Cold and flu season : pharmaceutical drugs and remedies to avoid

Many people do not realize the 4th leading cause of death in United States is pharmaceutical drugs. What's even more interesting, death cases are caused by proper dosage instructed by doctors. Meaning, cause of death is not due to drugs overdose nor abuse. More then 100000 deaths yearly in USA, a result of pharmaceutical drugs either from prescription or over the counter. A shocking statistic, yet the ugly truth which people should be aware of. 

As I always tell my clients and friends, "We don't have deficiency in aspirin for headaches, nor deficiency in SSRI for depression". We all have been so hardwired for decades in our mind, whenever we are sick or have any health symptom, we tend to think of pharmaceutical drug as the first choice of treatment. Not everyone, but vast majority of us. 

It's the time of the year again. Cold and flu season. Is it really the cold and flu affecting us, or our immune system is suppressed and weak during this period? Anyone realize that flu is caused by viral and not bacteria? And guess what, when you consult a doctor, you are prescribed with antibiotics when you have cold and flu. How ridiculous is that? Antibiotics is totally useless for viral infections. It does nothing but wipe out your immune system and good bacteria, causing more problems then trying to fix anything. 

People will start to blame the weather when they fall sick, but most people don't realize it's their immune system which is weak and suppressed. Loaded with chemicals and toxins, sugars, and high stress levels, it is just a setup for illness and infections. During the colder months especially winter, sun exposure is usually minimal, and Vitamin D level drop low, and the risk of infections will increase during that period of time. What's even worst, most of us especially women apply sunblock whenever they are out under the sun. 

Now, in this post, I would like to share with you a list of drugs and remedies which may not be safe to use as treatment for cold and flu. But, the decision is yours in the end, I'm not telling you to stop taking medications from your doctor or physician. I've researched some of the 'over the counter' drugs, which are used for cold and flu treatment. I've also highlighted some of the harmful ingredients added to the medications and alternative natural remedies or foods/herbs which may be a better, safer choice of treatment.  

Especially for parents, think and decide wisely for your infant and children, their health depends on you and not your doctor! Just think of how your great grandparents survive and used foods and herbs as medicine when they fall sick, the invaluable wisdom from ancestors is what all of us should learn and embrace. As parents, you are empowered to do your own proper research, for the sake of your children safety, in terms of health. I wish you all happy holidays and stay healthy. 

What pharmaceutical drugs/remedies to avoid? 

1) DXM containing drugs

DXM is a cough supressor, found in many over the counter medications. Please take note of the side effects and common over the counter medications listed below.

Side effects:
dizziness,lightheadedness,drowsiness,nervousness,restlessness,nausea,vomiting,stomach pain, changes in vision, difficulty breathing, confusion, hallucinating (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist), seizures, coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time), liver failure, rapid heart rate.

References:
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm244852.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682492.html

DXM HBr 12.5mg/5ml
Ammonium Carbonate, Butylparaben, Camphor, Canadian Fir Balsam Gum, Carrageenan Viscarin, Glycerin, Menthol, Pine Needle Oil, Propylparaben Sodium, Water Purified, Sodium Saccharin, Tincture of Capsicum

Other harmful chemicals: Butylparaben, Carrageenan, Propylparaben, Sodium Saccharin

DXM HBr 30mg/5ml
Citric acid, edetate disodium, ethylcellulose, FD&C Yellow No. 6, flavor, high-fructose corn syrup, methylparaben, polyethylene glycol 3350, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, sucrose, tragacanth, vegetable oil, xanthan gum

Other harmful chemicals: FD&C Yellow No. 6, high-fructose corn syrup, methylparaben, propylene glycol,  propylparaben, vegetable oil

  

DXM HBr 7.5mg/5ml

Sorbitol Solution, Glycerol, Sugar Solution, Glucose Syrup, Citric Acid Monohydrate, Sodium Benzoate, Caramel, Saccharin Sodium, Imitation Peach Flavour, Levomenthol, Alcohol, Carbopol and Water

Other harmful chemicals: Sorbitol, Sodium Benzoate, Caramel, Saccharin Sodium, Imitation Peach Flavour

DXM HBr 30mg/tablet
Acetylated Monoglyceride, Citric Acid, Crospovidone, FD&C Red #40 Aluminium Lake, Magnesium Stearate, Maltodextrin, Mannitol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Modified Food Starch, Natural & Artificial Flavours Polysorbate 80, Silicondioxide, Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, Sucralose, Talc.Other harmful chemicals: FD&C Red #40, Magnesium Stearate, Maltodextrin, Natural & Artificial Flavours, Sucralose

DXM HBr 30mg/15ml
alcohol, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, citric acid, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, flavor, high fructose corn syrup, polyethylene oxide, polyoxyl 40 stearate, propylene glycol, purified water, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate
Other harmful chemicals: FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, flavor, high fructose corn syrup, propylene glycol, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate

DXM HBr 15mg/5ml
anhydrous citric acid,liquid glucose.glycerol,quinoline yellow,saccharin sodium,sodium benzoate,sodium citrate,purified water,Banana Flavour 75420-33,Caramel HGP,Premium Liquid Sugar
Other harmful chemicals: saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, Banana Flavour 75420-33

2) Antibiotics

Some of you might have already known by now, these powerful drugs destroy almost the entire gut flora. All beneficial bacteria needed for healthy immune system to fight off cold and flu, is wiped out by these drugs. Your immune system consist of 70-80% of gut health, and dosage of these drugs simply kill off your important good bacteria. For those who regularly take antibiotics, you will lose the ability to fight off cold, flu and infections, and setting up yourself for chronic diseases long term. 

3) Artificial sweeteners and chemicals containing remedies

Most so called 'throat lozenges' products contains dangerous chemicals such as aspartame and asulfame-K and other artifical sweeteners and flavors. These products WILL NOT solve or cure your cold or cough/sorethroat symptoms.

Do your math and count the dangerous chemicals in this so called 'medicine'. From asulfame K to dyes and artificial flavors, DXM, propylene glycol and even sugars, I will let you figure it out. 

DXM HBr 7.5mg/5ml
Artificial Cherry Flavor, Artificial and Natural Bubble Gum Flavor, Carbomer 934P, FD&C Red No. 40, Glycerin, Maltitol Solution, Propylene Glycol, Propylparaben, Purified Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Sorbitol, Sucralose Liquid Concentrate.

Other harmful chemicals: Artificial Cherry Flavor, Artificial and Natural Bubble Gum Flavor, FD&C Red No. 40, Propylene Glycol, Propylparaben, Sorbitol, Sucralose

4) Tylenol/Acetominophen containing drugs

It is the most popular painkiller in USA. Acetominophen has been shown and linked to liver damage and failure, especially if overdose or ingestion on regular basis. Even when used as directed, acetaminophen can lead to liver toxicity or death. Many drugs can cause liver failure or damage, and acetaminophen prompts the most calls to poison control centers, more than 100,000 per year. Alcohol consumption and fasting (dieting) combined, increase risk of liver damage and failure with this drug. And guess what? It is found in most common medicine Panadol @ paracetamol which is largely used by most people for symptoms such as cold, fever or pain-killer. It can kill your child too! Parents please take note. 

Drugs which contains Acetominophen:

Actifed®

Alka-Seltzer Plus Liquid Gels®

Anacin®

Benadryl®

Cepacol®

Contac®

Coricidin®

Dayquil®

Dimetapp®

Dristan®

Excedrin®

Feverall®

Formula 44®

Goody’s® Powders

Liquiprin®

Midol®

Nyquil®

Panadol®

Robitussin®

Saint Joseph® Aspirin-Free

Singlet®

Sinutab®

Sudafed®

Theraflu®

Triaminic®

TYLENOL® Brand Products

Vanquish®

Vicks®

Zicam®

Butalbital

Endocet®

Fioricet®

Hycotab

Hydrocet®

Hydrocodone Bitartrate

Lortab®

Oxycodone

Percocet®

Phenaphen®

Sedapap®

Tapanol®

Tramadol

Tylenol® with Codeine

Tylox®

Ultracet®

Vicodin®

Zydone®

Reference: 

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm363041.htm

Natural remedies for cold and flu:

1) Exposure to sun (Vitamin D)

This is probably the most important remedy. Most people are deficient in Vitamin D level, especially the ones who spend the most time indoor, desk jockeys and office workers. This powerful hormone, is crucial to health and combating illnesses. High quality cod liver oil would be an ideal choice of supplement for speedy recovery. Meanwhile, go outdoor and get as much sun exposure as possible, and ensure minimal clothing and no sun block lotion. This should be daily routine, or at least as much sun exposure as possible before you even start to fall ill or sick. 

2) Garlic

A natural antibiotic, anti-fungal, and antibacterial, this food is medicine. Try mince couple cloves of garlic in water, drink it quickly when you suffer from cold or flu. 

3) Cinnamon

Contains anti-viral and natural antibiotic, it also helps regulate blood sugar levels and an awesome herb to combat cold and flu. Mix it with honey and drink it when feeling ill or sick. 

4) Hydrogen peroxide

During the early signs (first day) of falling sick or having cold, put a couple of drops into each ear. Wait for a minute or so until bubbles stop. Repeat this a few times a day for few days until symptoms or infections is gone. 

5) Ginger

Helps with fever, nausea and sinus symptoms caused by cold and flu. Ginger root also act as natural antihistamine and decongestant, beneficial for sorethroat and cough too. Boil it, drink it, or supplement it with raw ginger powder.

6) Vitamin C

Well, most people know about Vitamin C when it comes to fighting cold or flu. Need no introduction, good sources of foods include kiwi, pepper bells, papaya, cauliflower, guava, brocolli, pineapples, etc. Also, reduce your stress level as it will deplete your vitamin C levels very quickly. 

7) Removal of sugars, white flour, grains and dairy products

Reduce or eliminate as much of processed foods which contains sugars, white flour, commercial dairy products and also grains. These foods will can cause inflammation and suppress the immune system, thus slow recovery of cold and flu. 

8) Water and Sleep

You've heard it before again and again by your parents, family members and doctors. You know what to do. Drink sufficient clean filtered water for hydration, and sleep before 10.30pm. 

9) Apple Cider Vinegar

Most health experts and nutritionists consider ACV as superfood, I would agree with that too. Long list of benefits, a tablespoon of ACV mixed with half glass of warm water and a pinch of rock salt in the morning would enable speedy recovery. 

10) Coconut oil

One of the superstar amongst superfoods, an affordable investment in building strong immune system. This food has been beneficial in so many ways, from anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-viral to anti-bacteria , it is one of the most powerful immune building foods. Not to mention lauric acid which is vital against infections, and caprylic acid is one of the most powerful yeast fighting substance. 

11) Catnip

It calm the nervous system, sleep-inducer and help in treating cold and flu by producing perspiration. It has decongestant properties as well, and may cause one to sweat, which may bring down a fever. Catnip herb tea (boiled) would be ideal during recovery period. 

12) Echinacea

Echinacea is every effective in treating respiratory ailments like colds A pain reliever, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant and also ability to stimulate the immune response. A herbal tea with boiled water would be ideal during recovery period.