How Your Immunity Can Change the ‘Five-Second-Floor Rule’
Most people are familiar with the old saying that food is safe to eat for five seconds after being dropped on the floor. Since there are just informal studies disproving this now so-called fallacy, it is pretty unlikely that you will contract a serious bout of food borne illness from eating that fallen food… that is, unless the surface it was dropped on contains E. coli or a similar strain of harmful bacterial microorganisms.
However, the kitchen is one of the most germ-infested rooms in the house according to the “King of Germs” Dr. Philip Tierno-- even in the most spic-n-span of kitchens. This is likely due to its high-traffic nature. And given the tenacity of germs, it takes a lot for them to die-- which explains why a thorough hand-washing involving at least 15 seconds of vigorous lathering under warm, soapy water is necessary (not just the notion to “blow off the germs”).
So while you may not have salmonella lurking on your tile floor (or other common contact surfaces), you just may have other minor germs that can cause gastro upset in delicate or immune-compromised systems. And while our saliva and stomach acid generally work well to fight infection in a body that is functioning healthily, it never hurts to take caution.
Whether or not you decide to eat that morsel, building up your immunity can greatly benefit your overall health, as germs are impervious to entering our systems just through simple contact with the eyes, nose, and mouth. In addition, consider your lifestyle… such as if you dine out frequently-- many restaurants have been known to throw cleanliness to the wayside to boost efficiency or cut costs.
Natural products to promote relief from gastric upset:
DigestAssist to help maintain digestive comfort and promote healthy digestion
Gastronic Dr. to promote overall digestive health and functioning
Gasolve Relief for overall digestive health and to prevent embarrassment after meals
Digestion Tonic to promote healthy and trouble-free digestion and digestive balance
Natural products that support immunity, digestive, and overall health:
Kidney Dr. to promote kidney and urinary system health and functioning
ImmunityPlus for full immune system support for adults and teens
Detox Drops to promote natural cleansing function and ability to eliminate toxins
Insulate Plus to help maintain healthy circulation, blood sugar levels, insulin production and bio-availability
Liver Dr. to promote healthy liver functioning, resistance to toxin/disease damage and systemic health
AdrenoBoost to protect adrenal glands from the damaging effects of stress to maintain healthy functioning
Natural products to support children’s health:
Worm Dr. to promote digestive health and prevention of intestinal worms in both adults and children
KiddieBoost to support healthy immune functioning in children
Tummy Trumbles to promote normal bowel activity and healthy, firm stools in children
KiddiVom Sprinkles aids in digestive support, and helps relieve nausea and vomiting in children
Browse all of our Herbal Remedies Products. Buy 2 Get 1 FREE plus free shipping!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
How One Bad Burger Can Haunt You for Years
The lingering effects of food borne illness
Reports are showing a disturbing connection between past E.coli infections and a number of ailments a person suffers from even when past infections have been treated and cured.
Can certain strains of bacteria remain in the body and cause complications further down the road? Is there a way to significantly prevent the dangerous conditions linked to past food poisoning? These diseases include arthritis, pancreatitis that leads to diabetes, as well as both kidney and liver failure.
According to Lauran Neergaard from the Associated Press, scientists have revealed connections between high blood pressure, kidney damage, and even full kidney failure afflicting people 10 or 20 years after they had overcome an E.coli infection.
Stock up on friendly bacteria
Studies have shown that E.coli bacteria have literally no chance of surviving and populating within an environment that has the proper amount of healthy bacteria.
Now, for people that have been treated with antibiotics for E.coli, this is a crucial thing to consider since antibiotics have most likely depleted friendly bacteria from their bodies. Our digestive health is one the most important parts of proper immune function.
Replenishing the body of probiotic bacteria is therefore essential to defend bodies from diseases in the future. Good sources of friendly bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus thermophilus, include yogurt, buttermilk, and cultured milk such as kefir.
Make sure to look at the expiration date on cultured products. The product will contain more live cultures the fresher it is. There are also a number of probiotic enforced foods such as cheese and probiotic supplements available now on the market.
ImmunityPlus can be used to support the natural ability of the immune system and maintain energy levels and fight fatigue. ImmunityPlus also promotes healthy circulation and oxygen-rich blood flow to all systems in the body. Fatigue Fighter can be used to reduce feelings of common listlessness associated with routine tiredness and to assist in the prevention of burnout.
Can detoxification help?
Everyone can benefit from body detoxification. Pollutants in the air we breathe outdoors and at home, preservatives found in food, and chemicals found in common household products can lodge in your body and cause a number of health problems in the future. During the detoxification process the body unburdens itself from stagnant waste and bi-products replenishing systemic health.
There are a number of detoxification treatments available today. Some are homeopathic or herbal, and feature ingredients that have been used for centuries to promote the detoxification of bodily organs. Milk thistle and dandelion promote detoxification and optimal functioning of the liver. In traditional Chinese medicine, the liver is seen as one of the most important organs in the body - it is after all the biggest, weighing on average three pounds.
When liver function is compromised it cannot perform the important tasks of cleansing and detoxing the blood. Other essential liver functions include aiding the body in breaking down fat, maintaining proper levels of glucose in the blood, and storing essential vitamins and minerals. Try Liver Dr. to promote natural liver health.
Modern lifestyle many times causes the liver to be overwhelmed with toxins from processed foods and foods that are high in fat and refined sugar with little or no nutritional value.
Home remedies that aid detoxification include lemon juice mixed with warm water. A tea made with fresh ginger, turmeric powder and lemon juice is also good for promoting natural detoxification. Wheat bran which is also known as “nature’s sweeper” and ground flaxseeds are both high in fiber. They create bulk in the intestines that sweeps impurities along with it as it completes its passage through the digestive system.
Since the largest elimination organ in our body is the skin, sweating during exercise is also a great way to help flush out toxins. Herbal Remedies Detox Drops promotes elimination of toxins and naturally flushes out the system as well as assists in the body's natural elimination of toxins.
Chemicals present in household items such as antibacterial products can also have devastating consequences for systemic health. First of all, none of the “anti-bacterial” products effectively kill 100% of bacteria. If you read labels closely they only claim to kill 99.9%. And even if they did effectively did kill all bacteria, we need a certain amount of bacteria in our body to maintain optimal health.
The chemical triclosan which is present in many antibacterial products such as hand soap, deodorants, dish detergents and even in toothpaste! has been known to cause the development of resistant strains of bacteria or “super bugs” that are immune to antibiotics and very hard to treat even in hospitals!
Some studies have shown that triclosan also reacts with chlorine in tap water to form chloroform gas. The United States Environmental Protection Agency classifies this as a probable human carcinogen. A 2006 study showed that triclosan can be an endocrine disruptor in the American bullfrog. And shockingly, traces of triclosan have even been found in human breast milk.
As scary as this sounds, it is entirely up to each person to decide whether the benefits of such products outweigh the risks in a world where treating ailments and disease has outweighed prevention.
Herbal Remedies >> Buy 2 Get 1 FREE plus free shipping
Reports are showing a disturbing connection between past E.coli infections and a number of ailments a person suffers from even when past infections have been treated and cured.
Can certain strains of bacteria remain in the body and cause complications further down the road? Is there a way to significantly prevent the dangerous conditions linked to past food poisoning? These diseases include arthritis, pancreatitis that leads to diabetes, as well as both kidney and liver failure.
According to Lauran Neergaard from the Associated Press, scientists have revealed connections between high blood pressure, kidney damage, and even full kidney failure afflicting people 10 or 20 years after they had overcome an E.coli infection.
Stock up on friendly bacteria
Studies have shown that E.coli bacteria have literally no chance of surviving and populating within an environment that has the proper amount of healthy bacteria.
Now, for people that have been treated with antibiotics for E.coli, this is a crucial thing to consider since antibiotics have most likely depleted friendly bacteria from their bodies. Our digestive health is one the most important parts of proper immune function.
Replenishing the body of probiotic bacteria is therefore essential to defend bodies from diseases in the future. Good sources of friendly bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus thermophilus, include yogurt, buttermilk, and cultured milk such as kefir.
Make sure to look at the expiration date on cultured products. The product will contain more live cultures the fresher it is. There are also a number of probiotic enforced foods such as cheese and probiotic supplements available now on the market.
ImmunityPlus can be used to support the natural ability of the immune system and maintain energy levels and fight fatigue. ImmunityPlus also promotes healthy circulation and oxygen-rich blood flow to all systems in the body. Fatigue Fighter can be used to reduce feelings of common listlessness associated with routine tiredness and to assist in the prevention of burnout.
Can detoxification help?
Everyone can benefit from body detoxification. Pollutants in the air we breathe outdoors and at home, preservatives found in food, and chemicals found in common household products can lodge in your body and cause a number of health problems in the future. During the detoxification process the body unburdens itself from stagnant waste and bi-products replenishing systemic health.
There are a number of detoxification treatments available today. Some are homeopathic or herbal, and feature ingredients that have been used for centuries to promote the detoxification of bodily organs. Milk thistle and dandelion promote detoxification and optimal functioning of the liver. In traditional Chinese medicine, the liver is seen as one of the most important organs in the body - it is after all the biggest, weighing on average three pounds.
When liver function is compromised it cannot perform the important tasks of cleansing and detoxing the blood. Other essential liver functions include aiding the body in breaking down fat, maintaining proper levels of glucose in the blood, and storing essential vitamins and minerals. Try Liver Dr. to promote natural liver health.
Modern lifestyle many times causes the liver to be overwhelmed with toxins from processed foods and foods that are high in fat and refined sugar with little or no nutritional value.
Home remedies that aid detoxification include lemon juice mixed with warm water. A tea made with fresh ginger, turmeric powder and lemon juice is also good for promoting natural detoxification. Wheat bran which is also known as “nature’s sweeper” and ground flaxseeds are both high in fiber. They create bulk in the intestines that sweeps impurities along with it as it completes its passage through the digestive system.
Since the largest elimination organ in our body is the skin, sweating during exercise is also a great way to help flush out toxins. Herbal Remedies Detox Drops promotes elimination of toxins and naturally flushes out the system as well as assists in the body's natural elimination of toxins.
Chemicals present in household items such as antibacterial products can also have devastating consequences for systemic health. First of all, none of the “anti-bacterial” products effectively kill 100% of bacteria. If you read labels closely they only claim to kill 99.9%. And even if they did effectively did kill all bacteria, we need a certain amount of bacteria in our body to maintain optimal health.
The chemical triclosan which is present in many antibacterial products such as hand soap, deodorants, dish detergents and even in toothpaste! has been known to cause the development of resistant strains of bacteria or “super bugs” that are immune to antibiotics and very hard to treat even in hospitals!
Some studies have shown that triclosan also reacts with chlorine in tap water to form chloroform gas. The United States Environmental Protection Agency classifies this as a probable human carcinogen. A 2006 study showed that triclosan can be an endocrine disruptor in the American bullfrog. And shockingly, traces of triclosan have even been found in human breast milk.
As scary as this sounds, it is entirely up to each person to decide whether the benefits of such products outweigh the risks in a world where treating ailments and disease has outweighed prevention.
Herbal Remedies >> Buy 2 Get 1 FREE plus free shipping
Are We Creating a Deadly Super-bug?
Antibiotic overuse, disinfectants, excessive cleanliness & more
In an ironic twist to humanity’s plagues of the past, could it be that we now stand the chance of facing a worldwide pandemic because we are too clean? The overuse of antibiotics-- combined with the widely spread use of disinfectants-- could be causing microscopic mutations with potentially catastrophic consequences, including the creation of deadly ‘super-bugs’.
Products such as bug-resistant toys, steering wheels, and toothbrushes are also depriving the body of its ability to develop the necessary immune responses that should naturally protect us when facing a potential bacterial infection.
The widespread use of antibiotics in our farm animals has also contributed to the problem, as a large portion of our food supply is tainted with remnants of antibiotics as well.
In addition, the chemical triclosan found in any anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, dish washing liquid or hand wash (and present in almost every household disinfecting product) has sparked a rapid mutation of these pathogens-- creating potentially deadly super-bugs.
This increase of drug-resistant bugs worldwide-- everywhere from hospitals to farms-- has been linked to a rise in antibiotic prescriptions in numerous studies.
Infectious diseases are responsible for the death of 13 million people each year, making them the world's leading killer. These new outbreaks caused by antibiotic-resistant super-bugs are making doctors and public health officials very nervous.
The Center for Disease Control has estimated that one third of the 150 million outpatient prescriptions for antibiotics written each year in the U.S. are unnecessary.
As a result of this abuse, many strains of bacteria have mutated and become resistant to conventional antibiotics, as well as to stronger hospital antibiotics.
Dr. James Hughes, director of the National Center for Infectious Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, “The microbes are challenging us in ways we wouldn't have imagined 10 years ago-- and for which we're not prepared."
The New England Journal of Medicine even reported a case of a man whose infection would not be treated by even most powerful antibiotic available—and whose germs had to be eradicated after his death using a sophisticated combination-drug therapy.
Some of the super-bugs (e.g. pseudomonas, Staphylococcus) encountered in hospitals worldwide have forced some institutions to close down due to high mortality rates caused by the antibiotic-resistant bugs. There have even been reported instances where hospitals were demolished because they could not eliminate the organisms.
Perhaps even more disturbing is the increasing rate of hospital-acquired infections, which is currently at 10%. Vulnerable populations such as newborns, geriatrics, and immuno-compromised patients undergoing treatments for cancer, HIV, and other illnesses are at an even greater risk.
Another clear reason to worry is the decline of new antibiotics approved by the FDA, as well as in the decreased number of companies in the process of developing new ones. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, in the mid-1980s, 16 antibiotics were approved over a five-year span. That number has dropped to five in the last five years, most likely contributed to the fact that medications for conditions such as depression and cholesterol are far more profitable.
Legislators have tried with little success to encourage the development of new antibiotics. Last September, President Bush signed the FDA reauthorization bill, which featured financial incentives for manufacturers.
In the meantime, there is much we can do to help strengthen the body’s immune system naturally. Studies have shown that bacteria have a hard time populating and reproducing in a healthy digestive system.
Since most of our immune health is tied to our digestive track, it is essential to have proper amounts of digestive flora. These beneficial strains of bacteria ward off the bugs that cause bacterial infections. A sluggish metabolism will hardly promote a healthy intestinal environment.
Effects of Antibiotic Overuse
Triple Complex Digestion Tonic promotes health and balance in the digestive tract and supports healthy digestive functioning. DigestAssist promotes healthy digestion and comfort after meals. For full immune system support, visit ImmunityPlus.
Shop at the Herbal Remedies Store >> Buy 2 Get 1 FREE plus free shipping!!
In an ironic twist to humanity’s plagues of the past, could it be that we now stand the chance of facing a worldwide pandemic because we are too clean? The overuse of antibiotics-- combined with the widely spread use of disinfectants-- could be causing microscopic mutations with potentially catastrophic consequences, including the creation of deadly ‘super-bugs’.
Products such as bug-resistant toys, steering wheels, and toothbrushes are also depriving the body of its ability to develop the necessary immune responses that should naturally protect us when facing a potential bacterial infection.
The widespread use of antibiotics in our farm animals has also contributed to the problem, as a large portion of our food supply is tainted with remnants of antibiotics as well.
In addition, the chemical triclosan found in any anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, dish washing liquid or hand wash (and present in almost every household disinfecting product) has sparked a rapid mutation of these pathogens-- creating potentially deadly super-bugs.
This increase of drug-resistant bugs worldwide-- everywhere from hospitals to farms-- has been linked to a rise in antibiotic prescriptions in numerous studies.
Infectious diseases are responsible for the death of 13 million people each year, making them the world's leading killer. These new outbreaks caused by antibiotic-resistant super-bugs are making doctors and public health officials very nervous.
The Center for Disease Control has estimated that one third of the 150 million outpatient prescriptions for antibiotics written each year in the U.S. are unnecessary.
As a result of this abuse, many strains of bacteria have mutated and become resistant to conventional antibiotics, as well as to stronger hospital antibiotics.
Dr. James Hughes, director of the National Center for Infectious Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, “The microbes are challenging us in ways we wouldn't have imagined 10 years ago-- and for which we're not prepared."
The New England Journal of Medicine even reported a case of a man whose infection would not be treated by even most powerful antibiotic available—and whose germs had to be eradicated after his death using a sophisticated combination-drug therapy.
Some of the super-bugs (e.g. pseudomonas, Staphylococcus) encountered in hospitals worldwide have forced some institutions to close down due to high mortality rates caused by the antibiotic-resistant bugs. There have even been reported instances where hospitals were demolished because they could not eliminate the organisms.
Perhaps even more disturbing is the increasing rate of hospital-acquired infections, which is currently at 10%. Vulnerable populations such as newborns, geriatrics, and immuno-compromised patients undergoing treatments for cancer, HIV, and other illnesses are at an even greater risk.
Another clear reason to worry is the decline of new antibiotics approved by the FDA, as well as in the decreased number of companies in the process of developing new ones. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, in the mid-1980s, 16 antibiotics were approved over a five-year span. That number has dropped to five in the last five years, most likely contributed to the fact that medications for conditions such as depression and cholesterol are far more profitable.
Legislators have tried with little success to encourage the development of new antibiotics. Last September, President Bush signed the FDA reauthorization bill, which featured financial incentives for manufacturers.
In the meantime, there is much we can do to help strengthen the body’s immune system naturally. Studies have shown that bacteria have a hard time populating and reproducing in a healthy digestive system.
Since most of our immune health is tied to our digestive track, it is essential to have proper amounts of digestive flora. These beneficial strains of bacteria ward off the bugs that cause bacterial infections. A sluggish metabolism will hardly promote a healthy intestinal environment.
Effects of Antibiotic Overuse
- Destruction of beneficial intestinal flora
- Allergic reactions and the development of new allergies
- Development of resistant microorganisms
- Immune suppression
- Candida overgrowth
- Nutrient loss
- Treating effects not causes
Triple Complex Digestion Tonic promotes health and balance in the digestive tract and supports healthy digestive functioning. DigestAssist promotes healthy digestion and comfort after meals. For full immune system support, visit ImmunityPlus.
Shop at the Herbal Remedies Store >> Buy 2 Get 1 FREE plus free shipping!!
Think You’ve Avoided the Winter Flu? Well… Think Again!
Even with warmer weather approaching (we hope) we are still not out of the woods with regards to flu season. Although this is surprising to most, the flu epidemic can often stretch into spring, which looks to be the case this year.
Geographic location also plays a role… the flu hits the hardest around February in the Northern Hemisphere and September in the Southern.
So, for those who have manage to avoid the flu throughout the winter and thought they were home free-- think again!
In addition, most people are also misinformed about the flu vaccine itself, believing that it prevents infection completely. This is not the case-- the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that while the vaccine helps prevent serious disease, it is not to be considered a cure-all.
Given the uncertainty of the vaccine’s effectiveness (for those who did get the vaccine), as well as the lengthy flu season this year, taking additional steps to prevent the flu is a wise.
How to Avoid Getting the Flu as Winter Ends
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet are the first steps to providing a sound platform to support wellness and vitality in the body, which includes getting proper sleep and regular exercise.
Many people are unaware that there are effective homeopathic alternatives to the conventional flu vaccine. Orally administered, homeopathic flu vaccines may be used by all ages and can help to prevent influenza infection--without the side effects and complications sometimes experienced by the conventional flu vaccine.
There are also many natural remedies that can help to promote immunity and build resistance to common ailments, as well as help lessen the severity of an occurrence. Herbs such as Hypoxis rooperi and Astralagus membranaceus help to boost the immune system (both which are found in ImmunityPlus™) and act as strengthening tonics. Echinacea is another powerful herb that has been shown to greatly support the immune system, and thus help the body to ward off the flu virus.
However, sometimes getting sick is just inevitable, given the numerous different strains of the virus-- combined with the unfortunate ease of transmission.
Natural herbal and homeopathic remedies have been proven to be extremely beneficial in alleviating the effects of influenza without drying out the mucus membranes (which can happen with conventional decongestants) or robbing the body of good bacteria (which can happen with conventional antibiotics).
Using a natural cold and flu remedy will not only help you to address the underlying cause of influenza, but ensure that you maintain optimal health and well-being.
Other effective healing herbs that provide a natural cold and flu remedy include Yarrow, Elderflower, and Peppermint. When these herbs are combined together, they can help to reduce fever and act as an inhalant to relieve chest congestion effectively. Remember to source herbal remedies from a reputable company, as therapeutic dosage and ingredient quality is important when using herbal medicines.
Shop at the Herbal Remedies Store >> Buy 2 Get 1 FREE plus free shipping!!
Geographic location also plays a role… the flu hits the hardest around February in the Northern Hemisphere and September in the Southern.
So, for those who have manage to avoid the flu throughout the winter and thought they were home free-- think again!
In addition, most people are also misinformed about the flu vaccine itself, believing that it prevents infection completely. This is not the case-- the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that while the vaccine helps prevent serious disease, it is not to be considered a cure-all.
Given the uncertainty of the vaccine’s effectiveness (for those who did get the vaccine), as well as the lengthy flu season this year, taking additional steps to prevent the flu is a wise.
How to Avoid Getting the Flu as Winter Ends
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet are the first steps to providing a sound platform to support wellness and vitality in the body, which includes getting proper sleep and regular exercise.
Many people are unaware that there are effective homeopathic alternatives to the conventional flu vaccine. Orally administered, homeopathic flu vaccines may be used by all ages and can help to prevent influenza infection--without the side effects and complications sometimes experienced by the conventional flu vaccine.
There are also many natural remedies that can help to promote immunity and build resistance to common ailments, as well as help lessen the severity of an occurrence. Herbs such as Hypoxis rooperi and Astralagus membranaceus help to boost the immune system (both which are found in ImmunityPlus™) and act as strengthening tonics. Echinacea is another powerful herb that has been shown to greatly support the immune system, and thus help the body to ward off the flu virus.
However, sometimes getting sick is just inevitable, given the numerous different strains of the virus-- combined with the unfortunate ease of transmission.
Natural herbal and homeopathic remedies have been proven to be extremely beneficial in alleviating the effects of influenza without drying out the mucus membranes (which can happen with conventional decongestants) or robbing the body of good bacteria (which can happen with conventional antibiotics).
Using a natural cold and flu remedy will not only help you to address the underlying cause of influenza, but ensure that you maintain optimal health and well-being.
Other effective healing herbs that provide a natural cold and flu remedy include Yarrow, Elderflower, and Peppermint. When these herbs are combined together, they can help to reduce fever and act as an inhalant to relieve chest congestion effectively. Remember to source herbal remedies from a reputable company, as therapeutic dosage and ingredient quality is important when using herbal medicines.
Shop at the Herbal Remedies Store >> Buy 2 Get 1 FREE plus free shipping!!
Can You Take a Vacation from Your Allergies?
With summer fast approaching, vacation planning is an exiting break from the routine that many people look forward to. But for millions of allergy sufferers, summer vacation planning is a difficult task since warmer weather can actually make allergy symptoms even more intolerable.
For people who don’t suffer from allergies, it’s hard to understand how severe and disruptive the symptoms can be. In it is estimated that an astonishing 20 to 30 million Americans suffer from allergies, and heading out on your dream vacation doesn’t necessarily mean you will be leaving your symptoms behind…
Most people learn to cope with allergy symptoms but when you are exposed to new environments and allergens, symptoms can be even more severe and disrupt the long awaited vacation. Some may even experience allergies for the first time. And most importantly, some allergic reactions especially to certain foods can be fatal if not treated in time.
If you are an allergy sufferer and you want to make the most of that precious time off, there are proactive steps you can take to be prepared.
Careful planning is essential and should include detailed research about where to go considering factors such as pollen and spore counts and the availability of medical attention and facilities in case of an emergency. This is especially important when traveling to remote locations that are extremely popular as vacation destinations.
Experts recommend beaches and mountains as the best option for those with allergies. Ocean breezes are mostly clear of allergens and dust mites are not able to prosper at elevations above 2,500 feet.
On the other hand, a tropical climate during rainy season will probably not be the best vacation spot if insect bite allergies are a common affliction.
If it’s the first time visiting a certain destination, it may be possible to suffer from an allergic reaction for the first time when traveling abroad. Popular travel destinations in Europe such as Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands, have numerous plant and tree species which are not found in the United States. The same can be said for European travelers visiting the United States.
When food allergies are present, it is important to ask detailed questions about the ingredients used to prepare a specific dish, and even minute details in the preparation. This is very important since sometimes an ingredient may not have been used “in” the meal, but other ingredients used to prepare it could have come in contact with an allergen. Always err on the side of caution and avoid unnecessary risks.
Preparation is of utmost importance, and natural remedies can be used as a preventative measure and to address many of the most common symptoms of allergies. Below are some helpful tips on making the best of a vacation.
Tips for allergy sufferers
Herbal Remedies wants to help ensure a healthy and safe vacation. Recognizing the special needs of travelers, Herbal Remedies reoffers a full line of travel products were designed to help the family maintain healthy sleep cycles, balanced nerves, digestive support, and other common conditions associated with travel.
For people who don’t suffer from allergies, it’s hard to understand how severe and disruptive the symptoms can be. In it is estimated that an astonishing 20 to 30 million Americans suffer from allergies, and heading out on your dream vacation doesn’t necessarily mean you will be leaving your symptoms behind…
Most people learn to cope with allergy symptoms but when you are exposed to new environments and allergens, symptoms can be even more severe and disrupt the long awaited vacation. Some may even experience allergies for the first time. And most importantly, some allergic reactions especially to certain foods can be fatal if not treated in time.
If you are an allergy sufferer and you want to make the most of that precious time off, there are proactive steps you can take to be prepared.
Careful planning is essential and should include detailed research about where to go considering factors such as pollen and spore counts and the availability of medical attention and facilities in case of an emergency. This is especially important when traveling to remote locations that are extremely popular as vacation destinations.
Experts recommend beaches and mountains as the best option for those with allergies. Ocean breezes are mostly clear of allergens and dust mites are not able to prosper at elevations above 2,500 feet.
On the other hand, a tropical climate during rainy season will probably not be the best vacation spot if insect bite allergies are a common affliction.
If it’s the first time visiting a certain destination, it may be possible to suffer from an allergic reaction for the first time when traveling abroad. Popular travel destinations in Europe such as Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands, have numerous plant and tree species which are not found in the United States. The same can be said for European travelers visiting the United States.
When food allergies are present, it is important to ask detailed questions about the ingredients used to prepare a specific dish, and even minute details in the preparation. This is very important since sometimes an ingredient may not have been used “in” the meal, but other ingredients used to prepare it could have come in contact with an allergen. Always err on the side of caution and avoid unnecessary risks.
Preparation is of utmost importance, and natural remedies can be used as a preventative measure and to address many of the most common symptoms of allergies. Below are some helpful tips on making the best of a vacation.
Tips for allergy sufferers
- Know what you're allergic to and do your homework. Check weather and pollen forecasts for your U.S. vacation choices and plan accordingly.
Best places if you suffer from allergies? The beach or the mountains. Ocean breezes are mostly clear of allergens and dust mites are not able to prosper at elevations above 2,500 feet.
If you are planning to travel overseas, ask your allergist-immunologist about any vaccinations or immunizations you might need, and schedule them before you leave. If you are traveling for more than a few weeks, ask your allergist to provide a treatment dosage to take along with you. Make sure to also get the name of a local allergist who can administer the shot in case you need one.
Make sure to pack prescription medications in their original bottles to avoid delays when passing through customs.
If you or someone in your family suffers from food or insect sting allergies, make sure to bring along an epinephrine kit.
When traveling by car, it is preferable to keep your windows rolled up and use your air conditioner. Getting your automobile's air conditioner and filters cleaned in advance will also reduce allergens.
When traveling by air, it’s a good idea to take an antihistamine in advance. Notify the airline of any food allergies and drink plenty of bottled water. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol.
Herbal Remedies wants to help ensure a healthy and safe vacation. Recognizing the special needs of travelers, Herbal Remedies reoffers a full line of travel products were designed to help the family maintain healthy sleep cycles, balanced nerves, digestive support, and other common conditions associated with travel.
How to Avoid Health Hazards on Your Holiday
Whether you travel for business or for pleasure; whether you love it or you hate it; whether you travel by plane, train or automobile; travel --in all its glory-- can significantly alter your daily routine.
For most, the least desirable aspect of traveling is how it can affect so many different areas of our lives such as sleep patterns, diet, digestion, and many other bodily functions. It can also expose us to a number of illnesses.
Recently a Canada-bound airplane was forced to land in Florida because there were 8 sick passengers on board. This was a good reminder of how important it is to consider the odds of someone becoming sick during time away from home.
While no one wants to think about illness interfering with a dream vacation, the reality remains that getting sick while traveling is an extremely common and bothersome occurrence-- especially during air and sea travel.
Both air and sea travel expose the body to jet lag, sea sickness, and other maladies. Exotic destinations offer new foods that the digestive system may not be accustomed to, as well as numerous pathogens and disease. To combat these known problems, a healthy immune system should be the first line of defense.
For many, travel places an enormous amount of stress on the body. Travel anxiety is a common affliction, which can lead to the natural immune responses present in the body to become compromised —among other things.
Frequent travelers are also aware of the risk of contracting contagious diseases due to the close proximity to other passengers, especially when immune systems are weak.
Children are particularly sensitive to changes in their environment, and often experience unsettled nerves and digestive upset during travel.
Children are also very susceptible to illness, so it is important to take the necessary precautions to support their systemic health.
A healthy immune system should be the first line of defense against disease.
The time of year and destination are both factors that influence the likelihood of contracting influenza on a cruise ship or airplane. Norovirus, also known as the “cruise ship virus” is the genus name given to a group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis in humans. It has an incubation period of about 24 to 48 hours, and infection causes acute abdominal cramping, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.
Air travel is so common nowadays that most people have experienced symptoms of jet lag to a certain extent. Travel by sea presents its own set of challenges. The most prevalent diseases present on cruise ships are Influenza and Noroviruses.
Young children and adults over 65 are far more vulnerable to developing complications from influenza, (ranked as one of the highest vaccine-preventable traveler’s disease along with Hepatitis A).
In addition to air and sea travel, many families enjoy a long car journey to the vacation destination of their choice. Traveling by car with children and sometimes even pets is no easy task.
However, there are many steps that can be taken to make it more enjoyable for the entire family, such as games to keep children entertained, snacks to avoid unnecessary crankiness, and plenty of stops to stretch the legs and get some fresh air can make a huge difference.
Tips for staying healthy while traveling:
- Avoid using tap water. Contaminated tap water and ice are the most common culprits of sickness for travelers. Use bottled water for everything (even to brush your teeth). When ordering bottled water at a restaurant, make sure it is opened in front of you.
Visit your doctor approximately 6 to 8 weeks before your vacation for necessary immunizations and general advice according to your destination.
Avoid raw vegetables and fruits that can’t be peeled since they may have been washed or in contact with contaminated water.
Avoid raw or undercooked meats and dairy products that haven’t been pasteurized.
Carry waterless soap or hand sanitizer and use before meals and when using public transportation or restroom facilities.
Stock up on insect repellant with active ingredients DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) and Picaridin (KBR 3023)
Make sure your prescriptions are in original container in a safe dry place.
If you suffer from allergies, Epi-Pen or other doctor-prescribed medications are a must.
Have a local doctor’s contact information
Herbal Remedies wants to help ensure a healthy and safe vacation. Recognizing the special needs of travelers, Herbal Remedies reoffers a full line of travel products were designed to help the family maintain healthy sleep cycles, balanced nerves, digestive support, and other common conditions associated with travel.
After all, vacation from work and school is meant to be a time for rest and relaxation, which are essential for systemic health. Check out the tips section for additional helpful advice and precautionary measures to make this vacation unforgettable. And remember, nature’s resources are available to help all the way!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
