Feel a cold sore coming on? 02/26/2012
The herpes simplex virus causes cold sores or fever blisters. A comprehensive Herpes simplex prevention/treatment dietary plan includes measures that enhance immune function. These dietary recommendations include avoiding alcohol, coffee, black tea, sugar and other refined carbohydrates, and eliminating allergenic foods from the diet. In all cases, fresh foods (especially organic) are preferable to frozen and frozen foods are preferable to canned foods. Herpes simplex virus requires the amino acid L-arginine to replicate/multiply. The amino acid L-lysine opposes some of the effects of L-arginine. Dietary treatments therefore manipulate the L-arginine/L-lysine ratio of foods eaten in an effort to inhibit the herpes virus’ ability to replicate or multiply, thereby preventing future outbreaks or shortening the duration of outbreaks when they do occur. Studies have demonstrated that L-lysine treatment (via diet and supplementation) accelerated the recovery from acute outbreaks and reduced the frequency of outbreak recurrence. By reducing the consumption of foods higher in L-arginine, it is possible that the benefits of L-lysine might be increased. In addition, it may be helpful to avoid foods whose L-lysine content has been reduced because of its destruction by heat (meats cooked at high temperature) or by heat in the presence of lactose, fructose, sucrose plus yeast (baked goods). Foods to emphasize (higher L-lysine, lower L-arginine) During active outbreaks of Herpes simplex, these foods higher in L-lysine, which may help inhibit the replication of HSV, should be emphasized (unless you have an allergy, intolerance or sensitivity to them):
These foods must be balanced with L-lysine supplementation or eaten with foods in the first group (unless you have an allergy, intolerance or sensitivity to them). During active Herpes simplex outbreaks, these foods must be avoided entirely:
These foods are to be routinely avoided:
Here's to your health, Dr. Mead Add Comment ANTIOXIDANTS: WHAT THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY DO 11/23/2011
WHAT IS OXIDATION? Oxidation is a reactive chemical process whereby one atom or molecule with an unpaired electron (usually a form of oxygen and often referred to as a “free radical”) robs an electron from another atom or molecule. Fire is one of the most literal or extreme examples of this process, demonstrating how potentially reactive and self-perpetuating oxidation can be. Oxidation, however, can also occur at a much slower rate and more subtly, such as in the rancidity of fats and oils or the yellowing of newsprint. Oxidation occurs in the presence of heat and/or light (energy), at a rate that depends upon fuel availability and levels of oxygen or other “oxidizers” etc. Our bodies’ cells burn or “oxidize” food (carbohydrates, fats and proteins) in the presence of oxygen in the same manner, but our metabolism controls the “burn” of digested food to release much less of the resulting energy as heat and instead directs the released energy to run our biological machinery. In addition to the processes of metabolic energy production following digestion, oxidation also occurs randomly and perpetually throughout the body in a domino-like fashion. The fats/lipids present in our cell membranes are especially vulnerable. Once an atom or molecule is oxidized (has an electron stolen), it, in turn, steals an electron from another atom or molecule, and so on. The process runs amok. IS OXYGEN THE ONLY CAUSE? Generally, oxygen is the cause. However, our primary concern is what turns oxygen into a “free radical creator” in the first place. Our environment is a dangerous place when it comes to free radical producers: radiation, air pollution, pesticides, anesthetics, gasoline vapors, fried and char-broiled foods, drugs, solvents, alcohol, lead and mercury are just some of the offenders we deal with. The damage of sunburn is caused by the free radicals formed by UV light. One of the worst offenders is first- and second-hand cigarette smoke, producing literally billions of free radicals in just one “puff”. SO ARE WE SAFE IF WE AVOID THESE THINGS? Unfortunately, we are not. Day-to-day living generates free radicals. The normal metabolic reactions of the body are constantly creating free radicals—they are the byproducts of the regular construction/destruction of body tissues and the detoxification of drugs and wastes in the liver. Even heavy exercise causes a flood of free radicals. Alternatively, our amazingly intelligent body utilizes the power and reactivity of free radicals for the good: the immune cells that patrol our blood and tissues for bacteria, viruses, cancer cells and other invaders make and use free radicals as their main ammunition to kill these intruders. SINCE FREE RADICALS ARE EVERYWHERE, ARE WE DOOMED? In a sense we are doomed. Many doctors and scientists support the theory that free radical damage is behind the process of aging where accumulated damage over a lifetime leads to an eventual breakdown of the glues that hold us together. Free radicals are also implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases and conditions, including cancer, heart disease, arthritis, bursitis, lupus, other autoimmune diseases and inflammation. The body is not defenseless, however, creating and utilizing antioxidant atoms and molecules to quench these free radicals and thwart this ongoing process of oxidation. Antioxidants carry an extra electron along with them, searching the body for a free radical to give it to. Once accomplished, these antioxidant atoms and molecules are reusable, picking up another electron from a safe source without generating new free radicals, allowing them to perpetually perform their task. WHERE DO ANTIOXIDANTS COME FROM? Some antioxidants are proteins made by the body, and many others are delivered to us in the food we eat or supplements we take. The most important of these are vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene (and the other carotenoids), bioflavonoids, selenium, zinc, and some amino acids. Food sources for these are listed below. ARE FOOD SOURCES OF ANTIOXIDANTS ENOUGH? While they are readily available from our foods, our antioxidant defense systems are vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies. Many health practitioners believe that the increased load of toxins in today's environment combined with the borderline diets we eat tip the oxidant/antioxidant balance against us. Antioxidant supplements can help tip the balance back in our favor and may slow the aging process. MAJOR ANTIOXIDANT NUTRIENTS AND THEIR DIETARY SOURCES Carotene(s) Broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots (and juice), fresh or dried apricots, mangoes and persimmons, leafy greens (spinach, kale, mustard, collard, Swiss chard), pumpkin, winter squash, sweet potatoes, tomato products Vitamin C Blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, citrus fruits and juices (oranges and grapefruits), cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, cabbage), leafy greens (mustard, turnip, kale, collard), melons (especially cantaloupe), papaya, kiwi, mangoes, pineapple, guava, strawberries, red and green peppers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and tomato juice Bioflavonoids Apples, green tea, onions, cherries, blueberries, herbs (bilberry, hawthorne, chamomile, ginkgo, milk thistle), quercetin, and citrus (from the fleshy portion of the peel), green pepper Vitamin E Avocados, fish and shellfish, leafy greens (fresh spinach, kale, collard), mangoes, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, whole grain products, vegetable oils, egg yolk Selenium & Zinc Cashews, eggs, garlic, halibut, oysters, salmon, tuna, scallops Oysters, crabmeat, cheese, beef roast, pumpkin seeds, dry roasted cashews, whole grains Resources
Here's to your health, Dr. Mead Boosting Your Child's Immune System 11/10/2010
It's officially the time of year when colds and flus are passed around like Halloween candy. It seems every other person has a cold or is feeling one coming on.That also makes it the best time to help your little one (and your self) stay as healthy as possible. Here are some great ways to start: Sleep: Much of our body's regenerative and healing processes occur during sleep so make sure your newborn/infant gets 12-14 hours a day and adolescent gets 10-12 hours/night. The more hours before midnight, the better the quality of the sleep! Nutrition: The single. most important thing we can do to support immune function and prevent disease is to eat a balanced, whole foods diet. This includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains and lean meats. These contain the vitamins, minerals, fibre and amino acids necessary to maintain an active immunity and prevent both acute and chronic illness. If you are nursing, continue to do so for as long as possible. The minimum amount of time being 6 months after birth. Breastfeeding can help prevent diarrhea, blood infections, asthma, ear and respiratory infections. Once a child is exposed to a pathogen, breastmilk will contain antibodies to combat the infection within a 2 hours! Hydration: Make sure your child drinks lots of water. Maintaining well hydrated mucus membranes prevents cracks that may allow entry of infectious organisms. Physical activity: Keep your child active. Regular exercise prevents obesity, blood sugar dysregulation/diabetes and cancer. It also helps relive stress and improve immune function. Fresh, clean air: Remember to spend time outdoors with your child and protect them from second hand smoke. Second hand smoke can irritate your child's mucus membranes and lungs. It also contributes to asthma and allergies (both food and inhalant). Finally, remember to wash hands frequently with plain soap and avoid unnecessary prescriptions of antibiotics. Giving your child's immune system the opportunity to fight an infection means they will have long-term protection against it. You can also try the "Warming socks" treatment: A cotton sock is soaked in cool/cold water, wrung out, and covered with wool socks before bedtime left on until warmed, usually about 20 minutes to ½ hour. In the process of responding to the cool temperatures, the immune system and circulation will be stimulated, killing infectious agents and relieving head, sinus and chest congestion. Begin on the first night of illness and repeat for 3 nights in a row. Those with chronic infections or compromised immunity should consult with a Naturopathic Doctor before beginning treatment. For more information on boosting your child's immune system, helpful supplemental vitamins and minerals or home hydrotherapy, feel free to contact us for a consultation. Here's to your health, Dr. Mead | Dr. Adeola Mead
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