Do You Need to See a Doctor for a Cold?

It's 'cold season'. At least that's what 'they' tell us on TV. But is there really a 'cold season'? And do you need medical attention if you catch one?

Dr Leonard Coldwell says more than 300 different viruses can cause colds, so each time you have a cold it is caused by a distinct virus. It’s important to realize that there are currently NO drugs available that can kill these cold-producing viruses.

There are, however, a number of ways to ensure you won’t catch a cold. One of the most important is to make sure you optimize your vitamin D levels year-round. Our main source of vitamin D comes from the sun. As we receive less sun exposure in the fall and winter months, we may become more susceptible to viruses. This is the time to optimize your immune system so it can get you through the season unscathed. Consume seasonal (locally grown when possible) organic produce, antibiotic/hormone-free meats/poultry and supplements when needed. We like supplemental products from Herbalist & Alchemist and New Chapter (shop online). And there's something to be said for homemade (from scratch) chicken soup! It's easy to make, too.

Be aware that antibiotics have no effect on viruses, and are therefore useless when you have a cold, even if it’s severe. Not only that, but whenever you use an antibiotic, you’re increasing your susceptibility to developing infections with resistance to that antibiotic — and you can become the carrier of this resistant bug, and spread it to others.

The only types of infections that respond to antibiotics are bacterial infections, including sinus, ear and lung infections (bronchitis and pneumonia).

The following symptoms are signs you may be suffering from a bacterial infection rather than a cold virus, at which point you may want to contact your doctor:

• Fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius)

• Ear pain

• Pain around your eyes, especially with a green nasal discharge

• Shortness of breath or a persistent uncontrollable cough

• Persistently coughing up green and yellow sputum

Generally speaking, however, if you have a cold, medical care is not necessary.

Be well.

OC

Vitamin D Prevents Cancer and Autoimmune Disease

A new study out of Oxford University pinpoints vitamin D deficiency as a culprit in serious illnesses like cancer and autoimmune disorders. According to the report, which was recently published online in the journal Genome Research, genetic receptors throughout the body need adequate vitamin D levels to prevent these and other serious illnesses from developing.

Multiple sclerosis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Chron's disease, leukemia -- these and many more diseases are often caused by a lack of vitamin D. Your genes literally have receptors that need vitamin D in order to properly express themselves. If there is not enough of the vitamin, serious illness is prone to develop.

The Oxford team made specific observations about the importance of vitamin D in the genome regions associated with autoimmune diseases and cancer, noting that the nutrient is absolutely vital in helping to prevent these diseases from forming.

"Considerations of vitamin D supplementation as a preventative measure for these diseases are strongly warranted," expressed Sreeram Ramagopalan, author of the study.

However, current recommendations for vitamin D intake are unacceptably low, and many nations are considering updating their guidelines. The U.S. Institute of Medicine, for example, recommends getting a mere 200 to 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day, an amount far too low to have much therapeutic effect.

Since summer sun exposure creates about 20,000 IU of vitamin D in the skin in just 15 minutes, supplementation with at least 5,000 to 10,000 IU of vitamin D daily, particularly during the winter, is preferable. Healthy blood levels of vitamin D are somewhere between 50 and 80 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml), so many natural health professionals recommend having a "25 OH Vitamin D" blood test performed to check these levels.

Sources:

http://www.naturalnews.com/029605_vitamin_d_prevention.html

The Flu: Vitamin D Deficiency

Well, the first push to get flu vaccines is already under way. But before you run out to get vaccinated with a questionable list of potentially harmful ingredients, you should know that the 'flu' virus is around us all year long. So why do "they" call it a flu "season"? And why does North America have a flu "season" during winter months, when it's summer in Australia?

Simple answer: We get Vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D deficiency causes the immune system to stall out. People with sufficient Vitamin D supplies in their blood have a stronger immune system than those who don't -- and viruses are powerless against a strong immune function.

Twenty (20) minutes of unprotected sun exposure a day at peak sun hours is enough to keep your body manufacturing sufficient quantities of Vitamin D, and help keep you immune system strong.

I know, I know....this goes against everything the sunscreen manufacturers advertise and some doctors advise.....ever wonder why? Studies have shown that regular use of sunscreens and sunblocks prevent our bodies from naturally manufacturing enough Vitamin D to keep our immune function healthy.

We don't suggest you toss your sunscreens, but 20 minutes of sun on unprotected skin (arms and legs are usually more tolerant of sun) will help increase immune function. Sun-sensitive folks should shade sensitive areas (face, etc). Eating clean, organic foods, getting sufficient exercise and rest, drinking sufficient quantities of pure water, etc., will also help keep your body at top form and disease-free.

For more information about flu shots and their adverse effects, go to:

http://www.naturalnews.com/029334_flu_vaccines_seizures.html

Enjoy the rest of the summer!

OC

What Causes Broken Teeth?

My dentist, Dr Tony Rich in Newport Beach, told me that he gets at least one call every week from a patient with a broken tooth.

So what causes teeth to break? Injury and grinding are among some of the causes, but one very common contributing factor is vitamin deficiency -- specificially Vitamins C and D deficiencies. As Calcium is essential to building strong bones and teeth, Vitamin D is essential for the prevention of periodontal disease, gum disease and cavities, and regulates Calcium. When Vitamin D levels are low, no amount of calcium will go into bones and teeth. This could result in osteoporosis, periodontal disease and weak teeth.

Another very common contributor to cases of fractured teeth is silver mercury amalgam fillings. These toxic fillings have the unique property of shrinking and expanding, enlarging as they age, so there is a constant outward pressure on the tooth. If the patient bites a certain way, you may hear the tooth crack.

Some foods rich in Vitamin D are wild sockeye salmon, shrimp, cod liver oil, sardines and organic egg yolk. Also, getting approximately 20 minutes of unblocked sun per day will assist the body in creating it's own supply of Vitamin D3.

We have previously discussed the toxicity of mercury amalgams (silver fillings). Please go to our archives for more information. You can also visit www.toxicteeth.org for the whole story, and how much work is being done to outlaw this common, yet known toxic practice.

If you still have mercury amalgams (silver fillings), we suggest you see a qualified dentist to have them safely removed and replaced with safe materials.

NOTE: Those with hyperparathydriodism (overactivity of the parathyroid gland) should consult with their doctor prior to taking Vitamin D.

OC