Protecting our body from various infections is something that is 'built up' over time. Proper nutrition, good living conditions, and avoiding habits that burden our bodies over time are some of the key principles that make our body ready to deal with infections or other illnesses as lightly as possible.
Of course we are not coming to discover America! We are simply seeking, at a time when debates over the issue of the coronavirus epidemic have burst - after the first case of a patient in our country - to bring back to the agenda the conclusions reached by science and about substantive protection. and the severity of the infections.
The science of Holistic Medicine focuses on stimulating the immune system
If someone has been diagnosed with upper respiratory tract infection, playing the right and proper diet that supplies our body with the necessary tools is crucial. Plenty of liquids, herbal drinks, and fresh juices are also required.
Boiled - preferably organic - rice with olive oil, turmeric and lemon can help, especially when stomach upset.
Of course, it is good to avoid heavy and unhealthy foods such as fried foods, heavy fats and alcohol.
It is also important to cut dairy products, especially during an acute illness. This is because they have traditionally contributed to an increase in mucus density, exacerbating symptoms.
This is a knowledge still found in Hippocrates' writings. There, the Medical Teacher dedicates whole chapters to proper nutrition during illness. It is a special diet - fasting and avoiding animal feed.
It is also something we encountered in empirical - traditional Greek medicine, where they avoided eating animal foods and boiling rice with lemon, the well-known lapp, was a key ingredient in the diet of patients.
Herbs suitable for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infection
The herbs that are indicated for the respective beverages are:
thyme, marjoram, bitumen, sage, mint, chamomile.
Marjoram in fact (in powder or in capsules) is considered very important in stimulating the immune system. It works both preventively and in the acute phase can help equally.
In addition to dietary adjustments and choices in general, one more prerequisite for quick recovery is rest. Short sick leave is especially beneficial for us and for our colleagues. Attendance at work, where we fail to perform and there is a risk of relapses and side effects, can lead to a longer absence.
Plenty of fluids, even when healthy, especially in the event of illness, play an important role in the body's ability to eliminate the toxins of the disease.
Stopping or at least limiting smoking. Of course with the new arrangements, as long as they will last, because we are Greece, this is relatively easy and finally the atmosphere in the air-conditioned areas is at least clean.
Fever, a symptom legitimate or not?
According to holistic medicine, the ability of an organism to fever 1-2 times a year is characterized as a very positive health point. It is an example of the proper functioning of our body's defense systems.
Fever is also defined in traditional medicine with temperatures rising above 38.5-39 degrees Celsius in adults. Although annoying, at the University of Medicine, the pathology lesson now teaches us to avoid administering antipyretics until these limits are exceeded.
This is because fever is a major defense of the body against germs. This is because it makes them "fight" in an unfavorable environment. The optimum temperature for these is normal, 36.6 where they are cultured in the laboratory.
Under normal circumstances, if nothing more serious happens, the fever will "cycle" as we say within one to three 24 hours. Then our body begins to return to normal levels. Until then we avoid medication and follow the diet mentioned above and plenty of liquids.
Care should be taken if the symptoms are severe or persist for a long time. Then we go to the treating physician.
Beware of antibiotics!
Antibodies are not a panacea! The virus that causes the common cold is not treated with antibiotics. They only affect germs. Generally the cycle of a cure is 3-7 days, although the cough can persist for longer periods, up to one month.
Of course, severe symptoms require medical advice and monitoring. It is a pity that we are the first country in Europe to abuse antibiotics. This is something that should alarm us about the necessity of the medicines we consume and listen to the instructions of the treating physician.
Probiotics are a very important parameter. If we are advised to take antibiotics, the use of probiotics is also necessary to maintain our digestive system in good condition. It is good to continue taking probiotics for 15 to 30 days after the antibiotic. Every antibiotic affects the intestinal flora, so it's important to recover and give the body time to regain its harmony.
What we need to know about upper respiratory tract infections:
• They occur with increased frequency during the winter months.
• If, until a cold has passed, we neglect our attire, our diet, and even our exit, the whole body may go back many days.
• The side effects we seek to avoid are bacterial sinusitis bronchitis and pneumonia. And of course, purulent tonsillitis and pharyngitis. These can occur in weakened organisms or when the patient is without taking the precautions and measures mentioned.
• In cases of chest pain, severe coughing with yellow or green sputum, and especially in high-risk groups (weakened organisms, the elderly, children) then seek medical advice immediately.
• General preventive measures, the combination of herbs and healthy eating, help complete and speedy recovery as well as prevent relapses.
Bibliography:
Arch G. Mainous, III, William J. Hueston and Jonathan R. Clark, (1996), Antibiotics and upper respiratory infection: do some folks think there is a cure for the common cold?, Gale Academic Onefile, Journal of Family Practice(Vol. 42, Issue 4), https://go.gale.com/ps/anonymous?id=GALE%7CA18356250&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=00943509&p=AONE&sw=w.
Paula Gardiner, Kathi J. Kamper, (2000), Herbs in Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Pediatrics Review, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kathi_Kemper2/publication/274637505_herbs_in_pediatric_and_adolescent_medicine-_gardiner-_peds_in_review_2000/links/55242e490cf2b123c51736e8.pdf.
Roxane R. Carr, Pharm. D et al, (2006), Complementary and alternative medicine for upper-respiratory-tract infection in children, American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, Volume 63, Issue 1, 1 January 2006, Pages 33–39, https://doi.org/10.2146/ajhp040613.
By Dr Angel,
Aggeliki Koskeridou
Holistic Doctor – Counseling Psychotherapist
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
MSc Health Psychology