Dr. Anders Nerman, N.D. Naturopathic Doctor in Israel
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TheĀ  "GARLIC TRICK" - The Ultimate Home Remedy for Chest Colds

11/4/2013

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If you or someone you know gets sick this winter with a chest cold there is a home remedy that one should definitely consider using to clear the chest of mucus and help kill the invading bacteria in the lung - Garlic latin: Allium Sativa sp.  I want to share with you the secret of how to properly prepare the Garlic so that the "Garlic Trick" will work for you.

This well known home remedy was one of the first I learned in Naturopathic Medical school years ago and it has proven itself effective time and again for helping my patients get over nasty chest and head colds fast. Although most people know that eating garlic during a cold helps boost the immune system many people don't know the most important ingredient to making this Garlic "trick" work---exposure to oxygen/air, time and crushing of the garlic. Why? Because research has shown that by crushing the garlic one exposes the chemicals inside the cells to air which activates a chain on chemical reactions necessary to create its antibacterial and antiviral components. In this way Garlic chemically acts much like those "hot pockets" one uses when skiing to warm their hands - exposure to air to start the chemical reactions.   Research has shown crushed garlic to be bacteriostatic, antiviral and antifungal inhibiting the growth of a wide range of pathogens including Staphylococcus sp., Neisseria meningitidis, Corynebacterium diphtheria and Vibrio cholera. Chopped garlic that has been exposed to the air for 10-20 minutes will do the trick!

I usually recommend that one raw clove is finely chopped and exposed to air for 10-20 minutes. This can be swallowed 1-2 times/day while sick. (Note it can be very hard to swallow if raw - one good way to eliminate the strong scent is to take it mixed in honey). Garlic is one of the best herbs for upper respiratory (chest) infections because the antibacterial chemical in garlic is excreted out of the body through the lungs thereby acting strongly on bacteria in the lungs. Cooking the garlic will remove the antibacterial compounds and make it ineffective.

This may come as a surprise to some but caution should be taken when using fresh garlic in high amounts. It is not appropriate for people with stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal reflux or other stomach conditions as it can irritate the stomach lining. As well, fresh raw garlic should not be used during early pregnancy due to its uterine stimulant action and during breastfeeding as it tends to cause colic in babies.  Also diabetics with unregulated blood sugar so should not use garlic because it affects insulin levels.  Fresh garlic may increase the effects of anticoagulant drugs like Warfarin so people on blood thinners or people going into surgery should not use it.

Garlic is really one of the easiest and most effective home remedies available for chest colds! It works fast and effectively if properly prepared. So remember to crush that garlic for better health this Winter! it will do the trick!


Dr. Anders Nerman, N.D. is a Naturopathic Doctor with an Integrative Family Medical practice in Wolfson Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel. For more information visit www.drnerman.com or call 972-54-427-8667 for a FREE 15-minute consultation or to book an appointment.

Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or adopting any treatment for a health problem.






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A Vitamin a day will keep the Doctor Away this Winter

10/31/2013

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Generally I do not feel people need to use Vitamins unless they have a known vitamin deficiency. However, in the winter there are some real concerns about becoming Vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is made in your body with the help of sunlight. And with sunlight being very minimal in the winter, we are at risk of becoming deficient and if we become deficient we may likely be at risk of getting sick more often.

Vitamin D has been found to be a central part in enabling the immune system to be primed to help to fight infection. So with low Vitamin D, one would be more likely to get sick. Since so many people are deficient, it may be worth getting tested by your doctor and if your are low, to take supplemental vitamin D.

Another reason to supplement Vitamin D, is that it is quite difficult it from food. Vitamin D is only in a few foods and often in very small amounts. Foods that provide vitamin D include Fatty fish (tuna, mackerel, and salmon), beef liver, cheese and egg yolks It is also found in foods fortified with vitamin D, like some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, and cereals.

Other vitamins that boost immune function and that have antiviral activity are Vitamins A, C and Zinc. Taking a supplement that has these vitamins might be necessary in someone who is prone to getting sick. If you think your immune system is weak try to find a natural supplement with these in it.  However it should be noted that Vitamin A in high doses should not be taken during pregnancy.

For those of you opposed to taking vitamins I have the following list of Food sources of these immune boosting vitamins!


Foods highest in vitamin C include:
Papaya, Kale, Strawberries, Oranges, Hot Peppers, Red/Yellow Peppers, Dark Green Vegetables, (ie Brussel Sprouts), Pomegranate and Kiwi.

Vitamin A is found in:
Sweet Potatoes, Liver, Paprika, Cayenne, Cantaloupe, Butternut Squash, Dark Leafy Greens and Dried Apricots.

Zinc can be found in:
Pumpkin seeds, Cashews, Spinach, Beans, Mushrooms, Chicken and Beef.

Try eating more of these foods to improve immune function. Wishing you a happy healthy winter!


Dr. Anders Nerman, ND.

Dr. Anders Nerman, N.D. is a Naturopathic Doctor with an Integrative Family Medical practice in Wolfson Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel. For more visit www.drnerman.com or call 972-54-427-8667.

Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or adopting any treatment for a health problem.


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Happy Hippy Popcorn: Nutritional Yeast is High in Vitamin B12

10/22/2013

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Nutritional Yeast has a pleasant nutty flavor and is packed with proteins and B vitamins.  It comes in flakes or powder and is popular with vegans and healthy people who use it to make cheese substitutes, gravies, and many other dishes.  What most people do not know is that it is the best topping for popcorn – because not only does it taste awesome but is a good remedy for low mood.

I like to call Nutritional Yeast – “Happy Flakes” or “Happy Hippy Dust” because the high B-vitamin status namely B12 and folic acid have a chemical effect on helping build neurotransmitters needed for better mood and energy.  Also these B-Vitamins are helpful for stress reduction and sleep.

Nutritional Yeast also contains amino acids and 15 minerals including iron, magnesium, phorphorus, zinc, and chromium, and selenium. Minerals such as chromium assist in regulating blood sugar which is important for diabetics. Plus, nutritional yeast also contains a high amount of fiber, which eliminates constipation and helps lower cholesterol.

So get some Nutritional Yeast and sprinkle that magic hippy dust all over your popcorn or anything else you might want to eat for a happy hippy boost! Once you start you won't be able to stop. Trust me...I am eating it as I am writing this blog...in my Naturopathic office in Jerusalem. Yum.


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    Dr. Anders Nerman, N.D. is a Canadian-trained Naturopathic Physician living and practicing in Jerusalem, Israel.

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