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Mind, Body, Spirit

There are many supplements that boast cold fighting properties. The jury is still out on whether or not many of them offer any real benefits, but there are a few tried and true supplements that can help to alleviate the symptoms of the common cold.

Astragalus is one cold-fighting herb which contains polysaccharides (complex sugar modules). These modules stimulate virus-fighting cells in the human immune system. This herb comes in several cold formulations or in stand-alone capsules and should be taken according to package directions.

While Echinacea is a popular cold-fighting herb, a recent study in the Annals of Internal Medicine reports that it may not be that helpful. The study shows that Echinacea might shorten the length of a cold by about ten percent. However, a study at the University of Indonesia showed that patients who received Echinacea along with vitamin C, selenium, and zinc experienced shorter and less severe colds than individuals who were treated with placebos.

Speaking of zinc, according to The Journal of Infectious Diseases, zinc acetate lozenges can reduce the duration and severity of a cold if they are taken within 24 hours of the first symptoms appearing. The lengths of colds in those study participants who took the zinc was just over half of that in a group that took a placebo. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities of zinc were reasoned to be the cause of its effectiveness.

Another study led by Peter Josling of the Garlic Centre in England`s East Sussex has shown that a daily garlic supplement can help people ward off the common cold. Many folks have used garlic for years to treat cold symptoms and there is now some evidence to suggest this folk method is a genuine remedy. The study showed that a daily garlic supplement that contains allicin could reduce by half the odds of a cold developing. Those who did fall ill with a cold virus recovered much faster than study participants in the placebo group.

Of course, supplements don`t negate the fact that when you`re sick, rest and fluids are two of the most important remedies you can implement. Before using supplements, it is always wise to consult your physician, especially if you`re on any prescription medications.

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MindBodySpirit OFFLINE	06/13/2011 \| Motherhood There is an excellent article in Mothering magazine this month. I was reading my online copy last night and I have to say I relate deeply to the article on “Being a Parenting Original”. I have often times been made to feel that I my methods of parenting are kind of kooky and bizarre. I have been relegated to that alternative group often referred to as hippie, crunchy, granola, or in some cases just plain weird. I am a true parenting original and yes in the beginning it was hard to feel different but now my confidence in my choices is solid and strong and I am proud to go against the grain. The well meaning advice and thoughts of naysayers just don’t bother me anymore…well, okay sometimes they do…like when they insinuate that my choices on vaccines or positive discipline border on child abuse or neglect…then I have a few choice words to say. But usually I just ignore the negatives because I know that all of the research I do, all of the intense examination, and all of the effort that I put into be the BEST mom that I can be and making the BEST choices I can for my children is usually far and away more than that of the naysayers. I have to admit that when I had my first child I was not much of an “original” parent. I didn’t question anything…I just went with the conventional and mainstream. But when I got pregnant with my second child, everything changed. I decided to use cloth diapers even when my own mom thought I was off my rocker. I quit my job so that I could exclusively breastfeed. I breastfed shamelessly in public places. I decided that co-sleeping was the best arrangement for us. My kids were attached to my hip with a sling and I never let them CIO (cry-it-out), if they cried…I held them…always. I made by own baby food and delayed solids. We started drinking raw milk. I started sewing clothes and cloth diapers after ten years of neglecting my sewing skills. I decided to refuse all vaccinations and forgo those unnecessary “Well Visits”. And yes I had to deal with those who found reason to criticise these things. Well meaning friends and relatives thought cloth diapering and my refusal to birth with drugs was martyrdom, they thought refusing vaccinations was neglectful, and that extended breastfeeding and co-sleeping were indulgences that would raise spoiled brats. Positive discipline was sparing the rod and was actually a form of un-parenting. Eating organic was throwing my money away. And living “green” was buying into politically motivated hysteria. My attention to eliminating all the toxics in our home and life is considered by many to be hysteria too. My latest decision to homeschool has met with some rolled eyes and references to my being unqualified to teach. I also get a fair amount of nasty comments on this blog from people who question my choices. If I listened to all this criticism I might surely think I was up for the worst parent of the year award right? A sad but true fact is that many moms like to criticise other moms. I guess it makes them feel better about their own choices. But I like what Kelly Dinocia had to say in that Mothering article… I knew that one day our healthy, intelligent, kind, and well adjusted daughter would silence the critics. Yes, I have faith and confidence in my parenting decisions. I didn’t come to them lightly and I know I am doing what is best for my children. But what do you do in the meantime? Find a supportive doctor that agrees with or at least supports your decisions to extended breastfeed, not to vaccinate, and not to medicate unnecessarily. Join groups of like minded parents. Le Leche League, API International, and the Holistic Moms Network all come to mind but there might also be small local groups for you to join too. Do a yahoo groups search for attachment parents, homeschoolers, etc. There are plenty of other parents out there just like you…so hang out with them. * Keep doing your research. Keep reading books and the latest studies about the the benefits of breastfeeding and co-sleeping, the danger of vaccines, the rewards of homeschooling, positive parenting, etc. One of the biggest confidence builders is to keep having your choices reaffirmed and trust me they are are constantly reaffirmed…even if mainstream parents choose to ignore this. * Get used to being different! Be compassionate about why others see things as they do but you can be respectful AND stand your ground. You KNOW that you are making the right decisions…just trust your mommy instincts. And trust me your complete confidence in your choices will make others start to second guess themselves. You’re an original baby…be loud and proud! So what about you? Are you an “original” parent? Do you constantly run into naysayers? Are you one of the naysayers? 0 Comments \| Add Comment
MindBodySpirit OFFLINE	06/13/2011 \| Lifestyle Where women live longer 1. Japan 2. Monaco 3. Andorra 4. Australia 5. Spain What you can learn from Japan Say yes to soy “At least 40 percent of the Japanese population eats miso soup made from soybeans for breakfast every day,” says Letha Hadady, a leading expert on Asian herbal medicine and the author of Feed Your Tiger. Studies show that these healthy women who eat soy at least once a week cut their risk of breast cancer by 50 percent. But some research suggests that processed soy may actually rev up cancer cells, so stocking your fridge with Tofurky won’t cut it. Instead, stick to natural Japanese staples such as edamame, tofu, soy milk, and miso. Trade coffee for tea The Italians have espresso, the Russians have vodka, and the Japanese have green tea. More than half the population drinks it every day, and experts believe that its high levels of catechins—a powerful disease-fighting antioxidant—can destroy abnormal cancer cells and lower cholesterol. Where women rarely have heart attacks 1. Kiribati 2. France 3. Japan 4. Monaco 5. South Korea What you can learn from France Drink wine Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy—with a countryside that’s practically synonymous with wine, it’s no wonder the French pop the cork more often than we do. In fact, they sip a glass of wine daily, while the average American imbibes just one a week. Yet moderate drinkers (one glass per day for women) slash their risk of heart disease by up to 40 percent, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. More good news: A glass of red wine from southwestern France—specifically, Madiran—may have up to five times as many procyanidins (antioxidants that improve blood vessel function) as one from another country, thanks to the area’s traditional production techniques, which allow grapes to ferment longer. What you can learn from South Korea Eat more garlic No Korean meal is complete without kimchi— a side dish that’s heavy on raw garlic. The secret to its heart-protecting power is an enzyme in the garlic that prevents cholesterol from sticking to artery walls. But it’s released only when the cloves are finely chopped or crushed, and heating weakens its effects. Top fish, pasta, or veggies with chopped fresh garlic just before serving, or get kimchi in the supermarket or online at koamart.com. Where women don’t get fat (though there’s plenty of food) 1. Japan 2. Norway 3. Switzerland 4. Italy 5. Denmark 0 Comments \| Add Comment
MindBodySpirit OFFLINE	06/13/2011 \| Mind, Body, Spirit Mind, Body, Spirit There are many supplements that boast cold fighting properties. The jury is still out on whether or not many of them offer any real benefits, but there are a few tried and true supplements that can help to alleviate the symptoms of the common cold. Astragalus is one cold-fighting herb which contains polysaccharides (complex sugar modules). These modules stimulate virus-fighting cells in the human immune system. This herb comes in several cold formulations or in stand-alone capsules and should be taken according to package directions. While Echinacea is a popular cold-fighting herb, a recent study in the Annals of Internal Medicine reports that it may not be that helpful. The study shows that Echinacea might shorten the length of a cold by about ten percent. However, a study at the University of Indonesia showed that patients who received Echinacea along with vitamin C, selenium, and zinc experienced shorter and less severe colds than individuals who were treated with placebos. Speaking of zinc, according to The Journal of Infectious Diseases, zinc acetate lozenges can reduce the duration and severity of a cold if they are taken within 24 hours of the first symptoms appearing. The lengths of colds in those study participants who took the zinc was just over half of that in a group that took a placebo. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities of zinc were reasoned to be the cause of its effectiveness. Another study led by Peter Josling of the Garlic Centre in England`s East Sussex has shown that a daily garlic supplement can help people ward off the common cold. Many folks have used garlic for years to treat cold symptoms and there is now some evidence to suggest this folk method is a genuine remedy. The study showed that a daily garlic supplement that contains allicin could reduce by half the odds of a cold developing. Those who did fall ill with a cold virus recovered much faster than study participants in the placebo group. Of course, supplements don`t negate the fact that when you`re sick, rest and fluids are two of the most important remedies you can implement. Before using supplements, it is always wise to consult your physician, especially if you`re on any prescription medications. 0 Comments \| Add Comment