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Dr.
Golan's Articles
Cold
and Flu Season Essentials: However your colds begin – whether a sniffle, sneeze, sore throat, laryngitis, cough, muscle ache, ear ache, fever, or chill – there is much you can do to stop the symptoms from worsening and facilitate a quick recovery. (And there is much you can do to increase your immune system resistance so that you are less susceptible in the first place – more on that subject later). During the 29 years of my career in integrative medicine, I have had the opportunity to see what natural remedies work effectively for colds, and I want to recommend for you what I prescribe for my patients. You may find that some of the "old standards" like Echinacea, Vitamin C or Zinc Lozenges work quite well for you, but if you are like a lot of my patients, you may require stronger and more consistently effective natural remedies. So if you feel a cold coming on and you just cannot afford to get sick, follow my:
Don't let the cold and flu season begin without having these remedies on hand! The sooner you begin taking these formulas after the initial onset of cold symptoms, the greater the chances that they will deliver superb results. Stopping a cold in its tracks and being well the next day can happen! The Power Punch Remedies in Detail
1) Quantum Nucleotide Complex (more info) contains nucleic acids – which are building blocks of RNA and DNA. In short, they build your immune system by nourishing your thymus gland and boosting your natural killer cell activity. Nucleotides also diminish exhaustion and debility by helping the rebuilding of viral-damaged cells. Strengthening your immune system with Nucleotides may be all you need to eradicate your cold. That is why it is my number one in this list. If it is not a particularly virulent cold or flu virus and you and your immune system are in generally good health, you may not need other remedies. However, if colds hit you frequently or very hard, or if you suspect the virus is a tough one, you may need more than just Quantum Nucleotide Complex. At the first sign of a cold or flu (when it works best) or even if the cold is established, adults should take 3 up to 8 or more capsules three to five times daily of the Nucleotides. You may require this supplement for just 1 or 2 days if you begin it immediately upon the first sniffle or sneeze. This dose seems very high, but hitting it very hard like this is most effective (and extremely safe) although you may not require such a large quantity. Using too small a dose, however, may not provide enough benefit, so it is best to err a bit on the high side at first. Take on an empty stomach or with food. You can use Quantum Nucleotide Complex as a preventive for many months if you have an unusually high susceptibility to colds or use it periodically if you expect to be exposed to others' viruses (co-workers, students or family members with colds, airplane travel, etc): 3 to 6 capsules a day. It is free of wheat, gluten, milk, soy, corn, nuts, colorings, preservatives, all exipients, etc. Part of the product is made by Saccharomyces Boulardii, a friendly yeast, one that functions like acidophilus to counter candida and unfavorable bacteria. I have yet to have one of my patients who are allergic to yeast react adversely to Quantum Nucleotides. So essentially, in my experience it is okay for those allergic to yeast. Children 2 years of age and older can use Quantum Nucleotide Complex safely. Empty out capsules in juice or apple sauce or anything to disguise the taste. Use 1-2 capsule contents 2 to 3 times a day. If there is unusual resistance to the taste, perhaps the Quantum Colostrum alone will be adequate. As the RNA/DNA building blocks help rebuild cells, I also recommend Quantum Nucleotide Complex prior to and after surgery and to help any kind of injury heal.
2) Quantum Immune Complex (more info) contains olive leaf extract and the phytochemicals oleuropein, oleuropeoside, and calcium elenolate. These natural agents function as anti-viral and anti-bacterial agents. They interrupt the replication of many pathogens. This formula has many synergists such as reishi, coriolus, coriander leaf, and others which together also confer immune enhancement as well as free radical protection. It is also free of dietary allergens and exipients. At the first sign of a cold or in the middle of it, take 2 to 6 capsules three to four times daily with food (adult dose). Maintain this dose schedule until you feel symptoms significantly resolving. Children two years old and older can use this product. Use 1 capsule contents disguised in juice or food three times a day. Higher doses can be used for older kids. 3) Quantum Colostrum (more info) contains active immunoglobins (antibodies) that neutralize invading bugs. I prefer this particular colostrum product because it contains 25% immunoglobin G (IgG antibodies). If your immune system is particularly weak or borderline – if you seem unusually susceptible to colds and/or they last longer and are more debilitating than they should be – your depleted immune system could use a temporary crutch. Colostrum can provide what your immune system may be currently straining or unable to produce – ample antibodies. And in so doing, it spares your immune system from further depletion. Take 3 up to 8 capsules of colostrum three to five times a day with or without food. Or use the colostrum powder: 1 to 2 teaspoons or more mixed in water or juice three to five times daily (ideal for kids too young to swallow capsules). If you are using the Nucleotides and Immune Complex, you may not need to push the dose of Colostrum so high. But if you are relying alone on the Colostrum, then you may need the higher doses. It is really a food extract, so it is extremely safe, even for infants. As Colostrum is a cow's milk derived product, it may cause reactions in those who are allergic to milk or have lactose intolerance. If you are very sensitive to milk products, it is best to avoid colostrum. Colostrum can also be used in an on-going manner to help prevent colds throughout the cold season for those who are susceptible: 1 teaspoon or 3-4 capsules one to two times daily. Not Feeling Much Better in a Few Days? If in three or four days you are not feeling much better or if you feel you are developing bronchial or sinus infections, your cold may have "turned" bacterial. I would stop the Immune Complex and use Quantum Allicidin Complex instead, a garlic-based formula which has more antibacterial activity. (As stated below, if your colds usually develop into sinus or bronchial infections that hit you harder than a typical cold, you would do well to use the Allicidin Complex at the very first sign of symptoms.) And sinus infections usually require additional interventions: Steaming with Eucalyptus Oil, sniffing a saline/baking soda solution and other measures that contact the sinuses directly. Or if you need something in particular for a sore throat, ear ache, or sinus pain, there are other "back-up players" to address these common needs. Back-Up Players to Support The Power Punch
The Back-Up Players in Detail Quantum Allicidin Complex (more info) is an extract of garlic containing one of the more active natural antibacterial agents known, allicin. This product is unique in that it not only provides stabilized allicin, (stabilization preserves its activity and potency) but it has the ability to penetrate the biofilm coating that bacteria synthesize to protect themselves from immune system attack and even from antibiotics. It is the biofilm coating that makes some bacterial infections so difficult to eradicate. Therefore, Quantum Allicidin Complex is ideal for chronic and/or recurring infections of the sinuses and bronchial tubes (as well as the prostate, the gastrointestinal tract, the bladder, and elsewhere). Use 2 to 4 capsules or more of Allicidin Complex three or four times a day with or without food (adult dose) or 1 to 2 capsules two to three times a day for 2 year olds (and higher doses for larger children). Many other forms of garlic that advertise allicin content have not, in my experience, performed up to my expectations because the allicin is not stabilized well, and therefore has comparatively less potency. Each capsule of Allicidin Complex is guaranteed to have at least 27 micrograms of stabilized allicin. The synergists in Quantum Allicidin Complex also are responsible for its effectiveness as well as the fact that European Bear Garlic is used . If your colds invariably end up in your sinuses or lungs and often require antibiotics, I would recommend using Quantum Allicidin Complex at the first onset of cold symptoms (along with Nucleotides and Colostrum). Allicin also has anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti parasitic, and anti-larvicidal activity. As potent as Quantum Allicidin Complex is, it is still gentle on the gastrointestinal tract and can be taken by children two years of age or older. It is free of common dietary allergens and exipients. Carvacrol (more info) is the most active ingredient among 50 other compounds in wild oregano known to be immune boosting and/or anti microbial. Carvacrol is anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial. I prefer Premier Carvacrol Oil (essential oil of organic wild oregano): Use up to 5 drops in a cup of tea (not too hot) along with 5 drops of Quantum Limonene Complex (essential oil of orange – see below) If the tea is too hot it may dissipate some of the oils' active ingredients. Sip such a medicated cup of tea three or more times a day. If needed, sweeten the tea with a little honey or use licorice root tea to naturally sweeten it. Essentials oils can be intense, so for very sensitive types or young children, you will need to use less of these oils. Adults can use this combination of oils more frequently, if needed For sore or irritated throats the combination of these oils is quite soothing and healing. It is indicated for any upper respiratory infection actually, so if you like to be sipping something warm throughout the day when you have a cold, add these two oils to every cup. (Did you know that many brands of essential oil of oregano are really oils of marjoram or thyme and do not contain anywhere near the immune properties of wild grown oregano oil – which is why they do not bring as rapid or effective results as the genuine oil that contains carvacrol.). It is best to use Quantum Limonene Complex along with the Premier Carvacrol Oil to enhance carvacrol's penetration and absorption and to counter its somewhat spicy taste. The limonene makes it tolerable, even for children and sensitive individuals. Nonetheless, this combination does not have a pleasant taste in plain water which is why I recommend using it in tea (sweetened with honey or licorice root tea) or a little juice. Limonene has it's own anti-microbial effects as well. Do not use these oils if pregnant or lactating. Topical use of Premier Carvocrol Oil along with Quantum Limonene Complex: Rub into the skin over a sore throat, over enlarged or painful lymph nodes, under and behind the ears for ear aches, on the chest for coughs, and over the sinus areas on the face for painful sinus congestion. Such topical applications can sometimes bring benefits that oral supplements are unable to achieve. Do not let any of the carvacrol oil get into the eyes or ears. Start with only 1 drop of each and rub in only a small portion of this mixture topically to assess skin tolerance. If tolerated well, mix up to 2 drops Premier Carvocrol Oil with 2 drops of Quantum Limonene Complex for topical use and rub in where needed 2-3 times a day. Quantum Limonene Complex (more info) is derived from organic whole orange peel concentrate and is buffered with calcium to counter its natural acidity and render it pH balanced. The monoterpine constituent of whole orange peel has multiple properties for both internal and topical application. It is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and can be used to fight these infections though usually along with other natural antimicrobials. It enhances the absorption and penetration of any herb or nutraceutical you use along with it. I prefer the brand: Quantum Limonene Complex Use up to 5 drops mixed in a cup of tea with up to 5 drops of Quantum Carvacrol Oil up to five times a day (see more directions above in the carvocrol section). You can also apply a combination of limonene and carvacrol topically to the skin (see the carvacrol section above for details). Limonene can also be used alone topically for musculoskeletal or headache pain, bites, and acne, and orally for gall bladder stones. It is also known to turn off certain genes that are responsible for certain cancers and therefore is considered to be anti-cancer. It is a constituent of anti-oxidant formulas taken orally to help prevent cancer. Quantum Neem Oil (more info) is ideal for ear infections. Neem has been used in India for over 4500 years and is considered one of the most versatile, effective, and safe herbal remedies. One of the more researched herbs, its active compounds (nimbin, azadirachtin, nimbidiol, nimbidin, and others) provide anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, immune enhancing, analgesic, and numerous other beneficial effects. Neem can be used topically on the skin conditions such as eczema and acne and on the gums for periodontal inflammation, and on injuries, as well as internally. Safe for both children and adults. For ear infections, use 2 drops of Neem Oil directly into the ear followed immediately by 2 drops of Quantum Limonene Complex. First gently heat the bottle of Neem Oil in a pan of water so that the oil it is comfortably warm to touch. (Test the heated oil on the palm side of your wrist first to be sure it is not too hot. It should be just slightly warm. This is a critical safeguard so that you do not burn the eardrum.) And be careful not to bring the water temperature anywhere near to boiling or else you will inactivate the essential components in the oil. Heat the water to just a comfortably warm to the touch temperature. Do not put these oils in the ear if the ear drum has broken. And of course, if you have an ear infection, you would do well to provide internal immune support following the 1-2-3 Power Punch Prescription. Drinking Neem tea can also facilitate recovery. Premier Eucalyptus Oil has several active components healing and soothing to the sinuses and lungs. This oil can bring symptomatic relief as well as contribute to healing the infection. The most effective way to deliver this essential oil to the sinuses is to put a few drops of eucalyptus oil into hot, steamy water and then breathe the steam. Steam your sinuses for 15 to 25 minutes at least twice a day. More times a day is better. You can purchase a personal steamer (available in major drug stores), as a very convenient way to steam, and something I highly recommend if you or your family gets a fair share of head colds or sinus infections. You simply put some water in the receptacle (preferably filtered, spring, or distilled water), plug it in, wait a few minutes for the steam to develop, put in a few drops of the eucalyptus oil, and sit down and place your face up to the mask and breathe the steam. There is an adjustment to let more or less steam out of the openings. As too much eucalyptus oil is irritating, you need to test the amount you have added with a few shallow sniffs before. If you put too much in let it dissipate some before you take in your deep sniffs. You may need to fill the receptacle with more water and oil before you are done with a twenty minute session. The personal steamer is easy to travel with if you get sinus problems from air travel. Or you can steam the old fashion way: What you need is water that has just boiled, the eucalyptus oil, and a large towel. Place the pot of hot water on a pad on a table, put in a few drops of eucalyptus oil, and sit down, placing your face over the steaming pot. Put the towel over your head and upper back as well as over the pot – creating a sort of closed hood. Find the right distance from the pot to place your face so that it is not too hot and so that breathing in the steam does not scald your nostrils. Do not breathe in too deeply at first until you have determined the temperature is right for nostrils and that the concentration of the oil is not irritating. Vitamin C: Although ascorbic acid, buffered C or ascorbate, or Ester C (the most commonly available vitamin C products sold in all health food stores) can be effective for colds, it does not consistently work well for my patients, and I believe this is because for some colds and some immune systems, vitamin C is just not the needed agent. Another reason may be because the majority of vitamin C products are synthetic and are devoid of the many natural flavonoids and other synergists with which nature has endowed many plants and which our immune and other systems require for the vitamin C to be most effective. Synthetic vitamin C is manufactured in a laboratory usually from a corn byproduct and is an isolated molecule, void of the constituents that are responsible for some of the known benefits of vitamin C. Adding a little bioflavonoid to the synthetic vitamin C product is going in the right direction, but this addition does not usually change results. Also, the doses required for synthetic vitamin C to have an anti-viral effect often are more than the bowel can handle, causing diarrhea. For this reason, I recommend a plant-source vitamin C: Quantum Vitamin C Complex. Quantum Vitamin C Complex (more info) contains Camu Camu, a Peruvian Amazon fruit that contains the most concentrated amount of vitamin C in any known fruit or plant (30 times more vitamin C than in oranges). It also contains South American Acerola Berries (the second highest source of vitamin C content), Bulgarian Rose Hips, and other plant sources that provide the full symphony of phytochemicals that work with vitamin C to produce its needed effects. It contains no synthetic vitamin C. Six to twelve capsules day may be all you need to help you overcome a cold. (For maintenance vitamin C use, I suggest 2 to 3 capsules daily.) A 500 milligram capsule of Quantum Vitamin C Complex provides only 55 milligrams of actual vitamin C, but its antiviral, immune enhancing, collagen repairing and other effects have been observed to surpass the effects of 500 mg or even 1000 mg capsule of synthetic vitamin C. And Quantum Vitamin C Complex will rarely cause the diarrhea or stomach or bladder irritation often caused by synthetic vitamin C. And it is alkalinizing, not acidifying. If your respiratory infection is continuing to worsen or you are beginning to feel really ill, you may need to see your doctor. In such cases I may prescribe an appropriate antibiotic. In other cases I will resort to intravenous vitamin C or intravenous hydrogen peroxide. (You would most likely need to see an integrative medical practitioner for either of these therapies.) We can easily achieve pharmacologic levels – and therefore anti-viral levels – of vitamin C by the intravenous route. Quite commonly the diarrhea triggered by high dose oral vitamin C prevents many people from attaining adequate blood levels to overcome serious viral infections. I have treated cases of influenza, viral pneumonia, shingles and hepatitis with 50 to 100 grams of IV vitamin C. The correct administration of intravenous hydrogen peroxide oxidizes bugs without injuring our own tissues. (Did you know that our own white blood cells kill pathogens using their own natural supply of hydrogen peroxide?) I have seen these intravenous therapies work more effectively for viral infections than for bacterial infections. They can be indispensable for viral pneumonia or influenza – conditions for which antibiotics are not effective. I believe that the mortality rate from viral infections could be significantly reduced from the use of these IV therapies – for which there is abundant supporting data in the medical literature. Underlying and Hidden Conditions Weakening Immune Function The inability to respond to the Power Punch Prescription and "back-up players" often indicates that there are underlying conditions causing a significant weakening of the immune response. Such immune-draining conditions may include:
Other conditions which may also need to be addressed include:
The diagnosis and treatment of such conditions may be necessary to
Many of these conditions are discussed in my book Optimal Wellness: Where Mainstream and Alternative Medicine Meet. The Adrenal Exhaustion and Yeast Overgrowth chapters can be found in the article archive on this website. Three Simple and Powerful Immune Enhancing Measures Short of investigating the immune depleting conditions above, there are some extremely simple things you can do to improve immune function: 1) Removing or significantly reducing refined sugar from the diet can improve immune function remarkably. This one measure alone has been the single most important measure in restoring some of my patients' normal resistance to cold viruses. (Did you know that there are over ten teaspoons of sugar in a can of soda pop?) It has been shown that sugar paralyzes your neutrophils' ability to phagocytize (engulf and kill) pathogens. (Neutrophils are one of your immune systems white blood cells.) Be kind to your immune system and reduce refined sugar intake. 2) Taking vitamin D – the D-3 form (cholecalciferol) – up to 4000 to 5,000 IU a day may be what adults need to fortify their immune function. Have your doctor do a blood test: 25 OH Vitamin D. If it isn't at least in the high 40's or 50's, say it is 29, you should still supplement – even though 29 is considered "normal" if it is above 22. Remember, "normal" does not often mean healthy. A study was done recently in a mental hospital where a psychiatrist having a particular interest in nutrition had all the patients of his ward take 2000 IU a day of vitamin D-3. A flu epidemic hit the institution that winter and every ward except his, where the patients were all given 2000 IU a day vitamin D-3 as a preventive, had a very high rate of flu cases. As for cost, vitamin D-3 is one of the least expensive supplements you will find. 3) Taking vitamin C can also improve immune function in a number of ways and can prevent colds (and address numerous other ailments). I prefer the 100% plant source Quantum Vitamin C Complex which contains the necessary flavonoids and other phytonutrient synergists that synthetic vitamin C lacks. For this reason I recommend Quantum Vitamin C Complex: 2 to 3 capsules a day as a preventive. (See the discussion of Vitamin C Complex under "back-up players" above.) Old Standard Cold and Flu Remedies Vitamin C: If you are attached on using the customary synthetic vitamin C or you want to see if it works for your cold, you may indeed have success. You will usually need 4000 to 6000 mg a day or more for an anti-viral effect – which in many individuals will cause diarrhea, and if this occurs, then not much of any nutrient is being absorbed. Such amounts can irritate the bladder too. Some individuals have found that 500 mg of the synthetic ascorbic acid or buffered C every hour or so throughout the day is very effective and will not cause diarrhea as easily as 1000 to 2000 mg taken three or four times a day. Give it a try. (See discussion above on Quantum Vitamin C Complex.) Vitamin A Palmitate (more info) 25,000 units per capsule. Take 4 capsules all at once (100,000 units) one time a day with a meal for a maximum of three days. Vitamin A boosts mucous membrane immunity. It may be all you require to stop a cold, and it is very inexpensive. I prefer the Thorne Research brand Vitamin A Palmitate. (This dose can become toxic if taken for longer periods – unrelenting headaches is one serious sign of toxicity. In twenty-eight years of practice, I have not seen a single case of vitamin A toxicity using this dose for just three days.) Do not use this dose of vitamin A if you are pregnant or lactating, have liver disease, take blood thinners, or are under 12 years old. Children over 4 years old can safely use 50,000 IU a day for three days only. Vitamin D (more info) can be used like vitamin A (along with it, in fact) in high doses for just three days only. Taking such a high dose for more than three days can lead to toxicity! Vitamin D can enhance immune function very inexpensively and enable you to help overcome a cold or flu. Use vitamin D-3: 50,000 IU a day (all at once) for just three days. D 5000 by Thorne Research offers 5000 IU per capsule. Zinc lozenges can be tried at the very beginning of cold symptoms, whether you have a sore throat or not. Most health food stores carry several brands. Use 5 or 6 lozenges a day, but not for more than two or three days. If you are not responding by then, then they are not working, and more will not help and could possibly overload you with too much zinc. I do not often depend on zinc lozenges alone to fight or stave off a cold. I consider them useful helpers. I will also use these as a preventive, along with a few other remedies, during air travel or in other situations when cold viruses are prevalent. Sniffing saline (salt water) several or many times a day can also bring relief as well as prevent a cold from turning into a sinus infection. You can purchase a spray bottle of saline over the counter at any pharmacy. Refill it with filtered or distilled or spring water and sea salt (1/2 teaspoon of salt per cup of water, and also add a pinch of baking soda). Some individuals have found it more effective to pour the salt water in each nostril, using a netti pot. Breathing steam in the shower can bring sinus relief (keep the fan off and doors and windows closed so that it gets very steamy). And you can breathe medicated steam – described above under eucalyptus oil and carvacrol oil using a personal steamer. Homeopathic nasal sprays such as Euphorbium Compositum Nasal Spray are effective for some of my patients' head cold and sinus symptoms. It is a combination of several individual homeopathic agents manufactured by one of the respected companies in the industry, Heel, Inc. Use 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril 4 or more times daily. Extremely safe, even for infants, and pregnant and lactating women. When homeopathic remedies work, they often work remarkably, especially in children. Some of my patients find that these work better than salt water spray, and yet some may alternate these sprays with saline sprays or with sniffing steam. Xylitol nasal spray (available in most pharmacies over the counter) can help prevent and treat sinus infections. Follow label directions. Alkolol (available in most pharmacies over the counter) is a mucous solvent (a mucous "buster"). Use as a nasal wash to relieve sinus congestion or gargle to relieve throat congestion. Follow label directions. Oscillococcinum by Boiron (available in most health food stores) is a homeopathic formula best used at the first signs of the flu. Safe for women who are pregnant or lactating and for young children. Use a dose – 1 vial (melts in the mouth) – every 4-6 hours. For very young children, let the pellets dissolve in lukewarm water (best filtered) and have the child drink it. If using a spoon, use a plastic spoon. A lukewarm water enema (filtered, spring or distilled water is best) with two teaspoons of colostrum dissolved in the enema water is often a very effective treatment for colds, particularly if one has had sluggish bowels or constipation. It can be very helpful even if one does not have constipation. Such an enema can be particularly effective to treat a fever in young children. In adults, also adding several drops of both carvacrol oil and limonene complex to the enema water can quicken the resolution of a cold. Common Sense Lifestyle and Diet Measures Of course there is more to curing a cold than putting pills in your mouth:
If you have made it this far in this article, you deserve some acknowledgement as well as consideration for a masters degree in the understanding of how to treat and prevent colds and flu. The For those who have followed the information in this article and have still not found success, I strongly encourage you to look deeper, to find the right kind of health practitioner who can help you investigate the underlying and hidden conditions mentioned in this article than may be weakening your immune system. Contact my office to schedule a visit or phone appointment! This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Although the material may help you understand a diagnosis or treatment, it cannot serve as a replacement for the services of a licensed health care practitioner. Any application of the material set forth is at the reader's discretion and sole responsibility.
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