Dehydration – 30 Symptoms, 12 Causes, and 12 Treatments

Are you dehydrated? Headache, faint, nauseated, fatigued.  How do you know? What causes it and what are the symptoms? When is it serious? You may be surprised at what you discover in this informative and important article.

Cold, Influenza and Maintaining Wellness During the Flu Season

Why  do we catch colds and/or get the flu?

As Autumn begins, so does the school year. This time of year also marks the beginning of cold and flu season, as the influx of bodies in crowded places creates a perfect environment for the precipitation of pathogens. The afflictions we can most likely expect to encounter are the common cold and the flu.

Colds are caused by viruses.

The rhinovirus is the most common virus causing the flu. Symptoms of the cold include sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, coughing, watery eyes, body aches, and headaches. When the nose and sinuses are first infected, they create a clear mucus that helps flush out pathogens. Later as the cold progresses and begins to subside, the natural bacteria found in the nose begin to return and the color of the mucous may change.
Parents are often fooled into thinking this means that their child needs antibiotics, but colored mucous is not always indicative of a bacterial infection. Moreover, antibiotics can’t help a cold get better because it’s caused by a virus which is unaffected by antibiotics. Their misuse can actually cause more harm than good. A healthcare practitioner should be consulted if a child’s temperature exceeds 100.4 degrees, if symptoms last longer than 10 days, or if symptoms are not relieved by over-the-counter medicines.

The influenza virus, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness.

 

 

Its symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle and body aches, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Not everyone with the flu will have a fever. The flu is most easily spread when people sneeze, cough, and even talk. The virus is especially adept at spreading, in part because people with the virus can be contagious up to one day before any symptoms develop, and for up to five to seven days after becoming sick. The flu’s virulence (how sick it can make someone) is unpredictable and fluctuates from year to year.

Flu season lasts from roughly October through May and thousands of people die from it every year, mostly older adults.

To curb the rate and severity of infection, a yearly flu vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone six-months-old and older (those with certain allergies may need to talk to a doctor first). The vaccine is even recommended for pregnant women, and a recent study showed that its administration in the demographic yielded a 92% rate of effectiveness for preventing flu-related hospitalization of infants (Benowitz, 2010).  Some people should not get the flu shot or the nasal spray vaccine.  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention,

People who can’t get the flu shot:

• Children younger than 6 months are too young to get a flu shot
• People with severe, life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine. This might include gelatin, antibiotics, or other ingredients. See Special Considerations Regarding Egg Allergy for more information about egg allergies and flu vaccine.Note: There are certain flu shots that have different age indications. For example people younger than 65 years of age should not get the high-dose flu shot and people who are younger than 18 years old or older than 64 years old should not get the intradermal flu shot.

People who cannot get the nasal spray vaccine:

• Children younger than 2 years
• Adults 50 years and older
• People with a history of severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or to a previous dose of any influenza vaccine
• People who are allergic to eggs
• Children or adolescents (2 years through 17 years of age) on long-term aspirin treatment.
• Pregnant women
• People with weakened immune systems (immunosuppression)
• Children 2 years through 4 years who have asthma or who have had a history of wheezing in the past 12 months.
• People who have taken influenza antiviral drugs within the previous 48 hours.
• People who care for severely immunocompromised persons who require a protective environment (or otherwise avoid contact with those persons for 7 days after getting the nasal spray vaccine).

Despite scientific research, whether or not the risks of the flu shot outweigh the benefits, remains controversial.

Multiple holistic and natural health practitioners, enthusiasts and advocates do not endorse the use of flu shots and site research warranting concern. A 2011 research study published in the International Journal of Medicine, (Lanza, et al, 2011), entitled “Inflammation-related effects of adjuvant influenza A vaccination on platelet activation and cardiac autonomic function,” revealed a fact that is not discussed by conventional health authorities, or mainstream news media reports. According to these researchers, flu shots result in inflammatory cardiovascular changes which cause increased risk for serious heart-related events such as heart attack.

Most flu shots have high quantities of mercury, higher than what is considered safe for most people.  Thimerosal, which is 49 percent mercury by volume, is a widely used vaccine preservative. It can be found in many different vaccines used in the U.S., including most seasonal flu vaccines, although there are a few million doses of thimerosal-free single dose vials of influenza vaccine made by drug companies which are reserved for infants and pregnant women. The amount of mercury in a single dose of the flu shot is deemed unsafe for people weighing less than 265 pounds.  It’s a well established fact that mercury is a neurotoxin, having harmful effects on the brain.  If you are getting a flu shot you can request that it be thimerosal-free.

An Act of Congress in 1986 that was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2011, decreed that a special court be created to handle all vaccine cases, Vaccine Court. The funds for settlements are paid by a vaccine sales tax.  The settlements in Vaccine Court can be downloaded and viewed and we have pasted it here below.  A large number of settlements have been for the flu shot for Guillain-Barré Syndrome. The flu shot has also been linked to narcolepsy in children, allergic reactions and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s in seniors.   Adjudicated settlements for 8/16/13 – 11/15/13 are below.  Note the number of Guillain-Barré Syndrome cases linked to flu shots. Compensation for injuries and deaths due to the flu vaccine were more than the total compensation paid out to eleven other vaccines.

Despite these multiple settlements for Guillain-Barré Syndrome, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention believes flu shots to be safe and strongly recommends that the advantages outweigh the risks and side effects, stating,

“For more than 50 years, seasonal flu vaccines have had very good safety track records. Over the years, hundreds of millions of Americans have received seasonal flu vaccines. The most common side effects following flu vaccinations are mild. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) closely monitor for any signs that flu vaccines are causing unexpected adverse events and are working with state and local health officials to investigate any unusual events.”

 

Researchers believe that the flu vaccine cannot give someone the flu.

Some vaccines are made from non-infectious, “inactive” viruses, and others, like the recombinant flu vaccine, are made without any viruses at all. At worst there are mild side-effects from the flu shot and nasal nasal spray such as headache or runny nose.  Some researchers conclude that the known benefits of flu vaccines far outweigh the cost of contracting the virus. Protecting yourself also helps protect others who might be more vulnerable. There will be 150 million doses of the vaccine available to the public this year. Additionally, new laws require health insurance policies to cover the vaccine so virtually no one should have to pay out of pocket.

A variety of alternative approaches to health and healing can improve immune function during cold and flu season.

Engaging in a light exercise such as walking just a few times a week may improve the body’s immunity. It’s also important to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water daily.  Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit in addition to the other components of a balanced diet are paramount to staying well and optimizing immune responses during cold and flu season. Last, but no less important, is forming is the habit of frequent hand washing with soap and warm water. Soap and water is always superior to an alcohol-based sanitizer.

Natural remedies and treatments can be very successful in relieving or eliminating cold and flu symptoms and have less side effects than prescription drugs. 

Natural remedies and treatments include:

For cough -wild cherry bark, marshmallow root, honey, ginger root, elderberries, mullien
For headache – acupuncture, peppermint oil, hot water bottle, ginger tea, meditation, exercise, massage, ice pack and sleep.

For sore throat – salt-water gargle, herbal lozenges and throat sprays, fruit juices and fluids, vitamin C, honey and apple cider vinegar (do not give to young children), lemon or lime juice, ginger tea, neti-pot, marshmallow sap, horseradish, vaporizer, anise or licorice drops, frozen ice or frozen fruit, garlic
For sinus infection – netipot, quercetin, vitamin C, vitamin E, acupuncture, acupressure, reflexology, steam, rest, drinking plenty of fluids

 

Cold and flu season is unavoidable. Fortunately, its effects can be prevented or at least minimized if we are prepared and take the proper precautions to stay well.

 

References

Baker, Deborah, D.C,  Is There A Natural Cure For.. Flu Shot 2014-2015 Season  Retrieved online 9/30/14  http://www.drdeborahbaker.com/flu/

Benowitz I, Esposito DB, Gracey KD, et al. Influenza vaccine given to pregnant women reduces hospitalization due to influenza in their infants. Clin Infect Dis. 2010; 51(12):1355-61.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Influenza Vaccine Safety, Seasonal Influenza (Flu)

Ciszewski A, Bilinska ZT, Brydak LB, et al. Influenza vaccination in secondary prevention from coronary ischaemic events in coronary artery disease: FLUCAD study. Eur Heart J. 2008 Jun; 29(11):1350-8.

Ferdinands JM, Olsho LEW, Agan AA, et al. Effectiveness of influenza vaccine against life-threatening RT-PCR-confirmed influenza illness in US children, 2010-2012. J Infect Dis. 2014; 210(5):674-683.

Flu Shot Causes Polio-like Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Are Rates Higher Than the Government Admits?
J Intern Med. 2011 Jan;269(1):118-25. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2796.2010.02285.x. Epub 2010 Oct 22.

Flu Vaccine is the most Dangerous Vaccine in the U. S. based on Settled Cases for Injuries,  Health Impact News,

Gach, Michael Reed , PhD, Acupressure Points for Sinus Problems & Nasal Congestion  Acupressure Points for Sinus Infection

Hills, Wellesley , MA , Gold Law Firm, LLC.,  The National Vaccine Law Firm Obtains Compensation for Man Injured By Flu Vaccine  Flu Shot Season is Upon Us—Gold Law Firm Files Petitions to Compensate Those Injured as a Result of Vaccination, Retrieved online 9/30/14 http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/12/prweb9037470.htm

Holzinger F, and Chenot J-F, Systematic Review of Clinical Trials Assessing the Effectiveness of Ivy Leaf (Hedera Helix) for Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2011 (2011), Article ID 382789, 9 pages

Lanza GA1, Barone L, Scalone G, Pitocco D, Sgueglia GA, Mollo R, Nerla R, Zaccardi F, Ghirlanda G, Crea F, Inflammation-related effects of adjuvant influenza A vaccination on platelet activation and cardiac autonomic function .J Intern Med. 2011 Jan;269(1):118-25. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2796.2010.02285.x. Epub 2010 Oct 22.

Liu W, Jiang H, and Mao B, Chinese Herbal Medicine for Postinfectious Cough: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials,Evidence-Based Complementary Alternative Medicine, Volume 2013 (2013), Article ID 906765. PMC385334810 Published online Nov 20, 2013. doi: 10.1155/2013/906765

Mercola, Dr., Flu Vaccination: The Hidden Risks in This Heavily Promoted Seasonal Routine. October 31, 2011 Retrieved online 9/30/14 http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/10/31

Phrommintikul A, Kuanprasert S, Wongcharoen W,et al. Influenza vaccination reduces cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Eur Heart J. 2011; 32(14):1730-5.

Shadkam MN, et al. A comparison of the effect of honey, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine on nightly cough and sleep quality in children and their parents. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2010;16:787.

Smith, Deborahann, Natural Remedies for Sinusitis.  Gaiam Life: Your Guide to Better Living

Talbot HK, Griffin, MR, Chen Q, et al. Effectiveness of seasonal vaccine in preventing confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations in community dwelling older adults. J. Infect Dis 2011; 203:500-8.

Talbot HK, Zhu Y, Chen Q, et al. Effectiveness of influenza vaccine for preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza hospitalizations in adults, 2011-2012 influenza season. Clin Infect Dis. 2013; 56(12): 1774-7.

Udell JA, Zawi R, Bhatt DL, et al. Association between influenza vaccination and cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk patients: a meta-analysis. JAMA. 2013; 310(16): 1711-20.

 

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This article is written by Kevin McMahan and Jean Voice Dart, Health and Wellness Educators for the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance.

Kevin has had a lifelong interest in health and wellness. After graduating from Carmel High School he went on to get an associates degree in social sciences from Monterey Peninsula College, and a bachelors in kinesiology from California State University Monterey Bay. He is a certified personal trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine. “Your health is your wealth”, is something that he always likes to say.

 

Jean Voice Dart,  M.S. Special Education from Illinois State University,  is a published author and has written hundreds of health articles as well as hosting a local television program, “Making Miracles Happen.”  She is a Registered Music Therapist, Sound Therapist, and Master Level Energetic Teacher, and is the Executive Director, founder and Health and Wellness Educator of the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance.  The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a registered 501 (c) 3  nonprofit health and wellness education organization.  For more information about  the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance contact us or visit our website at www.montereybayholistic.com.

 

Disclaimer:  The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a charitable, independent registered nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and does not endorse any particular products or practices. We exist as an educational organization dedicated to providing free access to health education resources, products and services. Claims and statements herein are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The statements about organizations, practitioners, methods of treatment, and products listed on this website are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is intended for educational purposes only. The MBHA strongly recommends that you seek out your trusted medical doctor or practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of any existing health condition.

Natural Headache Remedies

God dag, Hej, health and wellness enthusiasts.

Click, copy, save and share with friends and family members. What do you use to alleviate headache pain?

Headache is one of the most common ailments and can be the result of a variety of causes including physical, emotional and mental distress, and chronic or acute illness or injuries. The majority of people choose to eliminate headache pain as quickly as possible, through the use of prescription or nonprescription drugs.

Most people experience common minor headache pain because of stress and tension due to the affects of changes in behavior, diet, or environment. The following natural remedies for headache may prove to be very helpful. These remedies are not intended as a cure or substitute for a doctor’s care.   Headaches can be a symptom of a more serious underlying problem, so always check with your doctor or trusted health-care professional.

Here are a few helpful home remedies that might aide in relieving headache pain:

• Acupuncture – Acupuncture has been used for centuries to relieve  tension, which may be causing the headache pain.
• Peppermint oil – Put some peppermint oil on the temples, neck or shoulders, and gently massage. Peppermint oil can naturally energize and soothe the nerves.
• Hot water bottle – A hot water bottle, heating pad, or heat pack can improve circulation and blood flow to the brain, which sometimes can cause headache pain.  Apply heat to back of head, neck, and  shoulders, to improve circulation.
• Ginger tea – Ginger has been known to be effective in alleviating headache pain. You can slice pieces of ginger, boil in water, and strain, to produce ginger tea, or it can be commonly found in most grocery stores in tea bags. Fresh ginger is the most potent. Boil the ginger in water for at least 10 minutes. For a stronger tea, allow to boil for 20 minutes or more, and use more slices of ginger. Remove from heat and add lime juice and honey, or agave nectar to taste.
• Meditation – Practice guided meditation techniques, deep breathing, listen to soft music, imagine you are in a place of peace and love, close your eyes, release the stress of the day, and allow yourself to experience a state of well-being.
• Exercise – Lack of exercise can cause stiffness and tension in the muscles resulting in headache pain. Step  away from your work or daily routine and get outside, and go for a walk.  If you work all day outside in the bright sun, then walk away from that situation and go inside for awhile.  Do some light exercising and stretching. Jog, use a treadmill, do some situps. Get some fresh air.
• Massage – Therapeutic massage has been known to be very effective in relieving headache pain. Massaging the face, forehead, skull, neck, shoulders, back and limbs can help to release tension naturally and allow the headache pain to disappear.  A full-body massage can be very relaxing and eliminate headache pain without the use of drugs and pain-killers, by reducing stress and increasing circulation.
• Ice packs  – Cold packs can also be effective if heating pads or hot water bottles have not been.  Apply ice pack on your head, throat, shoulders, and back of  neck. Cold packs can help with headaches triggered from food allergies, stress, or worries.
• Rest or sleep – Maintain a normal sleep schedule, get plenty of rest.  If it’s not possible to sleep, close your eyes, darken the room, and rest. Lack of sleep or interrupted sleep is one of the most common reasons for headache pain. If you believe that you are not getting enough sleep, you might choose to schedule an appointment with a sleep clinic.  Sleep clinics can determine the cause of restless sleep, including sleep apnea, a serious breathing disturbance, causing snoring, and resulting in not enough oxygen to the brain.  Eye strain is a very common cause of headache. If you wear glasses, make sure that your prescription is current. If you work on the computer all day, take time to rest your eyes several times throughout the day. Resting the eyes (from eye strain), voice (from talking all day), ears (from noisy environment), and body (from overdoing and straining  muscles) can eliminate headache triggers.

What has been effective in relieving your headache pain?
Best wishes to you for a healthy, happy day.
Your health and wellness friends at MBHA.