Archive for November 13th, 2009

Joel asked me the following question this past Monday:

“Our son is getting over the flu (type A) and is on the mend quite nicely. So now that we’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel: What are the chances of him getting the flu again this winter?
Our twins arrive in January/February 2010 and I’m beginning to think, while annoying, this is a complete blessing in disguise for our family because now we’ve all been exposed to it.”

Here is my honest and professional opinion:

The flu “season” is pretty much OVER once the weather turns uber-cold. Viruses go dormant or die in the cold. Also, Julie will impart a powerful immunity at birth. New babies are usually the best protected. Make sure they get to eat some dirt and actually experience illness from other kids. Don’t slather them with antiseptics, but wash off excess dirt (primarily because it looks nasty). Don’t sterilize pacifiers – just remove any cat hairs or “goop” they might pick up when they’re dropped.

The flu “season” is pretty much OVER once the weather turns uber-cold. Viruses go dormant or die in the cold. Also, Julie will impart a powerful immunity at birth. New babies are usually the best protected. Make sure they get to eat some dirt and actually experience illness from other kids. Don’t slather them with antiseptics, but wash off excess dirt (primarily because it looks nasty). Don’t sterilize pacifiers – just remove any cat hairs or “goop” they might pick up when they’re dropped.

In the “old” days – back before doctors believed they knew everything about health – we were regularly exposed to all sorts of germs (that’s a generic term that includes, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and any other parasite who might want to make us ill). Through the process of natural selection (survival of the most fit), each of us developed antibodies that protect us when a foreign invader tries to visit. Most of us have become obsessed with sanitary products and do way too much to keep things clean.

If you look at the statistics for this current flu debacle you’ll notice that the people born before 1950 were are no particular risk – AT ALL. Since that time efforts have been steadily increasing to remove GERMS from the environment. The consequences? Younger people are more likely to get sick. The older folks have natural immunities and immune systems that act promptly to fend off potential invaders.

Pat and I saw through the idiocy long ago and we didn’t do much in the way of overt sanitizing. Our kids weren’t filthy, but we sure didn’t waste our time sterilizing everything and anything. The invention and use of hand sanitizers and antimicrobial soaps has done a lot to weaken all of our immune systems. The GERMS respond to weakness – when an immune system is less than efficient, the bugs are effective at wearing down an immune system. They don’t have to work as hard to take us down because we’re already compromised. Again, survival of the most fit – the GERMS survive and thrive UNLESS we things to stop them. The most effective measure is NOT sanitizing, but in allowing the body to develop its immune system.

Surviving any illness is a blessing. First, the “patient” feels better once the bugs have been defeated. Second, the next time the buggies make a visit the human host is stronger. Strong immune systems can remove a toxic bug from the environment. Eat well (organic). Sleep enough. Exercise. Take probiotics. Drink clean water. Avoid commercial red meat. Take Cod Liver Oil. Use vitamins and mineral supplements. Avoid all drugs (including vaccines). Interact with other people – even if they seem ill. Its good for you.

Larry J. Frieders, RPh
larry@thecompounder.com

The Compounder/Techni Med, Inc.
340 Marshall Ave #100
Aurora, IL 60506 – ph.630.859.0333

http://www.thecompounder.com