Natural Support For Respiratory Infections
Bronchitis is an infection or irritation of the bronchial tree (airways) while pneumonia is an infection or irritation of the lungs. The two are closely related and often follow an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold.
Cigarette smoke (active or passive), immune suppressing drugs, nutrient deficiencies and age can make a person more susceptible to bronchitis and pneumonia. In the elderly or immune-compromised host, pneumonia can be deadly. For this reason, it is important to see a physician if symptoms of pneumonia are present. (Symptoms include fever, chills, chest pain, cough, shallow breathing).
The best way to treat pneumonia is to actively treat any cold or respiratory infection at its earliest onset. Correct management of a cold or upper respiratory infection will almost always prevent a more serious lower respiratory infection from occurring.
DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS
- Stop all dairy products and sugars immediately.
- Drink 64 ounces of pure water daily. This keeps the mucous thin and allow for easy expectoration.
- Fresh vegetables juices, broths and soups are preferable to heavy foods during recuperation. Do not eat if you are not hungry, but be sure to drink water and herb teas. Limit fruit and fruit juice. Their high sugar content suppresses the immune system.
PRIMARY SUPPORT
- Vitamin C: 1,000mg every two hours.
- Dr. Myatt’s Immune Boost tincture: 1 teaspoon, 4 times per day between meals.
OR
Dr. Myatt’s Immune Support: 2 caps, 4 times per day during acute phase.
OR
Echinacea/goldenseal tincture: 80 drops, 4 times per day between meals. - Dr. Myatt’s B.A.M. (Broad Anti-Microbial) tincture: 60-80 drops, 3-4 times per day between meals.
- Bromelain: 1-2 caps, 4 times per day between meals.
- INSPIROL inhalant: use 4-6 times per day as directed on the bottle.
DR. MYATT’S COMMENT:
The measures listed above under Primary Support decrease the severity and length of a cold, and lessen the chances for developing a lower respiratory infection. Every household should have vitamin C, Immune Boost, B.A.M., bromelain and INSPIROL on hand for use in respiratory and other infections. This is especially important for older people, to prevent bronchitis and pneumonia.
Several “old fashioned” remedies such as mustard plasters can be very effective in breaking up pneumonia, but be sure to see a physician first so that the type of infection can be correctly determined. Few people would develop pneumonia if they followed the “Basic Support” instructions at the early stages of a cold or sinusitis. Most cases of bronchitis and pneumonia do not require antibiotic therapy, even when one is prescribed. (Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria; most respiratory infections are viral).
