Read this yesterday and I think you might want to consider what it's being
recommended in the article?
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,5044681-110648,00.html
Black magic
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If you want to fight flu, get nature on your side. Black elderberry extract can
incapacitate the virus and strengthen your immunity, says Dr John Briffa
Sunday October 24, 2004
The Observer
The distinct chill we've had in the air of late will inevitably herald the usual
seasonal influx of colds and flu. Lest we forget that such wintry infections are
on their way, the government recently launched a media campaign urging those at
high risk of flu to get vaccinated against it. However, the same week, the
government also suspended the licence of a major flu vaccine manufacturer
because of problems with sterility. The shortage of stocks and delays this is
anticipated to cause is likely to needle those keen to protect themselves from
virulent infections this winter.
Those without the protection of a flu vaccination may be glad to know of
contingency medicaments from the natural medicine chest. The natural substance
most renowned for its anti-viral and immune-stimulating properties is vitamin C.
Despite the fact that vitamin C is often recommended for its ability to prevent
colds and flu, the science shows it is quite ineffective for this. High doses
do, however, have considerable healing potential once the virus sets up camp in
the body.
In one study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological
Therapeutics, the effect of mega-dosing with vitamin C was tested on more than
700 people.
Throughout a winter, two-thirds of the test group were treated with painkillers
and decongestants if they fell foul of cold or flu. In the other third, winter
infections were treated with vitamin C at a dose of 1,000mg (1g) each hour for
six hours, followed by 1,000mg three times a day until the infection resolved.
Overall, those receiving vitamin C treatment had cold and flu symptoms reduced
by 85 per cent compared to those receiving conventional treatment.
Another natural flu remedy is the black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L). In the
laboratory, black elderberry extract has been shown to incapacitate several
strains of the influenza virus, and studies show that it activates the immune
system. In research published earlier this year in the Journal of International
Medical Research, the effects of black elderberry extract were tested in a group
of individuals with flu. Half the group were treated with 15ml of black
elderberry extract, four times a day for five days, while the other half took a
placebo. Those taking the black elderberry extract became well an average four
days earlier than individuals taking inactive medication. Black elderberry
extract is available from most health food stores under the brand name Sambucol.
For those wishing to take a belt-and-braces approach, I recommend taking vitamin
C and black elderberry extract together.
Dear John
I am the head teacher of an infant and nursery school. We encourage the children
to have a bottle of water on their table every day, but some parents are
resistant to this and say their children do not like water. I was delighted with
your article recently that was critical of fruit juice, but parents say they
want their children to have diluted juices. Should I stick to my guns?
Anne Holland
As I explained in my column, I think the potential health hazards of fruit
juices have been understated, and that the prime fluid for children should be
water. Diluting the fruit juice - at least half and half - with water will help
reduce their sugariness, but I do believe that plain water is better. I suspect
one of the main reasons children will not drink water is because they have been
weaned on to fruit juice at an early age. I suggest a compromise. For instance,
you might consider allowing diluted fruit juice outside the class, but insist on
plain water only, in transparent bottles, within the class. You may find that
some children who 'won't' drink water mysteriously take up this habit in class.
If you have any issues you would like Dr Briffa to address in his column, please
email him on [email hidden]. Please note that Dr Briffa cannot enter
into any correspondence. You can also visit drbriffa.com. Before following any
recommendations in this column, you should consult your own medical adviser
about any medical problems or special health conditions
Nutrition news
Insulin is the chief hormone responsible for reducing blood-sugar levels after
the consumption of foods containing sugar and/or starch. Excesses of the hormone
insulin in the body have been linked with a variety of health issues, including
weight gain, raised blood pressure and diabetes.
Recently, some science research has suggested that insulin may promote the
development of certain cancers. In a study published in this month's edition of
the medical journal Gastroenterology, researchers assessed the link between the
use of insulin and colon cancer in almost 25,000 diabetics. Insulin use for
three to five years was associated with a rough trebling of risk of colon
cancer, while insulin use for more than five years appeared to increase risk of
colon cancer five-fold.
Individuals wishing to reduce their need for insulin are likely to achieve this
through the consumption of a diet generally lower in sugar and starch-based
carbohydrates - a concept I covered in my column last week. Any changes to
insulin dosages, however, should be made in consultation with a doctor.
Guardian Unlimited © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2004
