Enzymes - Dr. Ara Elmajian  
 
Nutrition is the first and most important line of defense in maintaining health and preventing disease. A diet and lifestyle that supplements rather than exhausts our enzyme supply will help to maintain good gastrointestinal health and in turn good health in general. 
 
Enzymes are complex proteins that are involved in nearly every metabolic and physiologic function in the body and are necessary for every chemical reaction that makes life possible - where there is life there are enzymes. There are more than 5000 types of enzymes creating 25,000 different functions in the human body ensuring optimal functioning of all organs, glands and tissues.
 
Out of the 5000 enzymes produced in the body over 3000 of them are produced by our intestinal bacteria (probiotics) - our most important life partners. There are those enzymes that are produced by the body and those that must come from our food providing a favorable intestinal environment for the production of more enzymes. It is easy to see how promoting good gastrointestinal health supports our health in general. 
 
Enzymes serve as catalysts by dramatically affecting the rate of chemical reactions.  Many reactions are impossible without them. Vitamins, minerals or hormones would be unable to carry out their valuable functions without enzymes. By the same token many enzymes rely on specific vitamins or minerals in order to take their action. For example, some of the B vitamins are precursors to enzymes, but cannot be produced by the body therefore must come from our diets. This is one way good nutrition aids our enzymes.
 
Some of the major functions of enzymes are enhancing immune system health, promoting cardiovascular health, balancing hormones, supporting the central nervous system, all stages of digestion, building of new tissue, maintaining homeostasis, detoxification and reducing inflammation to name only a few.
 
The production of a particular type of enzyme is dependent on the needs of the body at the time. For example a particular type of enzyme is required to break down alcohol in the liver. When a larger than normal amount of alcohol is consumed, the enzyme is used up, creating a shortage for other functions in the body, such as digestion.
 
Alcohol, tobacco, certain drugs, electromagnetic waves, food additives, agricultural chemicals, environmental pollution and emotional stress are all factors that exhaust our supply of enzymes more rapidly than the body can replenish therefore tipping the scale towards disease.
 
How can we supplement our enzyme activity?

• Consume herbal digestive bitters 5 - 10 minutes before meals. Taking bitters before meals is an age old, natural remedy to stimulate digestive enzymes.
• Chew, chew, chew your food thoroughly (30 - 40 times per mouthful until it becomes mush).  Chewing stimulates digestive enzymes in our saliva, where digestion begins.
• Eat a diet rich in a variety of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. These foods are abundant with enzymes and dietary fiber.
• Juicing and eating food raw is great as cooking can destroy enzymes.
• Eat a variety of unrefined grains. Grains provide a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals (important cofactors in enzyme production)
• Eat fresh, wild fish as the main source of protein, unless you are vegan 
• Limit animal protein - too much animal protein is difficult to digest and may not be completely broken down and absorbed by the gastrointestinal system. It can decompose in the intestine, producing toxins that exhaust large amounts of enzymes in the intestine and liver.  
• Limit dairy products - there is research indicating that milk aside from being an allergen for many people may also upset the intestinal flora by increasing the amount of bad bacteria
• Limit or eliminate alcohol, caffeine and smoking (enzyme exhausters)
• Drink plenty of pure, clean water with an abundance of minerals 
• Don't go to bed on a full stomach. Eat last meal 3 - 4 hours before bed.  
• As we age our stomach acid and enzyme production naturally decrease, so we are more likely to be deficient in enzymes

Naturopathic Medicine Offers Prevention tips and Relief for Viral Colds and Flu's -Dr. Jennie Weisenburger 
 
Naturopathic medicine has an extensive portfolio of treatments for colds and flu's.  Herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, dietary protocols, Traditional Chinese Herbs and treatments, homeopathic remedies (in the form of supplements and I.V.'s) and hydrotherapy all stimulate our body's defense mechanisms thus reducing recovery time and providing symptomatic relief. 
 
Prevention
It isn't always possible or desirable to avoid all colds and flu's.  As a Naturopathic Doctor, it is concerning when a patient expresses that they haven't had a cold or flu in as long as they can remember...it makes me wonder why their immune system isn't responding to the environment.  On the other hand recurrent infections are also concerning as I question what is making this person is so vulnerable.  Both can be signs of immune system dysfunction.
 
Our goal with prevention is to keep the body functioning optimally to reduce the occurrence of illness and optimize your chances of a quick and full recovery.  The best preventative measures are the steps that you take each day to keep yourself healthy stressing the importance of proper diet, adequate sleep, hygiene, exercise, and an optimistic outlook on life.  Don't forget the importance of regular cleansing or detoxification (see our January 2009 newsletter for more information) as part of your personal preventive program!
 
Flu Prevention Extra's:
 
Immune Booster
A homeopathic/isopathic immune system booster or flu shot is offered in our office.  It is administered via intramuscular injection and contains remedies that upregulate your white bloods cells, and strengthen the integrity of your mucosa which is where our first line of defense against infectious organisms lies.   It is best to be administered before the expected cold/flu season in the fall and then again in the spring or whenever you feel your immune system is compromised.
 
Vitamin C
Daily vitamin C with bioflavonoids:  again to strengthen the integrity of our mucosal membranes and vasculature, ensuring a strong barrier, and reducing the likelihood of invasion by the little bugs!
 
Herbal Immune Tonic
An herbal immune system tonic is a simple addition to your daily regimen that can help keep you healthy throughout the year.  Our herbal dispensary is rich in herbs which are potent antioxidants, circulatory system tonics, immune system modulators and antimicrobials which we custom right in the office according to your needs.  These immune tonics are also available in tasty vegetable glycerites so your kids will love them too!
 
Probiotics
These are the healthy bacteria that are ubiquitous in our body, lining all mucosal membranes, and covering every inch of our skin.  Our natural flora are an important line of defense against illness and can be compromised by stress, medications such as antibiotics and oral contraceptives, poor diet, nutritional deficiency, food allergies, and poor digestive function. 
 
 
Flu treatments to try at home

1. Wet a pair of your light weight socks under a cold water tap. Wring out well. Put on both feet. They will start to warm up in a matter of seconds. 
2. Cover the wet socks with a pair of dry wool socks.
3. Keep on all night - they will be dry in the morning.
4. Repeat nightly until symptoms have subsided

1. Wet a piece of cloth long enough to wrap around the neck. Wring out well and apply to the neck.
2. Cover this with a dry towel or a piece of wool (a long wool sock can be used for this purpose) 
3. Keep on for 20 minutes or until the wet cloth is warmed
4. Dry the skin and do not chill