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Pneumonia is a serious infection of the lungs that can
be caused by any of a number of different infectious agents, including
viruses, bacteria, fungi, mycoplasma and protozoa. The infection
causes tiny air sacs in the lung area to become inflamed and filled
with mucus and pus. Although symptoms can vary in intensity, they
usually include fever, chills, cough, bloody sputum, muscle aches,
fatigue, sore throat, enlarged lymph glands in the neck, cyanosis
(bluish tint in skin or nails), pain in the chest, and rapid,
difficult respiration. Pneumonia is typically preceded by an upper
respiratory infection such as a cold, influenza,
or measles Factors that increase the risk of pneumonia include being
either under one year or over 60 years of age, a weakened immune
system, cardiovascular disease, diabetes,
HIV infection, seizure or stroke, aspiration under anesthesia,
alcoholism, smoking, kidney failure, sickle
cell disease, malnutrition, foreign bodies in the respiratory
passages, exposure to chemical irritants, and even allergies. A positive diagnosis of the disease can be made only with
a chest x-ray.
Bacterial pneumonia is a very dangerous form of the
disease and it comes on suddenly, usually as a complication of
some other illness Symptoms usually include: chills, high
temperature, and shaking. The cough is normally dry at first,
and then a rust-colored sputum is produced. Breathing becomes
rapid and difficult. Chest pain that will worsen upon
inhaling, abdominal pain, and fatigue are also common in
people. This form of pneumonia is not likely to spread from
one person to another.
Fungal pneumonia is much less common than either the
bacterial or viral forms, and is often associated with a
weakened or suppressed immune system. People with HIV, AIDS,
or some type of cancer, or who are taking immunosuppressive
drugs following organ transplantation, are the people at most
risk. About 2 million cases of pneumonia are diagnosed in the
United States each year, and between 35,000 to 75,000 people
die of the disease, making it the 6th leading cause of death
in just the USA. Pneumonia will affect the sufferer with
weakness that lasts between 4 to 8 weeks after the acute phase
of the infection has ended.
Viral pneumonia is more variable in course and severity.
It can come on either very suddenly or gradually, and symptoms
range from mild to severe and anywhere in between. It is less
serious than bacterial pneumonia, but if not cared for
properly then the bacterial infection can result.
|
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
| Multi-vitamin
and mineral supplement |
10 |
contains vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin
C , vitamin B complex ,
and zinc which all are helpful in
both the treatment and prevention of pneumonia and related disorders. The nutrients found in
a
daily supplement are needed for good general health and well
being. |
| vitamin
C |
10 |
strengthens the immune
system and increases the number of white blood cells as well
as the quality of the white blood cells. |
| vitamin
A |
10 |
boosts immune system
and it helps with repair of the lungs. |
| Zinc |
10 |
this mineral quickens the immune
system response and helps reduce infection. Works well with
vitamin C. |
| Bioflavonoids |
10 |
bioflavonoids are
natural antioxidant and free radical destroyer, boosts the immune systems and helps fight infection,
work well
with vitamin C. |
| Echinacea |
9 |
herb that helps healing and often
combined with zinc |
| Reishi |
9 |
herb that helps boost the immune
system and both protect and fight against viral infections in
the body |
| vitamin
E |
8 |
helps the body's healing
process and also serves as a powerful antioxidant to help
rid the body of free radicals. |
| Garlic |
8 |
has both antiviral and
antibacterial properties |
| vitamin B
complex |
7 |
they promote healing, strong immune system,
and healthy nervous system. B vitamins help with the
production of antibodies. |
| Grape
Seed extract |
8 |
supports the immune system and
aids lung tissue healing |
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
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eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
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nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
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juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
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do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
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carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
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a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
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do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
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do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
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use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
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brown rice is good to eat
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avoid red meat and animal fats
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reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
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fast a few days a month
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get at least 8 hours of sleep
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exercise light to moderate amounts
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avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
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do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
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do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
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do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
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do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
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