Greetings to All!

H1N1 (swine flu) Update:

Though it is important to be informed and diligent, the fear factor around the H1N1 swine flu has contributed to much unnecessary worry. Remember that stress responses in the neuro-immune cascade actually contribute to immune dysfunction. This means that stress lowers our immune defenses. For most people, H1N1 will not be worse than the regular flu. Several middle-aged people have suffered the worst so far, with prolonged symptoms lasting two weeks at times. More people will get this flu since we have not yet built up resistance in the population, and therefore more medical problems, some severe, will be experienced, similar to problems from the regular flu. It is my belief that the building of natural resistance in the population is important, and immunization is only part of the prevention solution. These viruses often change and mutate, so it is hard to keep up with the vaccines successfully. Many people born before 1955 have a degree of resistance to this flu from exposures they had to a similar virus back then. Many of these people are not getting very sick with the H1N1 swine flu. If you have prolonged flu symptoms with upper respiratory distress, see your doctor.

Current conventional recommendations are that antivirals such as Tamiflu be used for children under age two, pregnant women, asthmatics and elderly people with chronic illness. Tamiflu is only effective if started in the first 24-48 hours of the onset of the virus. For most people it is not recommended to take these antivirals, and building resistance is a better alternative for the long run.

Vaccination is a choice that is strongly encouraged by the Centers for Disease Control. Children under 10 need two doses three to four weeks apart, while the rest of the population needs only one dose. Presently, many offices like ours are waiting for the vaccine. If you must have it fairly soon, look for health clinics in your community offering the vaccine.

It is my philosophy that you can do many things naturally to support your immune system and build resistance to flu symptoms as well as to treat them. We have had success with many of these approaches. Below are some suggestions:

Here are the most important vitamin and supplement combinations for prevention:

Vitamin D3: 4,000 to 5,000 units daily as recommended by your doctor. Do not exceed 2,000 units daily after six to eight weeks without consulting your doctor.

Vitamin C: One to three grams of buffered high quality Vitamin C daily.

Vitamin A: 20,000 to 40,000 units for 10-14 days combined with the vitamins above.

Guna Flu, Weleda and HEEL Flu remedies as a homeopathic weekly or other homeopathic support as recommended in our office. These homeopathics can be very helpful to activate your immune response. GUNA FLU is back and is a wonderful preventive flu remedy. It really works well.

We have several other combinations to treat flu and even some homeopathic injections for more difficult cases. Homeopathics, when taken correctly at exposure or at onset of symptoms, can have very good results for many people. Patients have been very impressed with the results of these medications.

Intravenous Vitamin C* can also be used to prevent and treat flu symptoms. This IV is available in our office for more intensive treatment if needed.

Oscillococcinum, a readily available homeopathic remedy, carried by several health food stores and pharmacies, is another good alternative if this is more accessible to you.

Remember that stress lowers your immunity. Cranial Sacral therapy, massage and osteopathic manipulation can be great for detoxification, relaxation and gaining a new perspective on stress. Do something positive for yourself, family and friends to reduce stress and add levity. Be proactive with your health and prevent disease. Watch what you eat, focusing on eating good foods that are wholesome and pure. Most problems with diet are about what we don’t eat, not what we do eat. Poor eating habits are a stress internally on the body. Eating properly can help you stay well during the winter months. Greens, vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, seeds and whole grains are what most people lack in their nourishment. When we do not eat nutrient-rich foods, the body thinks it is deficient even though we are eating too many calories.

* Of note: Dr. Johnson is using a high dose Vitamin C IV protocol for immune and cancer support. This is given with Mistletoe Iscador for some patients for further immune regulation. This is the same Mistletoe used by Suzanne Somers to cure her breast cancer as debated on MSNBC recently. Feel free to inquire about this with Dr. Johnson.

Stay well! And blessings!