a chelated Zinc up to 30gm daily.
Vitamin A 700mcg or 2,300iu Daily.
Humidifier.-Humidifiers moisten the air and therefore the mucous membranes, which will assist breathing.
They can be purchased reasonably cheaply and with the addition of appropriate essential oils can be very beneficial. Bowls of boiling water can be used here but great care needs to be taken.
INFLUENZA.
Influenza is an acute viral respiratory infection which tends to occur more often in Winter. The influenza virus may cause epidemics of illness. New strains of viruses occur from time to time. An incubation period of 48 hours is best observed. Influenza generally presents with symptoms such as headache, fever, malaise, sore throat, cough and muscle aching.
Possible complications of influenza include pneumonia, bronchitis or encephalitis, which may occasionally be fatal in children, the elderly, people with chronic lung disease or heart valve problems. Influenza should be differentiated from the common cold, mononucleosis, strep.throat, bronchitis or viral pneumonia.
The treatment plan can follow that of the common cold with more attention to the high fever that usually presents. It needs careful monitoring to ensure that the disease does not progress to anything more serious. Enlisting the support of a Medical Doctor here may be appropriate.
Treatment Of fevers.
Temperature.
The normal body temperature is 37degrees C or 98.6 degrees F. This will fluctuate a little throughout the day, being half a degree or so lower in the morning and half a degree or so higher after exertion or in very hot climates.
Hypothermia.(lowered body temperature)
Rare, except in cases of exposure or severe malnutrition. Warming should be done conservatively and no fluids should be administered until the patient is fully conscious and breathing normally.
Fever or Pyrexia.
This is defined as a body temperature of at least one degree above the norm. If temperature rises above 40 degrees C or 204 degrees F, then there is danger of fits, convulsions or even brain damage may occur. Normally a temperature should not be artificially lowered but if approaching critical levels then measures may be taken to reduce it. These could include, cool sponging down of the body, one limb at a time, to avoid undue chilling, cool cloths on the forehead, ice cubes in the mouth and a small window open for ventilation. DO NOT WRAP UP. Do not use these methods unless the temperature is getting really high.
Types Of Fever.
- Acute.- A sudden sharp raise in temperature for a relatively short time (hours rather than days) may be caused by infections of common viruses e.g., chickenpox, influenza or measles. By an allergy or an infected injury etc.
- Chronic.- A sustained high temperature which may be caused by sepsis e.g. in appendicitis, a tooth abscess, tonsillitis or TB, Liver Disease or Cancer.
- Remittent.- Wide fluctuations above the norm. May be caused by blood poisoning, sepsis, typhoid or malaria etc.
- Intermittent.- Repeated slightly raised temperature with periods of normality. This is characteristic of children during times of emotional or psychological stress. There are usually no other physical symptoms.
Fever of Unknown Origin.
This refers to an elevated temperature > 38.3 degrees C for longer than two weeks, when the primary cause has not been identified. It usually presents with loss of appetite, malaise and weight loss and lethargy.
In children 50 percent of cases are found to be due to viral or bacterial infections e.g. Endocarditis or infectious mononucleosis. 20 percent are due to collagen inflammations e.g. arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease. Cancers account for another 10 percent and 20 percent are due to miscellaneous causes that are never actually identified.
In adults collagen disease and cancer account for most cases while about 10 percent are never identified.
General Treatment Of Fevers.
General treatment of Fevers indicates a need for reduced food intake, avoidance of all heavy proteins (meat and dairy) as well as all refined carbohydrates and fried foods. Plenty of fluids are required and juice fasting may be beneficial. |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 16 January 2008 )
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