Naturopathic ways to prevent bug bites and to boost the immune system
Published May 22, 2004 in the North Island Weekender
There has been a lot of articles in the paper recently
regarding the probable spread of West Nile virus to B.C. The Canadian
Association of Naturopathic Physicians issued a position paper on the topic
last year and in this article I will review the key points.
West Nile Virus (WNV) was first identified in the West Nile
region of Uganda in 1937. It appeared in New York in 1999, and has been
spreading across North America ever since. The virus was first detected in
Canada in August of 2001.
There are 17 species of mosquitoes that carry the virus and
they bite humans and birds easily passing the virus from one to another. The
WNV is very unpredictable seeming to hit one location two years in a row. In
areas where WNV is endemic, the virus causes little illness probably because
people build up an immunity to it. The longer the virus is present in Canada
the more immunity will develop within both the human and bird population. The
hotter the weather the greater the chances of WNV coming to a region. In Canada
last year there were 10 deaths related to WNV and 1,480 infected with
Saskatchewan and Alberta the hardest hit.
In 70-80% of those infected with WNV they will have no symptoms.
20-30% of those infected will develop a sudden onset of flu-like illness after
the incubation period of 3-14 days, with symptoms lasting 3-6 days. There is
less than 1% chance (or 1 in 150 infected cases) that infections will result in
severe illness or neurological disease. The most significant risk factor is
advanced age and a compromised immune system.
Most of the articles in the media speak to controlling
mosquitoes, reporting dead birds (there are 110 species of bird that carry the
virus including crows, blue jays, magpies, gray jays and ravens), protecting
the blood supply as it can be transmitted through blood transfusion, organ
transplants, through the placenta from mother to child and possibly through
human breast milk and protecting yourself using repellants, clothing and
staying indoors from dusk until dawn during the height of the summer season.
There are many remedies that can enhance the immune system
to prevent the symptoms of WNV taking hold as well as natural remedies to ward
off mosquitoes. Essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Thyme, Clove, Cedar Wood,
Tea Tree Oil and Geranium repel mosquitoes. Citronella and Skin so Soft are
other DEET free repellants that can work. DEET is very effective, yet a potent
toxin and carcinogen especially for children under the age of 10 and pregnant
women. Naturopathic physicians encourage the use of these essential oils
instead and if reapplied every 1.5-2.5 hours can be very effective.
To boost the immune system all year long consider a good “Health Insurance Program” to include: a good diet consisting of vitamin and mineral rich organic fruits and vegetables loaded with natural anti-oxidants; avoid sugar, caffeine and alcohol all of which create an acid environment in the body lowering the immune system; drink 6-8 glasses of pure water each day; take Vitamin C 2000mg per day, a good multivitamin complex in capsule form for best absorption, HMF forte a good probiotic to maintain a healthy gut (where 60% of your immune system resides) and essential fatty acids preferably more omega 3’s (found in pure fish oil supplements) than omega 6’s. Other immune remedies available from your naturopathic doctor (ND) include: Astragalus combination, Pleo Quent, and homeopathic remedies to be taken prophylacticly all summer long. All of these remedies and more are also used to treat symptoms if they occur.
ND’s find that treating your body like you do your car and giving it a good
tune up or cleanse once in awhile also really improves the immune system,
especially if you get colds and flus every year! They are very common but not a sign of good health. It is the
body’s way of detoxifying you because you won’t do it on your own!
With the ever increasing threat of virulent microbes such as SARS, Avian flu
and West Nice Virus in our environment, it behooves us to take our health into
our own hands and put ourselves on a good “health insurance” program. How much
do you pay for your car insurance versus your “health insurance”?
Dr.
Pincott has been practicing naturopathic medicine since 1985 and is currently
practicing in Campbell River. She can be reached at (250) 286-3655 or www.DrPincott.com