Excellent Newsletter!

Friends,

I received this newsletter and found it so informative and timely that I asked permission to reprint. Dr. Neustaedter always has sound holistic advice; I highly recommend his newsletters. Click the link to subscribe. Enjoy!

Peace and Light,

Maria

Natural

Health Newsletter

Randall Neustaedter OMD

Build Your Family's Immune System in Winter

Here are some guidelines for maintaining a strong immune system during the winter months and flu season for children and for adults. (Excerpt from my book FLU: Alternative Treatments and Prevention, North Atlantic Books)

Children

Good nutrition lays the groundwork for a strong immune system in your child. This includes reliance upon natural foods, and avoidance of chemicals and refined products. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients for the growing child, including antioxidants and vitamin C. Processed foods such as canned vegetables and jars of baby food have fewer vitamins and altered forms of essential nutrients.

Vitamin A is needed for proper mucous membrane function. It is essential for the growth and repair of body tissues, and for efficient digestion of protein. Vitamin A promotes good eyesight, strong bones and teeth, and a vital immune system. White blood cells, T-lymphocytes, and every cell in the important mucosal barriers of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts require vitamin A.

A diet containing significant amounts of fat will help ensure adequate vitamin A intake. Whole-milk products, butter, and free-range eggs will help maintain necessary levels of this important nutrient. Use organic sources. For those who may not be getting enough vitamin A, a supplement may be useful.

The recommended daily amount (RDA) of vitamin A is 3,000 IU per day for adults (reduced from 5,000 IU) and 1,000–2,000 IU for children, depending on their age (1,000 at age 1, 2,000 by age 9). Primitive diets probably maintained ten times that amount. One egg contains 300 IU of vitamin A; one cup of whole milk or whole-milk yogurt contains 225–250 IU, and one tablespoon of butter contains 350 IU. The amount of vitamin A may vary by the season and the feed of the animals. Several studies have also shown that vitamin A supplements during viral illnesses promote rapid recovery and prevent complications. Children can take 1,000 to 5,000 IU of vitamin A derived from fish oil without any problem.

Nutritional supplements

A few simple, specific supplements will help maintain a strong and vital immune system during the fall and winter months when colds and flus predominate.

The most important supplement for flu prevention is vitamin D3. Babies can take 1,000 IU and children over two years can take 2 ,000 IU of vitamin D3.

Secondly, a probiotic supplement of healthy intestinal bacteria that contains lactobacillus and bifidobacteria species has been shown to prevent viral illnesses In children (Ouwehand 2008).

The immune-enhancing effects of breast milk can be continued in older children by giving them cow's colostrum as a nutritional supplement. The first food a newborn baby receives is colostrum, the clear or yellowish thick fluid secreted from a mother's breasts after childbirth. Colostrum transmits to babies antibodies and other immune-enhancing substances that actively prevent infections and stimulate the immune system.

Colostrum contains immune defense factors. The most prominent of these factors is an immunoglobulin, IgA, which resides on mucous membranes such as the intestinal lining and protects the body from invading micro­organisms. Colostrum, like breast milk, contains white blood cells that ingest bacteria and release IgA. Lactoferrin prevents bacteria from reproducing. Lysozyme destroys microorganisms on contact. Cytokines regulate the intensity and duration of immune responses, boosting T-cell activity and stimulating production of protective immunoglobulins. Specific sugars, including oligo polysaccharides and glycoconjugates, bind to bacteria that typically cause ear infections, lung infections, and diarrhea, and block their attachment to mucous membranes. All of these powerful immune defense factors are available in one simple supplement.

Children can take bovine colostrum as a supplement throughout the entire flu season. You can obtain colostrum in powder, chewable flavored tablets, or capsules. Children under the age of 6 can take at least one-half teaspoon of colostrum powder or two tablets or capsules. Children over 6 should take one teaspoon of powder or three to four tablets or capsules. Other supplements also contain some of these factors derived from whey protein that include immunoglobulins and lactoferrin.

An omega-3 fat supplement in the form of fish oil will establish healthy cell membranes that prevent inflammation and resist toxins and attack by pathogens. A daily dose of 250-500 mg of EPA will be appropriate for most children.

Vitamin E will ensure that fatty acids are maintained at optimum efficiency once they are absorbed into cells. In addition, vitamin E has anti-inflammatory effects and increases resistance to infection. Use only natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol), not the synthetic form (dl-alpha-tocopherol). A mixed tocopherol form of vitamin E is best because children need the gamma as well as the alpha forms. An appropriate dose is 100 IU for children under 2 and 200 IU for children age 2–12.

Zinc stimulates immune function, prevents infections, and acts as a cofactor in many enzyme reactions, including the creation of antioxidants. Normal dosage is 10–20 mg per day. If zinc supplementation is continued over a prolonged period of time, it should be given in conjunction with copper in a ratio of ten to one to prevent copper deficiency.

Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant activity, and antibiotic qualities. A daily supplement of vitamin C during the winter months will round out the immune system prevention program. Use 500 mg for children under 3 years old and 1,000 mg for older children.

Immune supplements for children—daily dosage

1- to 2-year-olds 3- to 12-year-olds

Vitamin D3 1,000 IU 2,000 IU

Fish oil 250 mg EPA 500 mg EPA

Colostrum 1/2 teaspoon powder 1 teaspoon powder

Zinc 10 mg 20 mg

Copper 1 mg 2 mg

Vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol or mixed tocopherols)

100 IU 200 IU

Vitamin C 500 mg 1,000 mg

The easiest way to give supplements to small children is through powdered sources mixed in a blender with fruit, fruit juice, yogurt or milk (rice milk for younger children and children with milk sensitivities), and honey (for children over 12 months old). Capsules can be opened and dumped into the blender. Children can chew oil-based supplements in soft gels or you can stick a pin into them and squirt out the contents onto something they will eat.

Adults

Maintain a healthy immune system. Many forms of supplements will fortify immunity so that an attack by viruses will be less successful. If you tend to get acute illnesses easily, then begin a program of immune strengthening. See a practitioner (the different types of medical practice are described in Part II) and begin taking supplements on your own. An acupuncturist can advise you about an immune-enhancing herbal formula that will build the strength of your system. These formulas are usually built around astragalus, a potent herb for augmenting the body's protective defenses and stabilizing the exterior against invasion by pathogens and physical stresses such as Cold and Wind. Other supplements have similar immune-enhancing properties.

A specific Chinese herbal formula has been developed for prevention of H1N1 virus infection, Swine Season Immune Plus (drjakefratkin.com). This formula is derived from a classical formula (Yu Ping Feng or Jade Screen) with the addition of antiviral herbs.

Several species of mushrooms have significant immune-stimulating effects. Each contains high percentages of polysaccharides, long-chain sugar molecules that regulate immunity. They activate white blood cells and stimulate antibody production. These mushrooms include reishi (ganoderma), maitake (grifola), shiitake (lentinus), polyporus, and tremella. Many preparations of mushroom combinations in tablet, powder, or liquid extract form are available at major health food stores and online.

Bovine colostrum has the ability to provide antibodies directly and stimulate immune function with its potent combination of lactoferrin that prevents bacteria from reproducing, lysozyme that destroys pathogenic organisms, and cytokines that stimulate immunoglobulin production. Colostrum is a superfood that should keep your immune system in peak condition. Take one teaspoon or two capsules twice a day through the winter months.

Vitamin D is essential for immune system function, and most people are deficient in adequate vitamin D levels during the winter months. Adults can have their vitamin D level checked with a blood test, but taking a vitamin D3 supplement (4,000-5,000 IU per day) is prudent for everyone. Vitamin C at 2–4 grams per day prevents inflammation and maintains the body's vigilance against infection. Vitamin A is essential to immune function and mucous membrane integrity. Take a supplement of 10,000– 25,000 IU of vitamin A derived from fish oil. Zinc has potent immune protective effects. Take 25 mg zinc per day, but if you continue zinc for an extended period of time you will also need to take copper to prevent a deficiency (ten-to-one ratio of zinc to copper). Get a supplement that contains both.

Immune supplements for adults

Vitamin D3 – 4,000-5,000 IU

Astragalus and Mushroom (reishi, maitake, shiitake) formulas

Colostrum—4 capsules

Vitamin C—2–4 grams

Vitamin A—10,000–25,000 IU with 400 IU vitamin D

Zinc—25 mg with 2 mg copper

Influenzinum is a specific homeopathic preventive for the flu. You can begin taking Influenzinum (9C, 12C, or 30C) if you are exposed to the flu. Take one dose each week for four weeks at that time, or you can take it once a week for four doses during the flu season.

The flu, like other respiratory viruses, spreads from human to human by means of tiny drops of flu-laden fluids. You can minimize your exposure by not shaking hands. Frequent hand washing will also prevent you from inadvertently introducing viruses into your nose and eyes. Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes during flu season to reduce your exposure. Of course, as common courtesy, everyone should cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze to prevent transmission of viruses.

Get plenty of sleep, and eat well. Focus on warm foods during the winter. Soups and stews are excellent sources of concentrated nutrients. Exercise regularly, despite the cold weather. Resist the temptation to go home and lie down after work. Exercise instead. Schedule times for exercise and follow through with your plan. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables for their vitamin and antioxidant content. Stay warm and avoid getting chilled.

Randall Neustaedter OMD
Classical Medicine Center
1779 Woodside Rd, 201C
Redwood City, CA 94061
+1 650 299-9170

If you have questions or feedback contact me at: cureguide@gmail.com
To view all previous newsletter articles go to: www.Cure-Guide.com/Newsletter


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The Value of Nothing

I just saw a youtube video for Raj Patel’s new book “The Value of Nothing” to be released January 5th. He brings up a great point about our nature as human beings, that we are not just greedy consumers but actually do better when we are generous and giving. This really resonates deeply with the changes coming in the world in this new age. Let’s all get this book and have an old fashioned book club! We can discuss all of the ways that we can shift from consumerism to generosity, what a great way to start the new year. ">Check out the video and get on board!  I have placed this book in my Amazon General Store 

The Value of Nothing: How to Reshape Market Society and Redefine Democracy  for your convenience but by all means, buy it where you feel comfortable!

Peace and Light,

Maria

Swine Flu? Whatever. Part 1

Everyday, people wander into our little health food store and ask us what we are doing for the swine flu. Our first response is always, well, we are not listening to the media. Talk about creating mass fear and instilling a sense of hopelessness in the general population. Nothing like a lot of stress to weaken your immune system enough to get a lot of people really sick.

Honestly, if your body is strong and you have a good immune system, the swine flu is nothing more than a hoax.

So, how do we make sure that our bodies are strong enough?

Start by decreasing your toxic load.

The best place to begin with that task is with what you voluntarily put into and onto your body. Your liver can only do so much, you’ve got to give it a break, help it out. It works so hard for you filtering all of the chemicals that we come into contact with. We have little personal control over what we come into contact with in the environment but we have 100% control over what we eat, what we slather on our skin and how we medicate ourselves (both therapeutically and recreationally).

Let’s start with food.

Start eating as much food that is organic or biodynamic or locally grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers as you can find. Start with all animal products and for produce, the dirty dozen. I actually like to call it the dirty bakers dozen because so many lists do not include potatoes.

Dirty Baker’s Dozen
Peaches
Apples
Bell pepper
Celery
Nectarine
Strawberries
Cherries
Kale
Lettuce
Grapes
Carrots
Pears
Potatoes

“Clean” 15: This list includes many items that I feel are questionable. They are included, I feel because they have a rind or skin on them that is not eaten. The theory is that the pesticide spray stays on the rind and that the rind gets discarded, so that means the fruit or vegetable is safe to eat. They are not taking into consideration that the rinds breathe and are porous so some pesticide can and does seep into the fruit but what I feel is the bigger danger is actually two fold.

1. The pesticides are sprayed everywhere. They get in the soil, mix with the groundwater and are then taken up into the plant and voila end up in the fruit that you eat

and

2. What about the chemical fertilizers that they use on 100% of conventionally farmed crops? All of that ends up in the fruit as well not to mention the damage it does to the groundwater supply and nearby lakes, rivers and streams and the critters that are trying to live there. This is certainly a case where the “KISS” acronym (keep it simple, stupid) really speaks volumes. They think that we are stupid, well; we are not, sorry Monsanto.

“Clean” 15
Onion (grown in the ground…)
Avocado
Sweet corn (100% genetically engineered)
Pineapple
Mango
Asparagus (have you ever grown asparagus? Can you say asparagus beetle?)
Sweet peas
Kiwi
Cabbage (again, cabbage worms and you eat the whole thing)
Eggplant
Papaya
Watermelon
Broccoli (cabbage worms and you eat the whole thing)
Tomato (come on, really?)
Sweet potato (grown in the ground…)

Listen, all of your produce does not have to be 100% certified organic to be safe to eat. Go to your local farmers market and talk with the growers, ask about their practices and you will know if they are growing food that won’t cause a second head to erupt from your neck. Buy from them and buy a lot. Learn to can/preserve the harvest for the winter months.

Eat as local as you can.

Start replacing processed foods with whole foods; eliminate high fructose corn syrup (no matter what the media says, yes it is made from corn, blah blah blah, that does not mean that it is good for you, the majority if not all of it is genetically engineered and it will make your pancreas cry, so cut it out). Limit the refined sugars in your diet. Try sweetening with honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, stevia, dates and date sugar… there are so many possibilities out there that we will explore together here. I love to bake and make goodies; I will show you how to do it without killing yourself. At all costs, avoid any and all artificial sweeteners even the ones that they claim are made from sugar, they are not, it is a lie, it really is.

Finally, make love to yourself by learning how to cook and then do it, often, every day.

Check out these 2 great resources for finding local and safe food!

Organic Consumers Association
Local Harvest

Stay tuned for how not to anger your guts!


Peace and Light,

This Organic Life

Healthy food is the ultimate healing tool. The old and tired adage “you are what you eat” is so true but annoyingly overused. Food is comfort, it is love, it is nourishment, it sustains us and has the ability to heal us on such a deep level, if we allow it to.

Now, when I use the word “food” it is not at all what the typical Western diet has evolved or should I say devolved into. We have processed, hybridized, genetically engineered and generally mutilated the life-force out of our food leaving it empty and devoid of vitality. And we wonder why so many of us are sickly.

I know what you are thinking, healthy food, blah blah blah, tasteless, earthy crunchy blah blah blah… I hear you. Food should taste good, not like tofu. Ok, tofu lovers, I know, you can make it taste like anything right? I will eat tofu twice a year, that’s it, no more. Soy isn’t the health food it’s promoted as anyway so no great loss. We’ll talk about that some other time.

Back to food tasting good, check that, great, amazing, life changing… all it requires is an open mind and a complete shift in what you think you know about health, healing and life in general. Now, would you like the blue pill or the red pill?