H1N1 Influenza, symptoms, call 911, WHO, vaccine, Tamiflu, vitamin D, yin chiao, vitamin C, zince, selenium, echinacea

“H1N1 Influenza Symptoms: fever, shaking chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache and extreme tiredness. Some people also have diarrhoea and vomiting.

Call 911 if you have severe trouble breathing, severe dehydration, extreme confusion, or fainting.

You can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, 24 hours a day/seven days a week to speak to a nurse if you have more questions or if feeling ill. See the symptom checker link below.

http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/tools/h1n1/symptom_checker/

Current status of outbreak

• On June 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised its alert level to phase 6 (the pandemic phase). So far, the WHO considers the overall severity of the pandemic to be “moderate”, which means that most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalization or medical care.
• To put the H1N1 outbreak in perspective, 400 to 800 people die in British Columbia from the seasonal flu or pneumonia each year.
• The most current confirmed severe case counts are available online for Canada (PHAC), the U.S. (CDC) and internationally (WHO).

When and where can I get the H1N1 vaccine?

British Columbians can use the Flu Clinic Locator at www.immunizebc.ca to find out where to get the H1N1 vaccine. If there are no clinics posted in a particular area, people can call their public health unit or family physician to find out where and when they can get vaccinated.

Starting the week of Oct. 26, the people who will benefit most from pandemic H1N1 immunization, and who need and want to get vaccinated, are now able to receive that vaccine should they choose to do so. These groups include:

• Persons under the age of 65 with chronic conditions. (people with long term lung, heart, kidney problems) “my italics”
  
• Pregnant women.
• Persons – including First Nations – living in remote and isolated settings or communities.

People who fall into these groups AND for whom the seasonal flu vaccine is normally recommended will be able to receive both shots at the same time. People who do not fall into these groups are asked to put off receiving the H1N1 vaccine for a few weeks to allow those at most risk to get their vaccine first.

Starting the week of Nov. 2, the people eligible to receive the H1N1 vaccine has expanded to include the following groups:

• All initial groups.
• Children 6 months to less than 5 years of age.
• Health-care workers (including all health-care system workers involved with the pandemic response or delivery of essential health services).
• Household contacts and care providers of infants less than 6 months of age, and persons who are immunocompromised.

People who fall into these groups AND for whom the seasonal flu vaccine is normally recommended will be able to receive both shots at the same time.

Beginning in late-November or early-December, everyone else who needs and wants the H1N1 vaccine will be recommended to receive it. Public notification will happen at this time so that everyone is aware the vaccine is available to them. “

The above information directly from http://www.gov.bc.ca/h1n1/

What about the seasonal flu?

See link:  http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200911/brownlee-h1n1/3 for an in depth look at efficacy of vaccines for the flu. Below are some quotations from the article.

“Today, seasonal flu is estimated to kill about 36,000 people in the United States each year, and half a million worldwide.”

“More than 200 known viruses and other pathogens can cause the suite of symptoms known as “influenza-like illness”; respiratory syncytial virus, bocavirus, coronavirus, and rhinovirus are just a few of the bugs that can make a person feel rotten. And depending on the season, in up to two-thirds of the cases of flu-like illness, no cause at all can be found.”

“What is certain is that influenza viruses mutate with amazing speed, so each flu season sees slightly different genetic versions of the viruses that infected people the year before. Every year, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collect data from 94 nations on the flu viruses that circulated the previous year, and then make an educated guess about which viruses are likely to circulate in the coming fall. Based on that information, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issues orders to manufacturers in February for a vaccine that includes the three most likely strains.”

In this Atlantic article the following study by Jackson et al. shows that effectiveness of vaccines on death may be biased. The results of the study suggest that healthy people are more likely to get vaccines so that is why they were shown to have decreased death rate. Basically elderly and frail or immune-compromised patients were not able to get vaccine so that’s why there was a higher death rate in those people who didn’t get vaccinated against the flu. Not because the vaccination was more effective.

http://ije.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/35/2/337

We know we should wash our hands but we don’t practice it. We should make sure we do it.

What about Tamiflu?

Is actually a drug that is derived from Star Anise a Chinese and Ayruvedic herb and is the main anitviral pharmaceutical. According to one study out of Toronto Invasive Bacterial Diseases Network, Tamiflu was effective in preventing one death out of 16 people to whom it was administered within 48 hours after onset of flu symptoms. Center for Disease Control (CDC) says not everyone should use it. They say it should be should only be used for most critical cases. Since resistance could develop. See this link:  http://www.pharmacologyweekly.com/content/pages/oseltamivir-tamiflu-greater-48-hours-effecicy-H1N1-virus-swine-flu

How to improve you immunity:  Sleep well, eat whole foods diet, and avoid sugar

Vitamin D:  people with the lowest blood vitamin D levels reported having significantly more recent colds or cases of the flu. The risks were even higher for those with chronic respiratory disorders such as asthma and emphysema. Study in Annals of Internal Medicine

Yin Chiao: A Chinese herbal preparation can be effective for sore throat and prevent worsening of colds and flus. Available at your local Chinese herbal store.

Vitamin C: can help at onset of cold and flu by stabilizing mast cells that release histamine. So you can get relief from sinus congestion, watery eyes, sniffling, and sneezing.

Zinc and Selenium: Zinc and Selenium deficiency will make you more susceptible to colds and flus

Echinacea: there is evidence that Echinacea can help shorten duration of upper respiratory infections

Kid’s Breakfast cereals and Immune tips, marketing , toys, sugar, Nature`s Path Envirokids

Cereals that are marketed to kids on TV etc actually contain 85% more sugar and 65% less fiber and 60% more sodium.  This is according to a report done by Yale University.

Parents already know this but they still are buying their children cereals that are unhealthy. Children demand those cereals because they are very sweet to eat and come with a toy.

In USA that is 156 million dollars by cereal companies just for TV ads that is estimated at 642 ads a preschools child will see per year. Wow!

Examples of definitely less healthy cereals include Reese’s Puffs, Corn Pops, Lucky Charms. In the study children were just as likely to choose the healthy cereal that sugary cereal. But if they chose sugary cereal they were more likely to eat double the amount. Not necessarily a good thing, since there is limited nutrition in this unhealthy choice. But is it better than no breakfast at all? The answer is maybe- since they do get some protein from milk. If they aren’t intolerant to dairy.

http://www.thestar.com/living/food/article/716409–the-10-least-nutritious-breakfast-cereals

An alternate better choice is nature’s path cereal. Good choices include Nature’s Path “EnviroKidz”:  they have higher fibre cereals for kids and use organic cane sugar instead of high fructose glucose syrup which is very unhealthy. Just think of kids who drink too much coca cola then they become hyper and it will weaken there immunity .

Immune system can be weakened with sugar intake so avoid giving children too much sugar in general.

What is the immune system?

Your body’s defence mechanism against infections and invasions from viruses, bacteria, parasites.  For example you immune system produces a fever to help you fight and infection. It’s not necessarily something that should be inhibited. There can be benefits in using the fever without letting it get out of control to help fight infection.

How can we help immune system to fight infections?

1. Zinc lozenges are effective but only zinc acetate not zinc gluconate. Beneficial studies were done on zinc gluconate. It helps to prevents  virus from attaching to the epithelium.

2. support our immunity and prevent disease is to eat a balanced, whole foods diet. For most people, this means eating more fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and whole grains.

3. Selenium Vitamin A vitamin C is contained in good multivitamin.

4. Herbal medicine like cold fx may help, Echinacea roots, sambucus (Sambuguard)

5. Washing hands

6. Sleeping well and getting good rest.

Pesticides, Foods to avoid and Farmed Salmon, Atlantic Salmon, Cancer, Pregnancy

The problem with pesticides:

• Neurological problems can develop especially in infants and children

• Cancer causing chemicals

• Regular food has less vitamin and mineral content than organic food and washing doesn’t remove all pesticides

Check out this link by the Ontario College of Physicians for more information on the harm of Pesticides.

Ontario College of Family Physicians Comprehensive Review of Pesticide Research Confirms Dangers

“The College’s overall message to patients is to avoid exposure to all pesticides whenever and wherever possible.”

Part of the solution is to “eat organic“. There have been two major conclusions from a study by the The Organic Center, State of Science Review, Nutritional Superiority of Organic Foods:

• “Yes, organic plant-based foods are, on average, more nutritious in terms of their nutrient density for compounds validated by this study’s rigorous methodology.”

• ” The average serving of organic plant-based food contains about 25% more of the nutrients encompassed in this study than a comparable-sized serving of the same food produced by conventional farming methods.”

Please read the above report for great information on the value of organic foods.

Here is a list of foods to definitely eat organic: by the Environmental Working Group List of foods that should be eaten organic and foods that are low in pesticides.

Top twelve foods to eat organic because they have high pesticide levels:

1.Peach

2.Apple

3.Bell Pepper

4.Celery

5.Nectarine

6.Strawberries

7.Cherries

8.Kale

9.Lettuce

10.Grapes (Imported) ie. from Chile

11.Carrot

12.Pear

Fifteen foods with the lowest pesticide levels:

1.Onion

2.Avocado

3.Sweet Corn

4.Pineapple

5.Mango

6.Asparagus

7.Sweet Peas

8.Kiwi

9.Cabbage

10.Eggplant

11.Papaya

12.Watermelon

13.Broccoli

14.Tomato

15.Sweet Potato

What about Farmed salmon?

We are eating more salmon for heart health and to control inflammation. Most of the fish available in the markets are farmed fish. “Atlantic Salmon,” is basically farmed salmon. Farmed salmon has higher levels of polychlorinated biphenyls(PCB), dioxins, other persistent chlorinated contaminants, and very high levels of antibiotics. PCBs consumed by pregnant women can lead to neurological deficits like behavior problems and lower IQ in their children even at low exposure. So all pregnant women should avoid eating farmed salmon. Canned Alaskan salmon or wild fish is not farmed and therefore better for your health. The PCB are also associated with different cancers. Learn more about the negative environmental effects of farmed salmon at: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/files/PSF_Salmon_Brochure.pdf

Check out my website at Naturopathic Clinic Surrey and Delta

Dr. Dhillon, ND

Are eggs what they’re cracked up to be? Brown eggs or white eggs, Omega 3 eggs, Free run eggs, Free range eggs, Organic eggs, eggs and cholesterol, eggs and heart disease

All eggs are not created equal. I was in the grocery store trying to decide which eggs to buy.  Do I buy free range eggs, organic eggs, free run eggs, omega 3 eggs, omega 3 plus eggs?  Should I just get the regular eggs?  If I get regular eggs, then should I buy white or brown?  I had a lot of questions but no clear cut answer…or is there?

Brown or White: First of all, there is no nutritional difference between eggs that are white or brown. They are white or brown due to genetic differences in the hen that lays them–that’s all.  So regular brown eggs are not superior to regular white eggs. Oh and by the way, regular caged hens are crowded and in cages, so they need to have hormones and antibiotics in the feed to prevent infection.

Omega 3 eggs are laid by hens that are in cage but given feed high in omega 3 fatty acids. So the omega 3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) that they feed on are also present in the eggs at higher levels. Numerous research has demonstrated that eating DHA from fish oil helps lower triglycerides, a blood fat linked to heart disease. Omega 3 “plus” eggs sometimes have added beneficial carotenoids in the feed such as lutein and zeanxanthin.

Free run and free range eggs are essentially the same; free run hens are allowed to roam in the barn and feed on nesting perches whereas free range hens are allowed to roam outside as well. These free range eggs laid by hens that are allowed to roam free in an open environment for a specified time should be better. What makes them better?  Well let’s see…they have less cholesterol, more vitamin A and E, less than half the saturated fat content, and much more beta carotene(carotenoids) as long as the nutrients in the feed are better.(1) These carotenoids give an enhanced deep yellow color to the yolk. Remember that carotenoids are antioxidants also found in carrots, yams, and cantaloupe.  These nutrients offer a protective role against early atherosclerosis.(2) But unfortunately since the feed is not certified organic, farmers are not required to avoid non-organic feed, antibiotics and hormones. Still, I would think fewer antibiotics (or maybe none) would be required since they are allowed to roam free compared to regular caged hens. The colour of the yolk is more appealing but  hopefully it is not from artificial colour added to the feed.

Organic eggs are laid by hens that have organic feed and are allowed to roam free as well. So you have the benefits of organic feed and the the benefits of the hens being free range. Well, you probably could have guessed that I chose organic eggs.

The cholesterol issue:

We hear they have cholesterol so they have to avoided. But just because they contain cholesterol doesn’t mean they will increase you blood cholesterol levels. Your body makes most of the cholesterol in your blood, not from the diet. Egg have 18 essential vitamins and mineral, is a high quality protein and not excessively high in saturated fat. Each egg contains about 200mg of cholesterol. 300mg of cholesterol daily is allowed in according to heart and stroke foundations. One egg per day doesn’t increase the heart attack and stroke risk in healthy men but a study notes that diabetic men perhaps shouldn’t have too many eggs.(Less than on egg per day).

In this study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers followed 21,327 male physicians for 20 years and found that consuming eggs – up to six a week – was not linked with a greater risk of heart attack, stroke or death from all causes. But, the results were different for men with diabetes. Those who ate seven or more eggs a week compared with less than one had double the risk for all-cause mortality, presumably from heart disease.(3) Interestingly, that study also reported a relationship between egg consumption and risk of heart disease in people with diabetes. Among those with diabetes, egg-a-day eaters were a bit more likely to develop heart disease than those who rarely ate eggs.

This isn’t the first study to find no connection between egg intake and heart disease in healthy people. A previous study by Harvard’s public health determined that eating one egg a day had no overall impact on the risk of heart disease or stroke in men and women.(4)

Evidence that eating eggs increases heart disease risk is weak, there is plenty of scientific support for making other dietary modifications. Numerous studies have shown that reducing saturated and trans fats, limiting sodium intake and increasing consumption of fish, whole grains and fiber guard against heart disease.

1.  http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/2007-04-01/Best-Eggs-Comparison.aspx

2. http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/103/24/2922

3. http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/87/4/964

4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10217054?ordinalpos=5&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Bisphenol A or BPA in the news again, phalates, PVC, polyvinyl chloride, food and drink, hormone disruptors, endocrine, banned, chemical plasticizer, plastic labels, number 7, stainless steel, perfume, lotion, gels,

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been banned by Canadian health association and will no longer be able to use the chemical in baby bottles. That’s a good start as the first country to ban the toxin. But recent test have show to be BPA positive even in “BPA-free bottles.”

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical plasticizer that is used to harden plastic. Found in hard plastic sports bottles and the lining of food cans. Evidence is there that it can be harmful to newborns, infants, and pregnant mothers. It is found in common consumer baby products such as baby bottles, food and formula cans, sippy cups; it is also found in CD cases, eyeglasses etc.

How do you know if a plastic has it? Food and beverage containers labeled with a recycling symbol with a #7 mostly contain BPA. But not everything with BPA will be labeled with a recycling #7.

How can it be harmful to you and your children and infants? Bisphenol A is a hormone disruptor–meaning it mimics different hormones in the body. Young children and infants have a decreased ability of removing the toxin from the body since their kidney function is less developed than an adult. JAMA article has shown that there is a significant relationship between the BPA and heart disease, diabetes, and liver problems.

What other choice do we have other than Bisphenol A? Obviously we should try to avoid all food and beverage containers with Bisphenol A. And we should instead use glass or even stainless steel refillable drinking bottles that are low in nickel—and decrease the use of hard plastic. Also avoid, or at least decrease use of canned food and try to consume fruits and vegetables that are fresh. Choose glass containers instead of cans.

Another chemical found in plastic is phalates. Phalates are used widely as plasticizers for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics. They are used to increase flexibility and soften plastics. For example, they can be used to soften plastic water bottles and our kid’s toys. Phthalates are also added to perfumes, lotions and hair products like gels, mousses and sprays for longer lasting fragrance. Phalates are found in nail polish to prevent chipping and breaking of nails. Foods that come in contact with plastics also contain phalates. These chemicals also act as hormones disruptors. For example, they can negatively affect thyroid hormones, androgen levels and insulin resistance. In the process of metabolizing phalates, there may be alteration in the thyroid hormones levels in men. Increased exposure to phalates has been shown to be associated with increased insulin resistance and abdominal obesity.

Bisphenol A and phalates are chemicals in the plastic that can leach into the food or drink you consume; even more if you heat your water bottle or put hot drinks in the baby bottle. Also, if you heat your food in plastic containers in the microwave then these chemicals will also leach into your food because there is a high amount of heat applied to food in a short period of time.

Consider the alternatives for better health.

Dr. Dhillon, ND

Link to “Smart Plastics Guide, Healthier Food Uses of Plastics” by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade policy: http://www.healthobservatory.org/library.cfm?refid=102202

Red meat mmmmm or hmmm???? Red meat and death, processed meat, saturated fat, sodium

There is a study about red meat and earlier death. Doesn’t sound good does it? The researchers studied 500, 000 people and determined that people who ate mostly processed meat and red meat compared to people who ate mostly white meat died earlier. They did not study vegetarians. In other words this study is not comparing eating red meat versus no meat, but red meat verus white meat. The take home message is that it is better to eat wild fish and white meat(chicken, turkey) than red meat(beef, goat, pork) and processed meat. The study didn’t look into cause of death just association.

What wrong with processed meat? Well, they are high in saturated fat, sodium, and contain chemicals like sodium nitrite which makes meat look fresh when you buy it. What about red meat? It is high in arachadonic acid content which is an inflammatory eicosanoid, and saturated fat. You know about good fats(fish and flax are anti-inflammatory) and bad fats(trans fats and low omega 3 foods are inflammatory). So you can think of arachadonic acid as leading to bad fat.

One problem with the study is that researchers lumped all types of red meat containing food into the same group such as lasagna, processed meat, stews, pizza, hamburgers and hot dogs together. So if we have lasagna with cheese(which is high in saturated fat then we don’t know how much the red meat alone had a negative impact on the subjects health versus the lasagna alone because of  the extra fat and calories in lasagna. Also, lean meat is different than hot dogs which are different than hamburgers because of different fat content and preparation.

But at any rate, people who generally eat more red meat also have a variety of those meats and there was still an increase in overall mortality in men and women who ate more red meat versus white meat. So looking at overall mortality, they said that 11% of deaths in men and 16% of deaths in women would have been prevented by significantly avoiding red meat.

Eat a balanced diet and limit red meat intake, have more fruits , veges and fiber

Meat intake and mortality: a prospective study of over half a million.

Dr. Dhillon, ND      check out my website:   www.drhillon.ca

Have you heard of Ashwagandha yet? ayurvedic medicine, energy, adrenals, sexual performance, sex, elderly

Ashwagandha is an extremely versatile and useful herb.  It is the equivalent of an Indian Ginseng and has a history of use in Ayurvedic medicine.  Not only does it help with stress and anxiety but can also improve energy  and rejuvenate sexual function.  Actually, in sanskrit it means “like a horse”…..I’m guessing you can figure out what that means.   An example will help point out the benefits(no pun intended).  An elderly patient who was dealing with some stress received ashwagandha from me to help him relax and focus and to his pleasant surprise he was able to “enhance his sexual performance”….meaning it had been a long time since he was able to perform in the evening and again the next morning.  Oh and by the way, Ashwagandha also can be used improve blood iron levels since it contains some iron as well as amino acids glycine, valine, tyrosine and alanine that can help improve nervous system function.  So it is also a very useful herb for women.  Unfortunately not all products are created equal… but I like the Ashwagandha product by Ayush Herbs.

check out my website www.drdhillon.ca

Dr. Dhillon, ND

Why all the hype about omega 3 fats? omega 3, benefits of omega 3, omega 3 fats, omega 3 oils, vegetarians, rancid oils

Take a stroll through the grocery store and you will see more and more products fortified with omega 3 fats. Omega 3, 6 and 9 are essential fats. They are called essential because or body does not make them but we need them for optimal health. Optimal levels of omega 3 fats with promote heart health.

Omega 3s are considered good fats because they boost your immune function(less colds/ flus), improve brain development (in children, adults), help to stabilize mood, and are anti-inflammatory.

Omega 3 fats are often ignored by vegetarians. The main source of vegetarian omega 3 is going to be flax seed oil. Flax seed should not be used for cooking since it will go rancid. Rancid oil is unhealthy and smells bad. Now people are learning the benefits of taking these oils and UDO’s Oil is being promoted heavily.  Always check with doctor before starting any product although, most people will not have any problems with it. People with bleeding problems and blood thinners should consult their naturopath.

Detoxification, toxins, cleanse, liver, heavy metals, detox kits, alcohol, herbs, laxatives, detox and skin, fatigue

There is evidence that the body is exposed to chemical like pesticides, heavy metals, solvents in the workplace. Toxins are associated with developmental and neurological problems. There is evidence that these toxins are in our bodies. Spring time is traditionally is the best time to do a cleanse or “detox” because there is a great variety of fruits and vegetables available to eat.  A detox or cleanse is done to help rid the body of toxins that can improve body’s overall function. Doctor supervised detoxification can help liver and digestive functions and overall body function including fatigue and skin problems. We help many of our patients with detoxification of the body to improve their energy, digestion, skin problems like eczema and acne.

The body mainly eliminates toxins mainly through stool and urine. But the liver is the main organ that neutralizes toxins from the body. We can support the body in detoxification/cleansing with herbs.

Some general detox kits that we buy from health food stores can be very harsh on the body since they contains laxatives that increase the amount and number of times one goes to stool. Laxatives This is one reason people say that they can lose weight when doing a cleanse. But they are actually losing water weight from excess stool and urine.

Following are  some common herbs used in detoxification:

Milk thistle – protect liver and help liver to detoxify–milk thistle is used to treat cirrhosis and hepatitis.

Haldi or turmeric – we know it has anti-inflammatory properties- used for injuries, but also protects the liver from toxins and can help liver remove toxins from the body.

Psyllium seed husks- can be helpful to increase stool elimination form the body.

Chlorella and organic cilantro – helps to detoxify heavy metals like mercury.

These herbs used in combination with dietary advice can be very helpful in cleansing the body.

Increase fruits and vegetables, and avoidance of common allergenic foods and increase filtered water.

Avoid – alcohol and sugar while doing a cleanse and cola .

Detoxification is a good way to begin a healthy eating program. It will help your energy and overall health.

Dr. Dhillon, ND   checkout my website at www.drdhillon.ca

Another reason to avoid cola, cola and potassium, obesity, diabetes, bone weakness, tooth decay

Yet another reason to avoid cola.

Cola drinking is already linked to obesity , diabetes, bone weakness, and  tooth decay. British researchers are warning about excess cola consumption. Consuming too much cola can lead to a deficiency in potassium(hypokalemia). This deficiency in potassium is recognized by loss of muscle power and fatigue, appetite loss. Researchers say that the cola related problems come from the combination contains caffeine, glucose and fructose. They initially caught on when a patient presented in the office with symptoms of hypokalemia and was discovered that he was drinking 4 litres of cola daily.

Chronic hypokalemia due to excessive cola consumption: a case report.

Dr. Dhillon, ND   checkout my website at www.drdhillon.ca