| | Staying in Touch Hope you are enjoying the last days of Summer!
I feel so blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the country and what a Summer it's been! I recently spent a few
days at the Carson Hot Springs Resort on the Columbia River and was like stepping back in time. I highly recommend it!
My third Detoxification
Group begins on Thursday, September 10th and I can't wait! Details are available on my website. Returning group members are encouraged to join us (while waiving the weekly $20 group fee) as each consecutive detox
has added benefits and enhances digestion, liver function, hormone balance, adrenal function, and immunity. Call 206-878-2628
or email me at drmikelnd@gmail.com to sign up! Space is limited to 12 participants.
I am pleased to announce
that I will be participating in the Burien Wellness Fair on September 19th. I hope to see you there!
What To Do This Flu Season?
Many
of my patients are asking my opinion on swine flu vaccination and prevention. I would like to present a little more
information to balance the media’s hype that tends to provoke fear and anxiety.
In an interview with the Cape Coral Daily Breeze, Dr. Erika Schwartz, medical director of Cinergy Health in Miami reminds us that, "More people died from the side effects
of the vaccine [in 1976] than the swine flu. If we don't pay attention to history, then we are bound to repeat it."
She goes on to say that while each year approximately 36,000 people die from influenza, there have only been 555 deaths in
the United States from swine flu. She also emphasizes prevention over vaccination, pointing out that even after getting
the shot it is still possible to get sick.
At this point, the swine flu vaccinations are still in the trial stage
and their efficacy has not yet been determined. In 1976, the swine flu vaccine actually killed more people than it helped
and despite this there are recommendations for even children to be vaccinated.
Vaccinations carry risks
and I advise people to research those risks to make an informed decision about whether or not to participate in vaccinations.
I will support whatever decision my patients make about vaccinations but feel it is my responsibility to provide information
that presents the risks of vaccinations such as flu like symptoms, neurological damage, autoimmune diseases, and possible
contamination from metals, chemicals, and other viruses.
References:
CDC downplays estimates on flu deaths, infections
How dangerous is the swine flu?
Flu Vaccine
Should you get the flu shot?
Swine flu 'debacle' of 1976 recalled
The last great swine flu epidemic
Swine Flu 1976 & Propaganda
Natural Protection
Susceptibility to colds and flu are in direct relationship
to the strength of our immune system and internal hygiene. Viruses and bacteria will not thrive or take hold if our
internal hygiene is balanced and healthy. For example, diets that are too high in refined carbohydrates, chemicals like
pesticides or preservatives, and heavy metals can create too much acidity. Diets too low in enzymes can create environments
too alkaline. Stress can weaken our adrenal system impairing our immune anti-inflammatory response.
Each system of the body is intricately connected with the health of the whole organism so when we discuss mechanisms and
systems it is very complicated to break them down in isolation. Each of these recommendations has benefits to more than
one system in the body but in combination they support that balance and homeostasis that supports health and optimal resistance
to infection and disease.
1. Get enough sleep. Your immune system functions
much better when you get enough sleep. Most people need about 8 hours per night for optimal health. If your body
is tired your immune system cannot mount an adequate immune reaction such as the production of antibodies and numerous immune
cells and anti-inflammatory molecules.
2. Exercise regularly. Exercise helps
keep your immune system strong. Exercise increases respiration and higher oxygen content in the body deters the proliferation
of bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells and boosts the production of macrophages that attack viruses and bacteria as well as
increasing circulation to move white blood cells to where they are most needed.
3. Avoid sugar.
Even small amounts of sugar can significantly impair your immune function, making you more susceptible to a flu infection.
Sugar molecules look similar to vitamin C and compete with the vitamin C needed in macrophage cells that gobble up viruses
and bacteria. Think of it this way: when you eat sugar think of your immune system slowing down to a crawl.
4. Drink lots of pure water. Keeping your mucous membranes well-hydrated
helps optimize the mucous membranes of the mouth, ears, and nose. This is your first line of defense where immune cells
reside to capture and prevent further entry into the body.
5. Wash your hands often.
6. Eat Vegetables. Vegetables contain huge amounts of the array of nutrients the
body needs for health. The nutrients to metabolize energy, support detoxification by the liver, and to support a strong
adrenal or stress response are loaded in fresh foods. Chicken soup made with fresh vegetables works for a reason!
Each person’s symptoms reflect systems of the body that are usually deficient. Even toxicity is a
limitation in the body to maintain optimal balance. Digestion, liver support, adrenal support, and immune support cannot
really be separated as their influence on one another is so complex and interrelated. Your best protection comes as
we treat the body as a whole and work together to bring the body into optimal balance and health.
Please
contact me if you would like to discuss products to have on hand to enhance immunity and keep the cold and flu at bay.
I also love to hear about your progress so feel free to email me if you run out of product or if you need a change in your
treatment plan. Often such changes can be made without an office visit. Your feedback is needed to keep you in
good health and on a progressive program. We are changing health care one person at a time as we take responsibility
for educating ourselves about good health. Education empowers us to make the right choices. It’s a process
so stay open, keep learning, and congratulations on the changes you’ve already made!
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