No one can deny that the food we eat affects our health. While many of us lead a busy life, did you also know that certain foods can help you combat infections such as colds and flu?
Discover 10 foods that will help you stay healthy all year round.
The 10 best foods to support your immune system
Carrots:Carrots contain beta-carotene which is converted into vitamin A. Vitamin A is a vital nutrient that enhances immune cell activity. One raw carrot contains 175% of your Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA).
Vitamin C is also abundant in these root vegetables, and it helps to produce antibodies (proteins which bind with unwanted substances entering the body and help them be eliminated). Vitamin C is also important for iron absorption, and it acts as an anti-oxidant to protect immune cells against free radicals.
Add carrots diced to soups and stews. Or, slice them and roast with olive oil and salt and fresh herbs as a sweet, delicious side dish.
- Try these alternative sources for beta-carotene or vitamin C:
- Red peppers
- Dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale
- Sweet potatoes
- Butternut squash
- Cantaloupe
Chamomile or green tea:Green Tea has earned a reputation for being one of the best foods that boosts your immune system.
Beth Reardon is Director of Integrative Medicine at Duke Integrative Medicine Center. She says, “Green tea is among my top 10 favorite drinks because it’s a powerful anti-oxidant and has antiviral and antibiotic properties.” She suggests drinking between three and five cups of green-tea daily to replenish antioxidants, which will keep your immune system in top shape.
Try chamomile if you have trouble with caffeine. The Imperial College of London conducted a study that showed chamomile’s ability in increasing phenol levels. These are natural antioxidants and antibacterial properties.
Fermented dairy products: Yogurt and its fermented cousin, kefir are natural sources of beneficial bacteria, which can be found in food and supplements.
Probiotics promote healthy digestion, improve nutrient absorption and colonize your gut, preventing opportunistic bacteria from growing.
Look for the National Yogurt Association’s “Live and Active Cultures” certification when choosing fermented products. This seal ensures a high quantity of living organisms.
Try goat milk yogurt if dairy is not for you. Many people find it easier to digest. You can also choose non-dairy foods that are fermented, such as:
- Miso
- Tempeh
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
At least one serving of probiotic-rich foods should be consumed each day.
Goat Milk:You may be familiar with goat cheese but have you tried goat milk before? It’s a powerful immune booster that triggers a response against inflammation in human immune cells, according to studies. It also activates certain immune cells which play a vital role in eliminating invaders and boosting your body’s defense mechanisms.
If goat milk is not your cup of tea, goat cheese and goat milk butter can provide similar benefits.
Mushrooms Because they resemble bacterial cell walls in appearance, mushrooms stimulate the immune system and act as a “dress rehearsal”, priming it for fighting bacteria.
It’s not only exotic Asian varieties such as reishi and cordyceps which offer health benefits. Tufts researchers found that white button mushrooms increase natural killer cells. These are white blood cell that kill infected or diseased cells and prevent viruses and cancer spreading.
Reardon warns that raw white buttons mushrooms may contain harmful substances, but cooking them deactivates these compounds. Add mushrooms to soups or stir-fries and cook them thoroughly to reap their immunity-boosting benefits.
If you don’t like the earthy taste of mushrooms, then mushroom supplements can be a good alternative.
Brazil Nuts:Brazil Nuts are one of best sources of selenium. Just two nuts provide 200 micrograms, or 363.6% of RDA.
The body is better able to fight off illness and infection when selenium is present.
Try other sources of selenium if you don’t like Brazil nuts.
- Tuna
- Lean beef
- The chicken and turkey
- Brown rice
- Eggs
Seafood: Seafood is a great source of zinc. Zinc is necessary for immune cell function and signaling as well as to reduce oxidative stress from free radicals. Zinc has been shown to be beneficial for treating respiratory tract infections and pneumonia.
Reardon suggests eating shellfish at least once or twice per week to ensure you get enough zinc. Great zinc-rich food options include:
- Oysters
- Crab
- Lobster
- Mussels
- Alaskan crab
Beans Beans contain a lot of fiber and are a great source of immunity.
As it breaks down to short-chain fatty acid, fiber reduces inflammation and feeds beneficial microbes in the gut. This breakdown process activates immune cells within the digestive tract where up to 80% the immune system is located.
It is important to have a healthy immune system. It changes into a gummy texture, binds to unwanted substances such as germs and helps remove them from the digestive system. It also reduces inflammation, improving the immune system’s function.
According to a University of Illinois study, a diet rich in soluble fibre can reduce the susceptibility of illnesses.
While all beans contain soluble fiber, the lima bean is a standout with 3.5 grams of fiber per serving. This is more than chickpeas or black-eyed beans, which only have 1 gram. But pinto, black, navy and kidney beans are also good choices.
GarlicGarlic is one of the best known foods to support immunity. Garlic is rich in sulfur-containing compounds such as allicin which help to absorb zinc, a key immune-boosting nutrient.
Garlic compounds also stimulate white blood cells, as well as other immune cells such macrophages and t-cells.
Chop or crush the garlic and expose it to air for several minutes to unlock its immune-boosting powers. Raw garlic is the most potent, but you can also add it to hot dishes at the end of cooking if its taste bothers you.
Garlic supplements are another way to reap the benefits of its immune-boosting properties.
Raw Honey: Honey can be a great remedy for cough. One study found that children suffering from upper respiratory infections were more relieved by a small amount of honey taken before bedtime, than they were from cough suppressants available over the counter.
Honey is more than a soothing remedy for a sore throat. Honey that is raw and unpasteurized has a powerful immune-boosting effect.
Raw honey, unlike most of the processed honey found in grocery stores, retains all its beneficial antioxidants, enzymes and other compounds. It is a natural antibacterial. It also stimulates the production of immune cells and reduces inflammation.
Use raw honey in your favorite recipes, warm drinks, or as a natural sweetener.
A strong immune system is essential for your overall health. These immune-boosting foods will give your body all the antioxidants and beneficial compounds that it needs to function correctly and feel strong and resilient, no matter what life throws at you.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8702655/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8801482/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2854912/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6162863/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-Consumer/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0985056221002156
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707683/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2855614/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8234133/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6076941/#:~:text=Green%20tea%20has%20been%20shown%20to%20combat%20these%20organisms%20in,contribute%20to%20the%20antimicrobial%20effects.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20722909/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5374383/#:~:text=Another%20study%20showed%20that%20four,microbial%20community%20structure%20%5B5%5D.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8110871/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7166318/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3539293/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4626640/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7040033/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0034528822003022
https://bmcimmunol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2172-10-12
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7472412/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8869304/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9498495/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3277928/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3723386/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3724376/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK73822/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9775844/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7855848/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34255547/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257631/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20138982/
Click to access Lima-Bean-phaseolus-Lunatus-L-A-Health-Perspective.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6271412/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25961060/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32836826/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25386977/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5424551/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5245888/#:~:text=All%20three%20treatments%20improved%20the,sleep%20quality%20of%20the%20child.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5549483/
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/23/9/2322/htm
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32817011/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5551541/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249911/
Alternative Medicine Magazine published the article Best Foods to Support Immunity: These 10 Foods are Good for Immunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get more information on holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is an approach to health care that focuses on treating the whole person rather than just focusing on one part of the body. Holistic medicine considers all aspects a patient’s lives, including their spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being.
Holistic medicine aims to treat the whole person, not just individual symptoms. Holistic medicine is not about curing the disease. It promotes healing.
Holistic medicine encompasses preventive measures, nutrition, and treatment for chronic conditions such arthritis and diabetes.
There are many forms of holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
Is holistic healing legitimate?
The answer is both yes and no. Yes. Many medicines have been shown to be effective against different ailments. Because they can’t cure every condition. It all depends on what you mean when you say “holistic.” If holistic means taking into account all aspects a person’s well-being, then yes. However, if it simply means that natural remedies are preferred to chemical ones, then no.
Some claim holistic medicine was around since ancient times. This is simply not true. Although some healers in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome used natural remedies, they did so without scientific knowledge.
Medical practitioners started to study anatomy and physiological science in the Middle Ages. This led to the development and practice of surgery, obstetrics and pharmacology. Most Western countries had established public hospitals in which trained doctors could offer medical care by the turn of the 19th century.
Conventional medicine is today the dominant type of healthcare. However, many people still prefer to use complementary and alternative medicine. Many people find that it works better than drugs.
People may feel more relaxed after having massage therapy than they do when taking tranquilizers. Some prefer to eat healthy food over taking prescription medication. Others, however, find regular exercise to be a great way to keep their bodies functioning at peak performance.
What is the importance of alternative medicine?
Alternative treatments are becoming more popular as they’re cheaper and more effective than traditional therapies. However, there have been many cases where patients have died after taking these treatments, sometimes due to side effects such as allergic reactions. There are also alternatives that may be more effective.
If you don’t have enough knowledge about alternative medicines, they can pose a danger. Vitamin supplements aren’t controlled as pharmaceuticals so it is easy to get too high on vitamins. Other remedies, however, can be toxic.
Statistics
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches
- Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name? NCCIH
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING FOR TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE–PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
webmd.com
cam.cancer.gov
How To
What are the Advances and Shortcomings of Holistic Medicine.
Holistic medicine emphasizes mind, body, spirit, environment and social factors in healing. It was created by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), whose first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (1924), describes the process. He relied on simple techniques like visualization, meditation, and hypnosis. This treatment was beneficial for people who suffer from anxiety, depressions, stress, pain, insomnia, or other illnesses. This type of therapy also helps patients to cope with their problems, and improve their quality-of-life.
Although holistic therapies are still popular, evidence is lacking to support their effectiveness. Some studies show that holistic treatments can reduce symptoms such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
The advancements and the shortcomings of holistic medicine can be seen in:
- Insufficient scientific evidence. A few carefully designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), have evaluated the effectiveness of holistic therapies. Positive results are found in the majority of observational studies.
- Low cost compared to conventional medicine. Some alternative medicines are cheaper than traditional ones, especially when the patient follows a natural diet.
- Patients do NOT feel pressured or compelled to follow prescribed protocols.
- Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
- Many holistic therapies can be used alongside conventional medicine. For example, acupuncture is usually done along with medication or surgery.
- People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative drugs are considered more natural and less harmful than traditional drugs.
- Many patients use complementary treatments to complement their lifestyle changes. They want to feel healthy and enjoy life.
- Holistic treatments are more beneficial for patients.
- Holistic treatments are becoming popular among older adults.
- More research needs to be conducted on complementary treatments.
- Studies show that most people prefer to try alternative treatments before going to a doctor.
- It is important for doctors to realize that not all patients will benefit equally from alternate treatments.
- Holistic treatment should be part and parcel of our culture as well as our education system.
- Holistic treatments might not be for everyone.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatments aren’t only for hippies.
- Certain diseases can’t be treated holistically.
- Sometimes, holistic treatments can be dangerous.
- Holistic therapies can be beneficial for certain conditions.
- Holistic treatments can be very effective.
- Holistic treatments are based on ancient knowledge.
- Holistic therapies are simple to learn.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- It can be hard to learn holistic therapies.
- Holistic therapies are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments are very expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be less expensive than conventional medicines.
- Holistic treatments tend to be more expensive that conventional medicine.
****
A Brief History of Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine refers to a system that treats the whole person rather than just the symptoms. It addresses all aspects, including the physical, emotional and mental, as well as cultural, social, occupational, environmental, and cultural factors. It is a way to prevent illness through diet, exercise or stress management.
Bastyr University established the first holistic school of medicine in Seattle in 1972. After Dr. Andrew Weil’s 1996 book, “Spontaneous Healing”, holistic medicine started to flourish. Dr. David Williams and Michael Murray established the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA). Today, there are hundreds of holistic medicine schools worldwide, including Bastyr University, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, Maharishi Ayurveda Institute, Pacific School of Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many others.
2013 was the year holistic medicine was declared one of the five main trends in healthcare by the World Health Organization. This trend focuses on integrating traditional care with complementary therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and herbalism, massage therapy (reiki), yoga, meditation, and even tai-chi. This integration aims at providing safe, effective, patient centered care while minimizing costs and side effects.
Holistic medicine works due to the interconnectedness between our mind-body-spirit. An imbalance in any of these components can lead to illness. This is an example:
You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Cortisol is a hormone that causes inflammation in your body. The result is fatigue, weakness, and sickness.
You feel negative emotions such as anger, fear, grief and sadness when your emotions are high. These emotions can cause stress in the brain. Untreated, stress can cause your body to make adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline increases your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate. Cortisol impacts your immune system as well as your digestive tract and nervous system. Both hormones can cause fatigue and muscle tension, headaches as well as dizziness.
You can lose your faith and hope in life if you feel depressed. Also, you may lack self-esteem. This can lead you to poor eating habits and unhealthy relationships. It can also cause low energy. Your spirit will make you feel happy, cheerful, peaceful, optimistic, and positive.
There are differences between alternative and traditional medicine.
Allopathic medicine relies on scientific methods. Doctors use laboratory tests, x-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, and other technologies to diagnose patients. When necessary, they prescribe medication and perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe they understand the human body, and can prescribe medications to treat ailments. Alternative medicine can be used for vitamins, minerals, diet and exercise. There is no standard definition of alternative medicine. People call it natural or integrative medicine. Some refer to it as traditional, naturopathic, or CAM.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
——————————————————————————————————————————————
By: Dick Benson
Title: Best Foods for Immune Support: Stay Healthy with These Top 10 Foods for Immunity
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/uncategorized/best-foods-for-immune-support-stay-healthy-with-these-top-10-foods-for-immunity/
Published Date: Thu, 20 Jul 2023 19:23:21 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get more information on holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is an approach to health care that focuses on treating the whole person rather than just focusing on one part of the body. Holistic medicine considers all aspects a patient’s lives, including their spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being.
Holistic medicine aims to treat the whole person, not just individual symptoms. Holistic medicine is not about curing the disease. It promotes healing.
Holistic medicine encompasses preventive measures, nutrition, and treatment for chronic conditions such arthritis and diabetes.
There are many forms of holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
Is holistic healing legitimate?
The answer is both yes and no. Yes. Many medicines have been shown to be effective against different ailments. Because they can’t cure every condition. It all depends on what you mean when you say “holistic.” If holistic means taking into account all aspects a person’s well-being, then yes. However, if it simply means that natural remedies are preferred to chemical ones, then no.
Some claim holistic medicine was around since ancient times. This is simply not true. Although some healers in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome used natural remedies, they did so without scientific knowledge.
Medical practitioners started to study anatomy and physiological science in the Middle Ages. This led to the development and practice of surgery, obstetrics and pharmacology. Most Western countries had established public hospitals in which trained doctors could offer medical care by the turn of the 19th century.
Conventional medicine is today the dominant type of healthcare. However, many people still prefer to use complementary and alternative medicine. Many people find that it works better than drugs.
People may feel more relaxed after having massage therapy than they do when taking tranquilizers. Some prefer to eat healthy food over taking prescription medication. Others, however, find regular exercise to be a great way to keep their bodies functioning at peak performance.
What is the importance of alternative medicine?
Alternative treatments are becoming more popular as they’re cheaper and more effective than traditional therapies. However, there have been many cases where patients have died after taking these treatments, sometimes due to side effects such as allergic reactions. There are also alternatives that may be more effective.
If you don’t have enough knowledge about alternative medicines, they can pose a danger. Vitamin supplements aren’t controlled as pharmaceuticals so it is easy to get too high on vitamins. Other remedies, however, can be toxic.
Statistics
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches
- Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name? NCCIH
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING FOR TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE–PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
webmd.com
cam.cancer.gov
How To
What are the Advances and Shortcomings of Holistic Medicine.
Holistic medicine emphasizes mind, body, spirit, environment and social factors in healing. It was created by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), whose first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (1924), describes the process. He relied on simple techniques like visualization, meditation, and hypnosis. This treatment was beneficial for people who suffer from anxiety, depressions, stress, pain, insomnia, or other illnesses. This type of therapy also helps patients to cope with their problems, and improve their quality-of-life.
Although holistic therapies are still popular, evidence is lacking to support their effectiveness. Some studies show that holistic treatments can reduce symptoms such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
The advancements and the shortcomings of holistic medicine can be seen in:
- Insufficient scientific evidence. A few carefully designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), have evaluated the effectiveness of holistic therapies. Positive results are found in the majority of observational studies.
- Low cost compared to conventional medicine. Some alternative medicines are cheaper than traditional ones, especially when the patient follows a natural diet.
- Patients do NOT feel pressured or compelled to follow prescribed protocols.
- Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
- Many holistic therapies can be used alongside conventional medicine. For example, acupuncture is usually done along with medication or surgery.
- People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative drugs are considered more natural and less harmful than traditional drugs.
- Many patients use complementary treatments to complement their lifestyle changes. They want to feel healthy and enjoy life.
- Holistic treatments are more beneficial for patients.
- Holistic treatments are becoming popular among older adults.
- More research needs to be conducted on complementary treatments.
- Studies show that most people prefer to try alternative treatments before going to a doctor.
- It is important for doctors to realize that not all patients will benefit equally from alternate treatments.
- Holistic treatment should be part and parcel of our culture as well as our education system.
- Holistic treatments might not be for everyone.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatments aren’t only for hippies.
- Certain diseases can’t be treated holistically.
- Sometimes, holistic treatments can be dangerous.
- Holistic therapies can be beneficial for certain conditions.
- Holistic treatments can be very effective.
- Holistic treatments are based on ancient knowledge.
- Holistic therapies are simple to learn.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- It can be hard to learn holistic therapies.
- Holistic therapies are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments are very expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be less expensive than conventional medicines.
- Holistic treatments tend to be more expensive that conventional medicine.
****
A Brief History of Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine refers to a system that treats the whole person rather than just the symptoms. It addresses all aspects, including the physical, emotional and mental, as well as cultural, social, occupational, environmental, and cultural factors. It is a way to prevent illness through diet, exercise or stress management.
Bastyr University established the first holistic school of medicine in Seattle in 1972. After Dr. Andrew Weil’s 1996 book, “Spontaneous Healing”, holistic medicine started to flourish. Dr. David Williams and Michael Murray established the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA). Today, there are hundreds of holistic medicine schools worldwide, including Bastyr University, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, Maharishi Ayurveda Institute, Pacific School of Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many others.
2013 was the year holistic medicine was declared one of the five main trends in healthcare by the World Health Organization. This trend focuses on integrating traditional care with complementary therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and herbalism, massage therapy (reiki), yoga, meditation, and even tai-chi. This integration aims at providing safe, effective, patient centered care while minimizing costs and side effects.
Holistic medicine works due to the interconnectedness between our mind-body-spirit. An imbalance in any of these components can lead to illness. This is an example:
You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Cortisol is a hormone that causes inflammation in your body. The result is fatigue, weakness, and sickness.
You feel negative emotions such as anger, fear, grief and sadness when your emotions are high. These emotions can cause stress in the brain. Untreated, stress can cause your body to make adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline increases your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate. Cortisol impacts your immune system as well as your digestive tract and nervous system. Both hormones can cause fatigue and muscle tension, headaches as well as dizziness.
You can lose your faith and hope in life if you feel depressed. Also, you may lack self-esteem. This can lead you to poor eating habits and unhealthy relationships. It can also cause low energy. Your spirit will make you feel happy, cheerful, peaceful, optimistic, and positive.
There are differences between alternative and traditional medicine.
Allopathic medicine relies on scientific methods. Doctors use laboratory tests, x-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, and other technologies to diagnose patients. When necessary, they prescribe medication and perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe they understand the human body, and can prescribe medications to treat ailments. Alternative medicine can be used for vitamins, minerals, diet and exercise. There is no standard definition of alternative medicine. People call it natural or integrative medicine. Some refer to it as traditional, naturopathic, or CAM.
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