From: jim@egret.ess.harris.com (Jim Mitchell)
Subject: Colds, Flu, & Infections (was Re: Vitamin C)
Date: Sat, 19 Dec 1992 14:42:11 GMT
Reply-To: jim@egret.ess.harris.com
Organization: Harris Corp, ISD
Summary: Supplementation for specific complaints

The following is copied without permission from Neil Kelly's "The Art of
Self-Healing Through Naturopathic Programs."  As a further testimonial to
various treatments for colds, etc.,  I have used the program described
below at the onset of a sore throat or generally icky feeling (one to three
doses per day) for a while and the symptoms have gone away ... I've used
my own combination in the past (excluding the garlic and goldenseal root and
pantothenic acid; adding B-12) and have gone _years_ without a cold after
previously having one or two a year.  I know of three or four others with
similar testimonials for this program.  Anyway, take the testimonials for
what they're worth; read the following and decide for yourself if it's 
worth a try.  Emphasis through capitalization is in the original.

  "Many of us seem to separate colds and flues (sic) from infections thinking 
that infections are much stronger in their attack on the body.  The truth of
the matter is that colds and flues (sic) ARE infections.  The three of them 
all start from the same source:  a germ, virus, or other form of bacteria.
  "The major difference is that colds and flus are generally short lived. 
We approach dealing with them from a different point of view than we do
when we are treating an infection.
  "However, the best way to deal with all of them, regardless of type of
infection, is the same way.  Attack them head on by strengthening the 
immune system and fortifying the anti-bodies with the nutritional help
that they require to function correctly.  In addition to that, bring into
the system those herbs that are known to kill germs on contact.  Herbs
such as GARLIC and GOLDENSEAL ROOT.
  "Using these two herbs in combination with the proper nutrients will speed
your body to recovery regardless of what the infection.  Obviously the 
CORRECT amount of each nutrient is necessary.
  "The body is the true healer.  Through its own DIVINE INTELLIGENCE the body
knows what to do.  All that nutrition does is provide the body with the correct
materials that are needed to perform the functions that will destroy invaders.
This is easily verified by the type of doctor who is willing to let you know
that the drugs are not the healing agents but are only given to lessen the
attack.  In some instances they are only effective for reducing the symptoms
while your body does the healing.
  "So then, what exactly is needed by the body to eliminate a cold, flu or 
infection?  The answer begins with the immune system, specifically the thymus
gland.  The thymus is considered the power seat of the immune system.  But
in addition to nourishing the thymus we must also work on the adrenal at the
very same time because the adrenal glands affect the immune system.
  "When the body is getting sick, or already sick, it is under stress and 
stress taxes the immune system.
  "With all these factors in mind an ideally complete nutritional program 
has been created to assist your body in dealing with the invading germs.
  "Here is how that program works in the body:  IT STRENGTHENS THE IMMUNE 
SYSTEM and ADRENAL GLANDS, INCREASES ANTI-BODY PRODUCTION AND KILLS BACTERIA
ON CONTACT.
  "When any type of infection is present, it is always best to eat as much
fresh and raw foods as possible.  A rule of thumb is:
        _FRUITS CLEANSE; VEGETABLES HEAL_
  "Here is a formula that is available in the marketplace today that would
be beneficial for providing most of the nutritional support for this 
condition:

     Vitamin A          Vitamin C         Garlic       Goldenseal Root
     Pantothenic Acid   Zinc

  "Here is how the nutrients work in the body:

                   VITAMINS
   VITAMIN A:  Nourishes, stimulates and increases the size and effectiveness
   of the Thymus gland, the power center of the immune system.
   VITAMIN C:  A natural cold fighter because it helps to increase the number
   of white blood cells.
   PANTOTHENIC ACID:  Nourishes the adrenal glands, which are taxed because
   of the stress of infection in the body.

                   HERBS
   GARLIC:  Most used herb as a natural antibiotic.
   GOLDENSEAL ROOT:  Another herb with germicidal action and is employed by
   knowledgeable herbalists everywhere.

          OTHER POTENTIATING NUTRIENTS
   ZINC:  Strengthens the immune system.  

  "Knowing that you can find these ingredients in a formula that will deliver
most of the prime ingredients, here is how I recommend to take them: 
  "For infections (adults): 1 or 2 every hour for 2 days, then 1 or 2 every
two hours for 2 days, infection or cold should be terminated or greatly reduced.
_NOTE_: Adults can take up to 30 tablets daily for 3 to 4 days.
  "For infections (children): 1 every 2-3 hours for 4 days, then 1 every 3-4
hours, if needed. _NOTE_: Children can take up to 10-15 tablets daily for 3 to
4 days.

         SPECIAL DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS
   ELIMINATE all solid foods if fever is present.
   INCREASE intake of vitamin C, A, B6, garlic, bioflavonoids, honey, rose hips,
   fresh juices and some raw seeds, nuts and sprouted seeds and grains.  Include
   hot epsom salt baths, plenty of rest, mild exercises, and walking in fresh air.
   DRINK when fever is present only drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices,
   diluted with water plus herb teas.  Other juices are lemon, black currant,
   orange, pineapple, elderberries (particularly for bronchial catarrh), carrot,
   beet, tomato, green pepper, watercress, plus onion and garlic juice in small
   amounts added to vegetable juices."

   Note:  this formula is available from Michael's Naturopathic Programs, 7040 
Alamo Downs Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78238; as "A, C, Zinc" or "Infekfre."
   Also note: I am in no way connected to or with any of the people or companies 
mentioned in this post.  
   I find my Michael's vitamin combinations at a local health food store.  I 
also found each of the ingredients separately (before I learned of Michael's)
and when I take them separately the single dose is quite a bit more potent than
the combination tablet.  Plus, until typing in this post I hadn't really paid
attention to his recommeded dosage - I've not taken more than three, or maybe
four, tablets in a single day, yet.  
   Comments, flames, testimonials welcome!

-jdm-
Newsgroups: sci.med.nutrition