<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"><channel><title>Holistic Health Articles - Immune system related articles</title><description>Fresh articles from Holistic Health Articles</description><link>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/</link><lastBuildDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:46:17 EDT</lastBuildDate><generator>HolisticHealthArticles.com</generator><atom:link href="http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/rss.php?rss=277" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />					
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<title>Cold and flu</title>
<guid>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/10646/277/Cold-and-flu.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Author : Parkin Brescia<br><br>Cold one of the most common and oldest ailments known to mankind, there is still no permanent cure for it  At the most, we can get temporary relief  Cold and flu are rampant at all times, even in summers  A few centuries back, granny had her own set of home medicines to cure this but now, we just pop one of the drugs available over the counter at pharmacies and push the disease away  What we don&#039;t realize is that due to heavy intake of these drugs, the immune system suffers  Here are some natural ways to deal with cold and flu  - <br><br>1 Ginger- Ginger has antiviral properties and helps to treat viral infections fast  It breaks up the mucus and congestion  Just boiling it along with your tea daily can boost your immune system and help you to fight viral infection better  Also honey with pure ginger juice is a time tested remedy for sore throats and severe colds  In some cultures, it is also added to daily recipes <br><br>2 Foot Soak- Soaking your feet in water for a long time also helps to get rid of the cold fast  Water also detoxifies your body and soothes your leg muscles <br><br>3 Back rub- A gentle back rub helps increase the blood circulation on the back which boosts the immune system  Doing this with some menthol oil or a products containing menthol keeps the heat trapped on the back for a longer time <br><br>4 Garlic- Garlic in the form of a paste or raw form helps to get rid of the mucus that is trapped in the sinus  This herb has antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral propertiesYou can also add them to some vegetable soups <br><br>5 Cumin- Boil a tea spoon of cumin in a cup of water, strain and drink  Repeating this twelve times a day gets rid of the cold <br><br>6 Gargle- Gargling with warm salt water or sage tea gets rid of infections from the mouth and the throat <br><br>7 Vitamin C- Daily intake of vitamin C boosts the immune system to fight the viral infection better <br><br>8 Herbal tea- This remedy works best if taken at an early stage as it can cure the cold altogether  Add equal parts of elder (Sambucus nigra), peppermint (Mentha piperita), and yarrow (Achillea millefolium)  Add a teaspoon of this mixture in 1 cup of water and have it before going to bed   It soothes sore throats, cures cold and lowers the chances of getting fever <br><br>9 Inhalation- of chamomile, eucalyptus or thyme loosens mucus, heals the throat, nasal passages and bronchial tubes <br><br>10 Hot steam- Inhalation of hot steam clears the airway, melts the mucous and helps to breathe better <br><br>11 Cold socks- A lot of people swear by this treatment  It states that if you sleep with wet socks, your body heat dries the socks by morning  For some unexplained reason it also helps to clear the air passage and by morning your cold miraculously disappears <br><br>12 Mullein flower tea- Boil mullein flowers in a cup of water strain and sweeten with honey  This tea has a pleasant taste and is good to soothe inflamed condition dos the mucous membranes<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>Published By: <a href="http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/">Holistic Health Articles</a>]]></description>
<link>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/10646/277/Cold-and-flu.html</link>
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<title>Lymphedema  Causes  Symptoms and Treatment</title>
<guid>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/9243/277/Lymphedema-Causes-Symptoms-and-Treatment.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Author : James S.<br><br>Lymph is nothing but a clear fluid which is carried through very small channels through out the human body just like the way in which blood is carried in the blood vessels  If these flow of the fluid is blocked it will result in the blocking up of the surrounding tissues <br><br>This usually happens in the arms and the legs and is called the lymphedema  This is of two types primary and secondary  The primary type of lymphedema can be present from birth or occurs during puberty or in later years of life  Primary lymphedema is usually caused by the missing of the lymphatic channels which carry the lymph  It occurs mostly in women and the patient usually complaints of the swelling of the leg, foot, or the entire extremity <br><br>When you examine the edema it is very diffuse, will cause a typical mound on the back part of hand and foot, and is very partially compressible  In the acute period there are no skin changes and the veins are also not distended  If the lymphedema is because of the infection then the effect of the antistreptococcal antibiotic is extremely rapid <br><br>If the course of antibiotics is not completed then they are great chances for the relapses  In the severe cases the swollen area will become tender and the skin will be thickened  The secondly type of lymphedema is generally caused due to the infection  In this type the onset is explosive, with high fever, chills, toxicity, and a hot, swollen, red leg  Red streaks are usually seen on the skin over a large area and the lymph nodes which are in the groin are tender and enlarged <br><br>The causes and the risk factors of lymphedema are prolonged standing, obesity, pregnancy, menstrual period and the warm water  Lymphedema of the lower extremities usually begins with mild swelling in the foot which extends to the whole limb  This endema is painless and in the initial stages is compressible  Slowly the skin over the endema will become brawny and also non pitting  The swollen part will have a little pain <br><br>There is no clear evidence of the varicose veins and ulceration  The diagnosis of lymphedema is usually made clinically  Lymphangiography that is using an injection into the lymphatic channels that is the area between the fingers and toes is not performed as the material which is used to outline the channels may cause more damage to the lymphatic&#039;s making the problem worse  The information about the anatomy can be provided with less risk by using the lymphosynctigraphy <br><br>The swelling can be easily treated by the elevation or the periodic compression with the use of a device composed of the air bladders that will intermittently squeeze the extremity, and then a compression garment or firm bandage is worn when the patient is up  These days the massage by a trained therapist is done for better results  The effected are is massaged in the same direction as the lymphatic flow <br><br>This massage is done daily by anyone once the standard response is achieved  Once the size of the limb is decreased the compression garment are again used to maintain the size of the limb <br><br><br><br>Published By: <a href="http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/">Holistic Health Articles</a>]]></description>
<link>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/9243/277/Lymphedema-Causes-Symptoms-and-Treatment.html</link>
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<title>How Important is a Healthy Immune System</title>
<guid>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/9278/277/How-Important-is-a-Healthy-Immune-System.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Author : Samuel Peterson<br><br>Did you know there are many factors that influence the working of our immune system, but the most important are nutrition, age and your mental state  Nutrition plays an important part in supporting the body&#039;s immunity  There are different levels of important substances needed in order for the immune system to function normally  It depends on the age, the currant weight, activity level and the general health of a person  The diet has to be a balance of protein, grain, minerals and vitamins  Proper digestion is equally important for these substances to work <br><br>In spite of this, large numbers of micro organisms penetrate the body, thereby causing disease  Mostly the immune system can eliminate these foreign bodies from harming the body  It can fight against viral infections and other infections, microbes and bacterial infections  But sometimes the body is unable to protect itself and then the problem arises  This depends on many complex reactions between the components of your immune system and the antigens on the disease causing agents  Along with other defenses like skin, stomach acid and mucus, the natural immune system also contains active immune response mechanisms that include Natural Killer, or NK cells <br><br>There are all kinds of challenges generating in the environment all the time which pose a threat to the immune system  This is when acquired immunity can work to your advantage  The immune system is built in such way that it is ready to fight the oncoming infections  Also it has a great influence on your health in various ways which is why it&#039;s important that you care for your immune system on a daily basis  Stress and poor nutrition reduce the effectiveness of this system  But with the advent of immune and health products, it is possible to take care of it in an effective manner  People who are in direct contact with public or in public services would need to protect themselves wisely by having a strong immunity level <br><br>Most of us actually take our immune system for granted until we fall sick  Have you noticed how many people never seem to fall sick, while others are always falling prey to colds and flu? A healthy immune system becomes more important as one ages  Older people should talk with their physicians and adopt a lifestyle that includes exercise, reduced stress, and follow an immune boosting nutritional program <br><br>Last but not the least is the right type of foods which one can consume to keep the immune system in good form  Number one is beta carotene containing items for example, pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots, cooked greens, apricots, turnip and broccoli  Second is Vitamin C rich food  These play a role in fighting infection, protecting against disease causing organisms  The best sources of this are the fruits like oranges, grapefruit, mangoes, papayas and strawberries  The next important factor is amino acids  The body needs all protein based amino acids  One can also improve it by taking digestive enzymes that contain Protease <br><br>Also vitamins like Vitamin E and minerals like zinc help a great deal <br><br><br><br>Published By: <a href="http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/">Holistic Health Articles</a>]]></description>
<link>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/9278/277/How-Important-is-a-Healthy-Immune-System.html</link>
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<title>Do The Seasons Affect Your Immune System </title>
<guid>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/7339/277/Do-The-Seasons-Affect-Your-Immune-System.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Author : Lori Matthews<br><br>Every year at the onset of the winter season, it seems this starts the season for colds and flu as well  Viruses abound and the importance of a healthy immune system is extremely important to help fight off the illness  It is important to know that viruses can actually live in the air for hours before infecting someone  So, when you are out and about, picking up a virus from someone who is ill is not uncommon <br><br>The immune system is actually at work fighting colds and flu when you begin to sneeze and cough  This is your systems way of trying to flush it from the body  If you have a healthy immune system, you can harbor the virus and not show any signs of illness  The key to fighting seasonal illnesses is to stay healthy <br><br>Natural Resistance is the Key<br><br>How do you strengthen the body s natural resistance? There are many ways of staying as healthy as possible  One that cannot be emphasized enough is washing your hands  This is the number one way germs are spread  If you consider how many things you touch each day that are laden with germs, you will never again put your hands near your mouth without washing them <br><br>From the grocery store, where shopping carts are a breeding ground to your children who are in contact with other children, the germs are everywhere  Fighting off illness is going to be a matter of boosting your immune system so the invading virus cannot make you ill <br><br>A healthy immune system is accomplished by getting enough sleep, eating plenty of the right foods and exercise  One thing most people do not know is white blood cells are essential to fighting anything that invades the body  When we sleep, the body makes these cells to help ward off illness  So, rest is essential to staying healthy <br><br>Healthy foods provide the nutrients and vitamins needed to keep the immune system functioning properly  Exercise is one way of fighting stress that is common in our everyday lives  The combination of things you can do to stay healthy will be the key to preventing the seasonal colds and flu that show up every year <br>Vitamins and Supplements<br><br>Another great way of staying healthy is by taking transfer factor immune system supplements  When we are born, the protection provided by our mothers if we are breast fed, is in the form of tiny molecules that transfer immunity information  This is why it is important that babies get the first breast milk from their mothers  Babies are not born with the natural immunities that will ward off illness <br><br>Transfer factors do three things  They teach the body to recognize the virus, illness or foreign substance  The next thing they teach is to react to the invader to get it out of the body  Last, the immune system will remember this invader and begin to fight it immediately should it return  This is one of the best ways of fighting the flu and colds <br><br>When the winter season approaches, keep in mind what you can do to stay healthy  The more precautions you take the better the chances of getting through seasonal illness <br><br>These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease <br><br><br><br>Published By: <a href="http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/">Holistic Health Articles</a>]]></description>
<link>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/7339/277/Do-The-Seasons-Affect-Your-Immune-System.html</link>
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<title>Five Simple Ways to Building a Strong Immune System</title>
<guid>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/6891/277/Five-Simple-Ways-to-Building-a-Strong-Immune-System.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Author : Josh Schlottman<br><br>Now that the weather is changing and the seasons have officially changed, it means it&#039;s time for colds and the flu to go around  More and more people are going to get sick as you start to see more people around us coughing and sniffling  We&#039;re also on high alert since the media is constantly trying to scare us with all the swine flu  As a Napa personal trainer I&#039;ve found that now more than ever we should be protecting our bodies and building up our immune systems so they are super strong and can take on any foreign invader <br><br>Unfortunately many of us have weakened immune systems, which have a lot to with how we are taking care of ourselves  We don&#039;t always take into account our preexisting health when flu season comes around  Instead we&#039;ll bypass eating healthy and exercising for quickly getting the flu shot and by that filling our bodies with harmful chemicals  But just by following some simple tips anyone can improve their immune system and drastically boost their recovery time if you should happen to get sick <br><br>1  Sleep More  -  Sleep has been proven to help our bodies recover better than anything out there  All the supplements in the world can&#039;t replace a good natural night&#039;s sleep  Anybody who hasn&#039;t gotten a good night&#039;s sleep will tell you how bad they feel  Free radicals are roaming our bodies causing chaos and sleeping is a great way to naturally detox and recover the body  What the researchers say about getting eight hours of sleep is true, also be sure that you&#039;re not going to bed too late  When you fall asleep at one in the morning and wake up at nine you&#039;re getting the full eight hours of sleep but you&#039;re bodies natural rhythms are thrown off  Instead try getting to bed by ten thirty at the latest <br><br>2  No More Sweet Stuff  -  What I&#039;m talking about here is sugar and other artificial sweeteners such as Splenda which cause much chaos in the body and effectively weaken the immune system and also cause weight gain  Researchers have discovered that those who consumed sugar developed a weakened immune system for about eight to twelve hours after  They also found those who did not eat the sugar destroyed fourteen times more bacteria in their bodies <br><br>3  Hydrate Yourself  -  Drinking enough water isn&#039;t as easy as it sounds  In fact consuming at least half your body weight in fluid ounces daily can be a challenge for many  Since our bodies are mostly made of water it is imperative to constantly replenish one of our main resources  Just falling down to one or two percent dehydration can cause a downgrade in performance  So next time you&#039;re feeling thirsty make sure you drink that water  Try staying away from smoothies and fruit juices and just stick with good old natural cool water <br><br>4  Get The Stress Out  -  Stress is one of those things that can&#039;t always be avoided because we all have crazy busy lives  Constantly stressing out our bodies can be taxing on our organs and hormones  If any of you have heard of cortisol than you know its powerful effects on the body from weight gain, to blood sugar imbalances, to adrenal fatigue  Just because you are stressed that doesn&#039;t always mean it&#039;s a bad thing  Being busy and having a lot of things going on can easily leave you stressed out  It&#039;s always a good idea to take that you time and get some much needed rest now and then <br><br>5  Break A Sweat Every Day  -  Exercising is our body&#039;s natural way of strengthening ourselves  By breaking a sweat through exercise you know you&#039;re pushing your body outside of its comfort zone  This doesn&#039;t mean you have to confide yourself to a gym every day but even going for a brisk walk or jogging with your dog can be great for you  Exercising is great for your immune system but also will help you lose weight and feel great <br><br><br><br>Published By: <a href="http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/">Holistic Health Articles</a>]]></description>
<link>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/6891/277/Five-Simple-Ways-to-Building-a-Strong-Immune-System.html</link>
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<title>Systemic Lupus Erythematosus</title>
<guid>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/6709/277/Systemic-Lupus-Erythematosus.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Author : Brenda Williams<br><br>There are four forms of Lupus: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus, Drug Induced Lupus Erythematosus, and Neonatal Lupus  When people discuss lupus, they are usually referring to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus  However, lupus in any form is an autoimmune disease  Our immune system is programmed to protect our bodies from foreign invaders that will do us harm such as germs, bacteria, and viruses  As soon as the immune system senses the presence of an invader, it produces antibodies to destroy it  However, in the case of an autoimmune disease, the immune system fails to distinguish between the cells of our body and a foreign invader and attacks our body cells <br><br>Drug induced lupus is caused by certain prescription drugs  It may have symptoms similar to systemic lupus erythematosus but it does not attack major organs and it is not chronic  This illness goes away within six months of stopping the medication  Neonatal lupus affects babies born to mothers who have lupus  It is a rare condition and can be treated before or at birth  Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus is restricted to the skin  Rashes develop on the face, neck, scalp, in the mouth and nose  This form of lupus may also be accompanied by hair loss and changes in skin pigmentation <br><br>Systemic Lupus Erythematosus can attack any part of the body and may be mild or severe  Severe lupus affects major organs of the body such as the heart, lungs, brain, nervous system and kidneys  However, most cases of lupus are mild  Lupus affects women more often than men  Nearly ninety percent of the patients are women  The disease is most common in women between the ages of 15 and 44  It is also more likely to strike people of color  African Americans, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, Asian Americans and Hispanics are more likely to contract lupus than Caucasians   These ethnic groups will also experience symptoms at an earlier age and be more severely affected <br><br>Lupus is a disease in which patients have good days and bad days  Some days your symptoms are worse and you feel ill; other days the symptoms are not as bad and you feel better  It is not a contagious disease in that it can be transmitted by contact however there is some evidence to indicate heredity may play a role  Lupus is extremely difficult to diagnose  The medical profession refers to lupus as  the great imitator  because its symptoms are the same as is present in many other illnesses  The symptoms are also vague and intermittent   And they vary according to the part of the body that is under attack <br><br>There is no one diagnostic test that is conclusive   For instance there is a blood test called antinuclear antibodies or ANAs  It tests for the presence of abnormal antibodies  If one has a negative result, it indicates that one does not have lupus but a positive result does not mean that one does have  It will sometimes require years before a doctor can make a definite diagnosis of lupus  Treatment is dependent upon the part of the body that is affected by the disease, as is the type of doctor who will administer the treatment <br><br><br><br>Published By: <a href="http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/">Holistic Health Articles</a>]]></description>
<link>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/6709/277/Systemic-Lupus-Erythematosus.html</link>
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<title>What s In A Flu Shot </title>
<guid>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/5929/277/What-s-In-A-Flu-Shot.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Author : Camille Strate<br><br>Isn&#039;t it strange how the government requires a listing of ingredients in the food we buy, but not in the vaccines we get? Don&#039;t you find that a bit odd? As the push for flu vaccines intensifies, more people succumb to these urgings  But what are the alternatives?<br><br>Personally, I find it both disturbing and sad that so many people succumb to the media hype  Around about the end of September, the ads on TV go into full swing, the doctors, pharmacists, and other &#039;professionals&#039;, along with co-workers, friends, family, etc , begin nudging us about getting our flu shot  It&#039;s a fear-filled circus sponsored by none other that the Mighty Drug Companies  <br><br>So sad <br><br>As holistic practitioners, it&#039;s quite likely many here don&#039;t even consider a flu shot  In the event that you do (or <i>are</i> considering one), I thought it might be a good time to offer this up and nudge you in the other direction  There are a good many reasons why NOT to have a flu shot  Aside from the obvious reason, Dr  Ben Kim also gives some not-so-well-known facts about these vaccines on his site DrBenKimDOTcom  (sorry folks  No code allowed here  Just type it in ) <br><br>I&#039;ve attached the video here (which, by the way, is also posted on Dr  Kim&#039;s site  The man has a terrific sense of humor!) It&#039;s quite short, so do take the time to have a look  It&#039;s funny too  And as we all know, laughter is some of THE BEST medicine, yes? <br><br>So remember: when everyone around you is getting ill, hold your ground! Keep laughing, eat well, exercise, meditate, drink lots of water and be sure to get plenty of good rest  You don&#039;t need a flu shot! Your body is fully capable of warding off this virus on its own <br><br><br><br>Published By: <a href="http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/">Holistic Health Articles</a>]]></description>
<link>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/5929/277/What-s-In-A-Flu-Shot.html</link>
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<title>How to Strengthen the Immune System  Survive Winter With These Natural Immune Strengthening Tips</title>
<guid>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/5787/277/How-to-Strengthen-the-Immune-System-Survive-Winter-With-These-Natural-Immune-Strengthening-Tips.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Author : Mark Etinger<br><br>Winter is just around the corner and our immune system is kicking into high gear  When we are born, we come equipped with &quot;innate immunity,&quot; an immune system that is an incredible natural protection mechanism against bacteria, infectious organisms, toxins, allergens, viruses and other assailants in the air  The immune system is composed of cells, tissues, proteins and organs that work as a unit to keep the human body healthy <br><br>Generally, the immune system does a good job, which is why we tend not to think about it  Every day we breathe in thousands of bacteria and viruses that drift around in the air, yet they don&#039;t affect us because our immune systems take care of them  However, when the system fails and a germ gets beyond our immunity, causing a cold, flu or other infection, we suddenly take note  So how can you strengthen the immune system?<br><br>Vitamin C is the king of vitamins, one of the most powerful antioxidants of nature and the most important vitamin to boost the immune system  Vitamin C targets viruses and bacteria and can be found in various citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, and also in apples and cabbages <br><br>Vitamin A is the infection fighting vitamin which regulates the immune system by making white blood cells that destroy viruses and bacteria  Vitamin A can be found in whole milk, liver, carrot, broccoli and sweet potatoes <br><br>Eat right  Maintaining a healthy, well balanced diet can help your body stay strong during the cold season  Don&#039;t eat junk food and put fish, grains, skinny dairy products, and lean meat on you plate in order to give your body the right nutrients <br><br>Sleep  Why do you think bears sleep during the winter? One of the most important things you can do to help your immune system is to make sure you get enough rest  If you don&#039;t sleep, you depress your immune system, making your body more venerable to viruses and infections <br><br>Exercise  Regular workout can improve your health and appearance, while strengthening your immune system  Just remember that excessive exercise can do the complete opposite and weaken the immune system, as the body creates a certain type of hormones that lower immunity for a short period of time <br><br>Stay Calm  Don&#039;t worry about catching the flu all day long because stress is proven to reduce the immune system <br><br>Defense System  Certain vitamins and natural supplements such as Sunshine Healthway &quot;Defense System&quot; are proven effective in boosting and strengthening the immune system  They offer the proper support necessary for defending your immune system and consequently, your health <br><br>Those supplements will increase the production of interferon, which is a protein that blocks viruses; accelerate T cell activity, a significant mediator for the immune system; encourage movement in the gastro intestinal tract; promote healing of injured tissue; stimulates the lymph system, helping the body remove waste from infected areas; increase the number of antibodies and stimulate white blood cells, increasing their ability to fight harmful body invaders<br><br>Your immune system is your key to glowing health  By taking Sunshine&#039;s &quot;Defense System&quot; capsules, you will support your immune system so that it can support you  Protect your health! For more information visit www SunshineHealthWay com <br><br><br><br>Published By: <a href="http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/">Holistic Health Articles</a>]]></description>
<link>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/5787/277/How-to-Strengthen-the-Immune-System-Survive-Winter-With-These-Natural-Immune-Strengthening-Tips.html</link>
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<title>How to Stop a Cold in It s Tracks</title>
<guid>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/4024/277/How-to-Stop-a-Cold-in-It-s-Tracks.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Author : Kirsten Whittaker<br><br>Mothers (and Grandmothers) everywhere rejoice   you&#039;ve been proven right yet again  It turns out that enjoying a warm drink to stop a cold (or the flu) in it&#039;s tracks has finally been validated by scientific proof <br><br>Researchers at Cardiff University&#039;s Common Cold Centre, the world&#039;s only facility focused on researching and testing new treatments for cold and flu, have just published the results of the first of its kind study on warm drinks and colds in the latest issue of the journal Rhinology <br><br>&quot;It is surprising that this is the first scientific research on the benefit of a hot drink for treating cold and flu symptoms,&quot; confirms centre director Professor Ron Eccles <br><br>Much of what we know about the common cold, and the more serious and lasting flu come from twenty years of work by the team at the Common Cold Centre <br><br>Scientists now recognizes that colds are brought on by as many as 200 different viruses, and the means they use to invade our bodies <br><br>But while we understand more, we&#039;re still no closer to a cure   finding or developing one medication to vanquish all those different viruses is next to impossible <br><br>Although more common in the colder months, summer colds; colds while on vacation or after traveling by air have often become complaints for many of us <br><br>Without a cure in sight, ways to treat cold symptoms are the focus of much attention <br><br>The time honored remedy of a hot drink studied in this latest work was an apple and blackcurrant combination served at both room temperature and heated to 70ºC, as Mom always suggested  The subjects were 30 volunteers with colds   21 women, 9 men <br><br>The heated low calorie, low sugar (but still sweet) fruit drink offered immediate and sustained relief from symptoms of runny nose, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, chills and fatigue <br><br>Coughing, sore throat, chills and fatigue responded at once to the soothing warmed drink, while it took about 15 minutes for volunteers to report relief of runny nose and sneezing <br><br>The same drink at room temperature provided relief of fewer symptoms namely runny nose, coughing and sneezing <br><br>The hot fruity drink produced no objective measurements in terms of nasal airflow, but it did cause a big improvement in subjective measurements of this airflow  This opens the door to concerns about the placebo effect   the psychological effect of just being treated bringing an improvement in symptoms without any medication haven been given <br><br>In the case of the Common Cold Centre study, it could be the taste, smell and temperature of the drink that are responsible for the improvement in cold symptoms <br><br>And though common cold medications take up a good amount of space on store shelves, alternative treatments like zinc and Echinacea are popular choices for stopping a cold from &quot;emerging&quot;, or once one has started, shortening the duration of the symptoms <br><br>Menthol and garlic have also been shown to be helpful, as has ascorbate (from vitamin C) and the garlic component Allicin (found only in garlic powder or fresh garlic) <br><br>So now you have the scientific evidence to back up the urge for that warm, soothing drink to help ease your cold or flu symptoms <br><br>To avoid the cold virus in the first place, you might consider practicing good hand washing (especially before eating), eating a healthy, balanced diet and getting the rest you need, especially if you feel cold symptoms coming on <br><br>Avoiding large crowds and managing stress are also very beneficial to stop a cold developing and staying healthy through both summer or winter <br><br><br><br>Published By: <a href="http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/">Holistic Health Articles</a>]]></description>
<link>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/4024/277/How-to-Stop-a-Cold-in-It-s-Tracks.html</link>
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<title>Boost Your Immune System For Healthy Travel</title>
<guid>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/3788/277/Boost-Your-Immune-System-For-Healthy-Travel.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Author : Trace Cordell<br><br>Would you like to find out what those in the know have to say about boosting your immune system? The information in the article below comes straight from well informed experts with special knowledge about boosting your immune system <br><br>If you find yourself confused by what you ve read to this point, don t despair  Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish <br><br>It s no secret that traveling is very hard on your immune system  In fact a recent survey by World Access, a travel insurance company, estimated that 35  of business travelers become ill while on the road  Whether you re going on a business trip, spring break, or a family vacation getting sick during from the process of travel is hard to avoid  No one wants to arrive at their final destination feeling like they need a depleted of the strength to stay healthy  There are several precautions you can make to avoid becoming ill while traveling <br><br>First and foremost, get lots of rest the day before traveling  This is often easier said than done  Most of us are engaged in last minute packing, prepping for a presentation, wrapping up loose ends, or figuring out who is going to take the dog  We stay up later and get up earlier just in time to board the plane with half the sleep we normally get  Sleep is crucial for a strong immune defense <br><br>Instead of trying to cram 8 hours of pre travel necessities into 4 hours do your very best to pack, prepare for your business trip, tie up your loose ends two days before traveling  Make of list of everything that needs to get done before you leave and get started on it a day sooner they you think necessary  This will help ensure a good nights rest, which will help boost your immune system for traveling <br><br>Taking immune system supplements is another good way to stay healthy on the road  Vitamin C, Echinacea, and Zinc are great for boosting your immune system  There are several products on the market so one should always consult their doctor if they re unsure of any supplements <br><br>Lastly, there are some key airline  do s and don ts  that can help prevent sickness and boost your immune system  Drink lots or water before, during, and after flying  Bring some nasal spray if your nose gets dry while flying  Your nose is a key element in your immune defense system  A small bottle of hand sanitizing is a great way to keep your hands clean while eating those peanuts <br><br>Avoid airline pillows and blankets  Unfortunately, they re not cleaned after every flight  Who knows who just sneezed on your pillow and wiped their dirty hands on your blanket because the bathroom was out of soap? A nice pillow can be purchased at the airport before you take off and a small clean blanket can be brought from home <br><br>Following these simple pieces of advice will help your immune defense stay strong and keep you healthy while traveling  Have a happy, healthy, and safe trip <br><br>If you ve picked some pointers about boosting your immune system that you can put into action, then by all means, do so  You won t really be able to gain any benefits from your new knowledge if you don t use it <br><br><br><br>Published By: <a href="http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/">Holistic Health Articles</a>]]></description>
<link>http://www.holistichealtharticles.com/Art/3788/277/Boost-Your-Immune-System-For-Healthy-Travel.html</link>
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