| Meningitis is an infection of the three membranes,
which are called the meninges and are located between the skull and brain. The thin membranes that cover the spinal cord may also be involved. Meningitis can be caused by many different infectious agents, including any of a number of different viruses, such as the polio or rubella viruses; fungi, such as yeast; and
bacteria including: Hemophilus influenzae type B, Neisseria meningitidis
"meningococcus", Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), and Streptococcus. The infection may spread to the meninges
from the nose and throat, or it may spread through the bloodstream from
elsewhere in the body. This disease is contagious. The most common type
of meningitis is a viral infection that causes comparatively mild
symptoms, such as headache and malaise, and usually improves on its own
in a week or two.
| Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
| Acidophilus |
10 |
replaces needed bacteria that are helpful to
your digestion and it also helps fight
infection. Sometimes found in a vitamin herbal mixture. |
| Multi-vitamin
& Mineral supplement |
10 |
contains vitamin E, vitamin B , vitamin C,
magnesium, manganese, selenium, potassium, and zinc which all are helpful in
both the treatment and prevention of both epstein barr
and chronic fatigue syndrome. The nutrients found in a daily
supplement are also needed for good general health and well
being. |
| Garlic |
9 |
garlic has been
shown to inhibit the formation of free radicals
which can benefit people with meningitis. Garlic also
helps boost the immune system. A combination herbal immune
system remedy often includes garlic in an herbal blend. |
| Echinacea |
9 |
herb that is good for
the immune system |
| Reishi |
8 |
reishi mushroom serves to boost the
immune system weakened by meningitis.
Normally found in an immune
system herbal mixture like the Symmetry product Immunity. |
| Bioflavinoids |
9 |
bioflavinoids are powerful anti-viral agents
and increase energy levels. They are found in fruit and vegetable
based supplements.
They work well with vitamin C. |
| vitamin
A |
8 |
powerful anti oxidant that is good
for the healing and protection of all membranes in the body. |
| Zinc |
8 |
a mineral which aides the human
immune system |
Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection and requires
quick and aggressive medical treatment. Meningitis caused by a fungal infection progresses more slowly, but still requires medical treatment.
The early symptoms of meningitis include: chills, headache, sore throat, red or purple skin rash, respiratory
disorder, stiff neck, irritability, high fever, nausea, vomiting, delirium, and sensitivity to light. A blotchy red skin rash may appear. In infants, the signs
of meningitis include: fever, vomiting, poor muscle tone, difficulty feeding, irritability,
a soft spot, and high-pitched crying. Changes in temperament and extreme sleepiness signal dangerous changes in the cerebrospinal fluid,
which is the the fluid that surrounds and cushions the human brain.
Meningitis is more common in children than in adults. A higher risk of meningitis is also associated with
alcoholism, brain cancer, brain surgery, chronic exposure to chemical toxins, head injury,
Lyme disease, pneumonia, syphilis, tuberculosis, as well as with anything that damages the immune system, such as chemotherapy or radiation treatment, HIV disease, long-term steroid therapy, and certain types of cancer. Diagnosis of meningitis requires microscopic analysis and culture of the cerebrospinal fluid.
The recommendations in this section are designed to support medical treatment, not replace it. Meningitis can progress very quickly and become life threatening in a matter of
24 hours for adults, even less for children. If not treated
properly, this disease can cause both permanent brain damage and
paralysis. Meningitis can even cause coma and death. However,
if the person is treated quickly and completely then a
complete recovery is likely, even when the person is very
ill.
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|
