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Lesson 4:
Introduction to the Immune System
Colds and Flu What We Need to Know
Stomach acid
If a pathogen does indeed invade tissue or blood,
additional defenses step in to remove it (the
inflammatory response).
Cold vs.
Flu
Common misconceptions
Antibiotics are effective against cold and flu
Green or yellow mucus indicates bacterial
infection
Fevers should be reduced with medication
OTC cold medicines accelerate recovery
Drinking excess fluids
Eating to keep strength up
Flu Vaccine
Healthy Bacteria
Healthy bacteria = probiotics = intestinal
microflora
95% of the cells in the human body are
healthy bacteria in the human GI tract
Perform functions vital to our health
Healthful diet is key to maintaining healthy
flora
Antibiotics kill bacteria indiscriminately
Copyright 2011 Joel Fuhrman, M.D.
Protect against
overgrowth of
pathogenic bacteria,
yeast
Strengthen immune
function
Produce nutrients that
prevent weight gain
Antibiotics
90% of antibiotics are prescribed inappropriately
Study: more than half who seek physicians care for
cold symptoms leave with a prescription for antibiotic
Adverse reactions common 140,000 ER visits/year
Risks:
Cough Medications
Coughing is part of your bodys natural
response to viral infection
Dextromethorphan (OTC cough suppressant)
does not work and causes insomnia
Codeine is also not effective
Hydrocodone mildly effective, but has
serious side effects
Its a good thing that cough suppressants
dont work!
Copyright 2011 Joel Fuhrman, M.D.
Antihistamines
Histamine is a natural part of the immune
response:
Vasodilation increased blood flow to infected area
Endothelial permeability allow neutrophils to enter
the area and phagocytose virus particles
Chicken Soup
Hot soup may temporarily lesson nasal
symptoms
Does not shorten duration of infection, may
prolong suppresses mucous flow and WBC
movement
Eat lightly when you have a cold. Have
vegetable soup instead.
Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathy: like cures like
Popular homeopathic cold remedy
Oscillococcinum found to be ineffective for
preventing infections and accelerating
recovery
Vitamin C
Review of 30 randomized trials found that
daily vitamin C supplementation does not
reduce incidence of infection
Vitamin C taken during illness also shown to
be ineffective
May be of value for people who do not
consume enough vitamin C
If you eat adequate fruits and vegetables,
additional vitamin C will not add any benefit
Copyright 2011 Joel Fuhrman, M.D.
Garlic
Insufficient evidence thus far that garlic
affects incidence or symptoms of the common
cold
However, recall from our previous lessons that
garlic and onions are immune-enhancing
foods, and should be eaten regularly.
Resveratrol
A phytochemical found primarily in red grape skin
and peanuts, plus other colorful produce
May have anti-inflammatory and anti-aging
effects in humans preliminary evidence
Anti-cancer effects in cell culture and animal
studies
Antiviral effects in animal studies against HSV,
HIV, varicella-zoster, influenza
Supplementation is likely beneficial
Copyright 2011 Joel Fuhrman, M.D.
Zinc
Vitamin D
Elderberry Extract
Has antiviral effects
Evidence that black elderberry extract can
shorten duration of flu
Elderberry flavonoids increase monocyte
defensive function, inhibits virus adhesion to
cells which inhibits replication
Likely helpful:
Zinc
Vitamin D
Elderberry and berry
flavonoids
Caloric restriction