The smartphone is an incredible tool and you can always find one in the hand of nearly every person, no matter where you go. Be they young children, adolescents, or elderly people with walkers, their eyes are glued to the screen. They swipe, they scroll, they watch, they troll, and they get pulled into the endless vortex of social media, Internet, and games. The smartphone changed our lives, but are our lives more fulfilling and peaceful? No, they aren’t. In fact, anxiety and stress levels are through the roof, and smartphones influence that more than you realize.

Why Are You So Addicted To Your Phone?

The average person checks their phone 96 times a day, which is once every ten minutes. Some people get offended when you start talking to them if they are on their phones. Many experts believe that that anger comes from the fact that you break up the dopamine rush. With every notification you check and every unlock of the home screen, you receive a sudden dopamine boost. It’s like a hit of a drug, and the brain wants more after every time you check the phone. Because of this, people can never truly relax and calm their minds. 

A recent study from the University of Arizona found that adolescents who depended on their phones were more likely to experience symptoms of depression and loneliness. This is interesting considering that people who are more depressed or anxiety-prone are more likely to engage with social media. It’s a vicious cycle and your cellphone won’t let you escape. This statistic is amplified by the increased depression and anxiety as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Couple that with increased screen time and you have a recipe for phone addiction giving you anxiety. 

What Does Your Phone Addiction Do To Your Body?

As a result of constantly engaging with the phone, your stress levels increase, your sleep suffers, and you become more anxious. All of these things actually stimulate addiction. The crazy thing is that you feel obligated to keep up with social media, emails, and whatever the world is doing. Obligation easily evolves into addiction, and addiction creates stressful behaviors. The addiction to the phone often increases feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem, both of which worsen depression and anxiety. Your phone worsens your anxiety more than you realize, and we’ve detailed that below.

You Use It To Escape Reality

Many people take on a different online persona, or the very act of engaging with the virtual world is more pleasant than being in the real world. Understanding the reason you go online or check social media is very important. Do you do it to catch up with friends, stalk people, or get likes? Are you comparing yourself to others? The reason you scroll can determine how you feel after using it. Ask yourself these questions and more and you might discover a solid answer as to why your phone increases anxiety. 

It Screws Up Your Sleep

Many scientific studies show that the blue light from smartphones makes it more difficult to go to sleep. Blue light from any device inhibits melatonin production, which is a hormone that helps regulate sleep cycle. If you are scrolling through social media and stressing yourself out, in addition to exposing yourself to blue light, up until you lay your head on the pillow, you will not sleep well. A 2017 study found that smartphones are one of the primary causes of sleep problems in teens. Failure to sleep can increase stress and increase the risk for depression and anxiety.

You Don’t Give Yourself A Break

If you don’t give yourself a break from your phone, how can you expect your anxiety to calm down? If your phone is within reach, you are going to check it. Your anxiety forces you to unlock the screen and check in with the world. If you bury your phone under the couch or put it in another room, the chances of you picking it up are much less. Take it a step further by taking time off from social media apps for a week. Several studies found that taking time away from Facebook for a week improved overall happiness. Change your digital life and your anxiety will thank you.

Can You Break The Addiction?

Social media is replete with funny memes, hurtful comments, political arguments, and more. You can argue the pros and cons of social media all day long. Add the Zoom conferences and necessity to check work emails into the mix and you have a serious problem. You have to set boundaries with your phone. Figure out when it’s okay to use it and when it’s not. No phone use at the dinner table, while watching a show with family, and definitely not within the hour before bed. Additionally, don’t look at your phone for the first hour of your day. You can also try to set a time limit of phone use per day. You can use apps to time your usage, or block apps altogether after a certain time limit. It is possible to break the addiction, but you have to work at it, otherwise you’ll remain addicted and filled with anxiety.

SHARE:

The post Is Your Cellphone Increasing Your Anxiety? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Depending on who you ask, the terms plant-based and vegan might mean the same thing. As interchangeable as they may seem, there are some very distinct differences between both lifestyles. Simply put, veganism is an animal friendly and environmentally conscious way of life, while being plant-based mainly focuses on diet and health, with less of a focus on animals and the environment.

What Does A Vegan Lifestyle Consist Of?

Those who subscribe to the vegan diet must abstain from eating animal products as a way of not contributing to the exploitation of animals for the purpose of survival. Being vegan also means that you do not purchase or wear anything made from animal products. Clothes, purses, shoes, and hats that are made from animal products, or beauty products that have been tested on animals, are avoided; granted, there are many people who simply maintain vegan diets for personal health reasons and don’t worry about the animal products or testings.

Donald Watson, an English animal rights activists and founder of the Vegan society, coined the term vegan in 1944. Since then it has grown tremendously in popularity, so much so that the food and drug industry are constantly creating new vegan-friendly options to capitalize on the expanding market. The downside to the creation of vegan alternatives to animal based foods is that vegans can go through life without ever eating a vegetable or fruit, since processed alternatives like soy, or anything not containing animal-derived products like honey, fall into the vegan category.

Vegans have a strong belief that all living creatures have the right to life and freedom. A true vegan opposes any physical or psychological mistreatment of animals and their environment. Even the farming of animals is seen as a violation, according to vegans. A transition to veganism usually involves going through a vegetarian way of life first, and then shifting towards being vegan. From that point on, they can classify themselves as one of the following types of vegans:

• Dietary Vegans: Those who avoid consuming animal products strictly for dietary reasons, and continue to use the byproducts in the form of cosmetics and clothing.
• Whole-foods Vegan: Those who prefer to eat foods that are natural and nutritionally rich, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. This is similar to the plant-based lifestyle in terms of eating habits.
• Raw-food Vegans: Those who only consume uncooked foods, or foods that are cooked at a temperature below 118 degrees F (48 degrees C).
• Fruitarian Vegans: Known simply as fruitarians, this group consists of people who only consume fruits, and occasionally vegetables, but mainly fruits.

What Does A Plant Based Lifestyle Consist Of?

The plant-based lifestyle has a lot more dietary restrictions than its vegan counterpart. A person can only consume what grows from the ground, and has not gone through a refinement process that expels most of the food’s nutrients. The diet includes fruits, vegetables, as well as whole grains, but it is important to steer clear of meat, dairy, and unnatural or processed foods.

Studies have shown that this lifestyle has several health benefits, since all the consumed foods are non-GMO and free of added preservatives or chemicals. It’s known for being the healthiest dietary option for those suffering from cancer, hypertension, diabetes and some of the other more common life threatening illnesses.

How To Transition To A Plant-Based Lifestyle

Transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle is quite demanding and often times complicated. It takes plenty of discipline and willpower to not only go against the ideas and beliefs that you and most people were born into, but to also overcome the temptation to deviate while surrounded by societal influences. Unlike veganism, there aren’t many options to choose from when it comes to your eating habits.

Restaurants that are 100% plant-based are very rare or nonexistent, even in most metropolitan areas. One has to be more than okay with preparing his/her meals at home to avoid cross contamination from eating out at a restaurant that does not adhere to such demands.

A common question or concern is, “If all you’re eating is plants, where do you get your protein?” The biggest mammals in the world are herbivores that are hunted down and eaten by carnivores, which absorb the rich plant-based protein that the herbivores received from eating plants. It all ties back to the source. If you need a more detailed guide of plant-based protein, click here.

The ideas behind both the vegan and plant-based lifestyles are as old as the human species itself. During pre-historic times, indigenous cultures primarily consumed plant-based foods and rarely ate animals or their byproducts. In your health journey, it’s important to eliminate any confusion in order to fully understand the pros and cons of both diets. Choose what is best for you based on what you can manage with regards to your health and values.

SHARE:

The post Plant-Based Vs. Vegan: How Are They Different? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

A plant-based diet is an eating pattern that focuses on only consuming unprocessed and unrefined natural foods. This diet includes grains, tubers, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. A plant-based diet has been known to help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and even cancer. As of 2018, it has become the biggest dining trend in the United States, ensuring its subscribers a much healthier and environmentally friendly way of life.

While the benefits of eating natural plants seem more than enough to influence a worldwide transition, enforcing this change after thousands of years of meat-based diets has proven to be quite difficult. In most cases, health conscious individuals enter into plant-based diets with gung-ho attitudes, but are unable to continue due to attachment to old habits and a lack of understanding of how to transition. Achieving optimal health is not easy and like all things, preparedness is the key to success. Here are the top 10 tips on how to successfully begin your plant-based journey.

Tip 1: Research

Before you even think about going plant-based, it is wise to do some research for educational purposes and personal success. Weigh the pros and cons of making plants your only food sources. Whatever it is that’s motivating you to take such a big leap, make sure it’s something that’s right for you. This will increase your chances of success during the withdrawal phase. You will undoubtedly experience some cravings, which is why it’s important that you fully understand what this diet is and how you can benefit from it.

Tip 2: Make A Decision, And Stick With It

Commitment is everything when you make the transition to plant-based foods. Removing animal-based enzymes and processed foods from your diet will change the internal chemistry in the body. Going back and forth between diets may prove strenuous on your overall health.

Tip 3: Clean Out Your Fridge & Pantry

Once you commit to the new diet, it’s time to take action. Remove any and all items from your home that are not plant-based and replace them with items that are. The point of doing this is to alter your taste buds and prevent yourself from cheating on your new diet. Removing the temptation from your house is a painful yet necessary step.

Tip 4: Plan Your Meals

Going plant-based means that your food will have to be made fresh most of the time. Anything with added preservatives is not encouraged while adhering to this diet. Make it easy on yourself by buying bulk items like whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and other foods with a long shelf life. You can also try meal prepping one day on the weekend to make your life easier during the week. There are even plant-based meal delivery services that can ease your transition.

Tip 5: Start Small, Keep It Simple

As you begin to preparing your own meals, you’ll notice that you feel more satisfied when you focus on the basics. You don’t want to drain your energy by attempting to make a three-hour recipe with 47 ingredients. Instead, look for recipes that look delicious and require minimal effort. A plant-based diet requires more fresh ingredients so be sure to allot ample time to prepare everything. Keep your meals simple, no need to complicate things with gourmet entrées or three course meals; well, not yet anyway.

Tip 6: Recreate Your Favorite Recipes

Try to find alternative plant-based ingredients for some of your favorite recipes. It may not be possible to do this with all of your go-to recipes, so understand that there will be a difference in the way the dishes taste. Replace the non-plant based items with whole food items. For example, you can substitute mushrooms (portobellos work great) for meat in recipes that call for some type of meat. You can also blend nuts with various spices in a food processor to create raw plant-based meats.

Tip 7: Find Your Plant-Based Tribe

This is a great time to search your favorite social media network for like-minded individuals or groups that share you enthusiasm and interest in the plant-based diet. You may even have friends who have already transitioned to a plant-based diet and can illuminate the path to success. Participate in a challenge and start sharing the recipes you make to inspire others who may want to make the plant-based switch.

Tip 8: Explore Local Food Options

To piggyback on the previous tip, make it a habit to go out to local plant-based restaurants, where you can experience unique creations that you may not think to make at home. Try to do this at least once a week, especially since more and more plant-based restaurants are popping up around the nation. Have fun exploring the diet by immersing yourself in the lifestyle. Take note of any dishes that you may want to make for you or loved ones at home.

Tip 9: Be Patient, There Will Be Drawbacks

Subscribing to a plant based diet is not easy, and you may experience symptoms of withdrawals or even deviate from the path a couple times. What you need to understand is that failures like these are still part of the process and it is important to go at your own pace. Be patient and take this new diet one day at a time. Always remember that things will get easier with time, as long as you stay committed.

Tip 10: Add Some Plant Based Supplements To Your Diet

Don’t be afraid to add plant-based vitamin and mineral supplements to your diet, but make sure they are 100% plant-based. Supplementing can help maintain energy levels or keep your protein intake consistent. Transitioning will take time, especially when you’re trying to find what works well with your body and what doesn’t.

Be steadfast in your commitment to plant-based foods and never be ask for assistance, tips, or information about what you are doing. As long as you are trying to better your health with plant-based foods, you are on the right track.

SHARE:

The post 10 Tips On How To Start Eating Plant Based appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Hybrid foods are either viewed in a positive or negative light. They cannot naturally occur in nature; humans have to intervene and crossbreed two different plants to yield a hybrid plant. Hybrid foods, however, are not recent news. The ancient Mayans altered plants in order to produce a sustainable and long-lasting crop. Let’s tackle the topic of hybrid plants below.

What Are Hybrids?

Crossing two different varieties of a fruit or vegetable with each other will yield a hybrid produce item. A common hybrid food is the grapefruit, which is a hybrid of a sweet orange and a pomelo, and it was crossbred on plantations in the 18^th century. The important thing to understand is that hybrid foods can occur both in nature and on a farm or plantation.

Open Pollination

Open pollination happens when an insect, bird, wind, or other natural mechanisms cross-pollinate two different species of plant. There are no restrictions between the flow of pollen, which is why open-pollinated plants are genetically diverse. Open pollination causes a greater variation within plant populations, and this can change with the climate and time of year.

Hybridization

This is a more controlled method of pollinating two different plant varieties or species. Human intervention is necessary for this to happen. It is important to note that a hybrid plant is genetically unstable, meaning that the seeds cannot be re-used after the initial harvest. The hybridized plant will produce a higher and larger yield than the parent varieties because they will have a higher carbohydrate makeup. The nutrients and phytochemicals from the parent varieties are diluted in the hybrid plant.

Corn is probably the most infamous example of a hybrid food, given that new corn hybrids were produced in the 1930s, so that farmers could easily cultivate the crop. The other reason was so that it could grow more easily and be more resistant to insects and drought. Milford Beeghly perfected a breeding technique to obtain hybrid seed corn that grew taller and produced higher amounts of ears. Since the days of Beeghly, corn has transitioned from being a hybrid food to a genetically engineered crop.

GMOs vs. Hybrids

A hybrid plant is crossbred and is not genetically modified, according to the NonGMO Project. Scientists combine different DNA genes, viruses, and bacteria from different species of plants and animals to create genetically engineered foods, which are typically patented, for example, the Honeycrisp apple. In a genetically engineered plant, the genes have been altered to continually produce specific traits that don’t change when hybrid plants are replanted. GMOs change the genetic makeup of the seed so that the genes from other species and organisms are inside the plant. The seeds also contain chemical pesticides to ward off insects. This is why GMO foods are not the same as hybrid foods. This is also why GMO produce items are available throughout the year.

Having Said All That…

Hybrid foods can become genetically modified and patented, but they do not inherently contain GMOs. Certain hybrid foods contain a lot of essential nutrients and beneficial enzymes, which are better and easier for the body to absorb than synthesized nutrients that are created in a lab and come in pill form. People have the right to be wary of hybrid foods because certain hybrid wheat, for instance, is bred to have triple the gluten. The goal of avoiding this hybrid should be because of the increased gluten percentage, not because it is a hybrid. As a consumer of produce, it is difficult to know if the nutritional content of your hybrid produce is low, medium, or high. Concerning yourself with the location and growing conditions of your produce is the best way to know the nutritional content, and an easier way to know if GMOs were used or if it was an open-pollinated hybrid.

Sometimes we need to step back and analyze the foods for what they are. Were they grown with chemicals? Were concentrated toxins sprayed on the crop? Are there nutritional deficits? These questions need to be answered when it comes to your decision about eating or not eating hybrid foods. We aren’t advocating for them, but we aren’t against them. We are merely telling you to weigh the pros and cons and make your own decision. Be wary of the GMO-laden foods, though!

A Hybrid Food List

• Pluots
• Broccolini
• Angello
• Black Galaxy Tomato
• Grapefruit
• Limequat
• Pineberry
• Carambola
• Seedless Grapes
• Pineapples
• Seedless Watermelons
• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Seedless Persimmons
• Alfalfa Sprouts
• Kiwis
• Seedless Citrus Fruit
• Several Date Varieties (like Medjool)
• Cashews
• Beets
• Seedless Apples

SHARE:

The post The Pros And Cons Of Hybrid Foods appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

While it has gained popularity in recent years, chicory root has been around for many centuries. People who are trying to reduce their caffeine intake often turn to chicory root, but it is more than just a coffee replacement. A cup of hot chicory root tastes just like a fresh cup of coffee, but that’s not the only thing that should impress you. It has been known to improve digestive health, reduce inflammation, and stabilize blood sugar levels.

What Is Chicory Coffee?

The chicory plant belongs to the dandelion family and has a fuzzy stem with light purple flowers. The origination of replacing coffee with chicory root dates back to 1800s, when there was a coffee shortage in France. Before that, chicory root was brewed into a tea and used for its medicinal properties. People with jaundice, gout, rheumatism, or an enlarged liver commonly consumed chicory root tea.

One thing to note about chicory root is that it is caffeine-free. People have classically ground up 2 tablespoons of chicory root and steeped it in one cup of water. In present day, chicory root powder is readily available. It is a great coffee replacement and can deliver the following benefits.

Liver Protection

Chicory root has an incredible ability to protect the liver against possible toxicity and free radical damage. According to a 2015 medical review, the natural antioxidants in chicory root were able to boost the body’s defense system and simultaneously cleanse the liver.

Decreased Inflammation

As you may know by now, chronic inflammation has been linked to the development of diabetes, certain cancers, and heart disease. Several studies have found that chicory root may possess anti-inflammatory properties. Other studies have concluded that chicory root’s polyphenols can help decrease inflammation levels, but more research needs to be done on humans for concrete findings.

Stress Reliever

If you are easily stressed or have excess levels of cortisol in the body, caffeine can only worsen the issue. In fact, a 2006 study found that repeated caffeine consumption combined with high stress levels significantly increased cortisol levels. Because chicory root does not contain caffeine, it may be the coffee replacement you need to reduce stress and normalize cortisol levels.

Gut Health Hero

Chicory root is rich in a prebiotic known as oligosaccharide-enriched inulin, also referred to as prebiotic fiber. It is easily fermented by healthy bacteria in the gut and it contributes to the healthy growth of probiotics. Inulin, or chicory root fiber, is commonly found in probiotic supplements! It is best to not go overboard with chicory root because it can lead to excess fermentation, which can trigger gas or upset stomach.

It May Not Be For You

We understand that you may be looking for a coffee alternative, but chicory root is not for everyone. Due to the aforementioned gas and upset stomach side effects, some people avoid chicory root. You should absolutely avoid it if you are allergic to ragweed or birch pollen. Additionally, chicory root is not recommended for pregnant women because it could trigger menstrual bleeding and miscarriage.

Chicory root can be a great coffee substitute, especially if you are looking to cut down on caffeine consumption. Weigh the pros and cons and try it out; you might like it a lot! And one last thing…the featured picture of this article is what a cup of chicory root coffee looks like.

SHARE:

The post How Chicory Root Can Replace Your Morning Cup Of Joe appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Childhood fevers can be frightening, mostly because they are misunderstood.

A fever is an increase in body temperature above the “normal range.” But the definition of “normal” can vary from person to person. Body temperature also varies with different levels of activity and at different times of the day. Medical texts differ in their definition of the highest “normal” body temperature, which can range from 98.6 to 100.4°F. It is generally accepted that a fever is defined as an “early morning temperature greater than 99°F or a temperature greater than 100°F at any time of the day.” REF: Harvard Medical School’s Inteilhealth.

There are several causes of fever, but it is most commonly associated with dozens of different viruses, bacteria and parasites that cause upper respiratory infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections.

When infectious micro-organisms invade the body, it is fever that gets our attention. Yet, despite its universal recognition, little is known about how is occurs. The currently held view is that when an infectant enters the body, the body activates its innate immune responses, which include the release of a complex mediators with equally complex names: cytokines, pyrogenic molecules that including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin (IL-1β) and interleukin (IL-6). These substances signal the part of the brain called the hypothalamus to raise the body’s thermostat, which in turn leads to chills and shivering to increase the metabolic rate. Heat loss is minimized by restricting blood flow to the skin, giving it a pale appearance. Fever sufferers may lose their appetite and most feel lethargic, achy, and tired.

However, contrary to the reflex need to give an aspirin to make a fever stop, an elevated temperature can be an expression of the immune system working at its best. The number of white blood cells is increased and cascades of molecules to flood the blood stream, in rapid pursuit of the host’s invaders. Fever impairs the ability of bacteria and viruses to replicate, creating an inhospitable environment for the invading organisms. By turning up the heat, invading microbes cannot replicate and by definition, die off. Fever results in winning the war against a wayward microbe.

Fever phobia

Fever is certainly one of the most common reasons that parents seek medical attention for their children. In 1980, a paper published by Barton Schmitt, MD contained the results of a survey in which 81 parents were asked their understanding of fever. All parents were inappropriately worried about low-grade fever, with temperatures of 102°F (38.9°C) or less. Most parents (52 percent) believed that fever with a temperature of 104°F (40°C) or less could cause serious neurological side-effects. As a result, almost all parents in the study treated fever aggressively: 85 percent gave anti-fever medications and 68 percent sponged the child with cool water temperatures far below 102°F (39.5°C). Their over concern was designated by Schmitt as “fever phobia.” REF: Am J Dis Child. 1980 Feb;134(2):176-81. “Fever phobia: misconceptions of parents about fevers.”

In 2001, a follow-up study was conducted to see if the trends in “fever phobia” had changed. The study sought to explore current parental attitudes toward fever and to compare these attitudes with those described by Schmitt in 1980. The results of the study were disturbingly worse than the fever phobia reported by Schmitt twenty years earlier:

Of the 340 caregivers who were interviewed, 56 percent reported that they were “very worried” about the potential harm that fever could cause to their children. Compared with 20 years ago, more caregivers listed seizure as a potential harm of fever, woke their children and checked temperatures more often during febrile illnesses, and gave anti-fever medications or initiated sponging more frequently for possible normal temperatures. Forty-four percent considered 102°F (38.9°C) to be a high fever, and 7 percent thought that a temperature could spiral out of control and reach temperatures greater than 110°F (43.4°C) if left untreated. Almost all of the caregivers (91 percent) believed that even a low-grade fever could cause harmful effects. The worst concerns listed were brain damage (21 percent) and death (14 percent.)

Strikingly, 25 percent of parents admitted giving anti-fever medications for fevers less than 100°F (37.8°C) and a full 85 percent would awaken their child to give fever medications. The survey revealed that 14 percent chose acetaminophen, and 44 percent opted for ibuprofen; however, both were given at too frequent dosing intervals. When it came to baths to cool children, 73 percent stated that they sponged their child to treat a fever. However, 24 percent sponged at temperatures less than 100°F (37.8°C) and nearly 20 percent used alcohol in a cool bath. REF: Pediatrics Vol. 107 No. 6 June 2001, pp. 1241-1246.

“Fever Phobia Revisited: Have Parental Misconceptions About Fever Changed in 20 Years?”

The study also revealed that nearly one quarter of those surveyed alternated the use of acetaminophen and ibuprofen during their child’s febrile illness. This is a common practice despite a lack of evidence to support the efficacy and safety of this practice. A study by Mayoral et al in May, 2000 reported that 50 percent of pediatricians surveyed stated that they advised parents to alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen using various regimens despite being no evidence to support this protocol. REF: Pediatrics Vol. 105 No. 5. May 2000, pp. 1009-1012. “Alternating Antipyretics: Is This an Alternative?”

Troubling, yet not surprising, was that 46 percent of caregivers listed doctors as their primary resource for information about fever. When obtaining a history about a child’s illness, pediatric health care providers often are quick to ask about the importance and value of an elevated temperature. Discharge instructions to parents after a visit with the physician often include calling or returning if the child’s temperature rises beyond a certain level or if a fever persists. But placing emphasis on the child’s temperature without providing information about when a fever should be of concern and allowing a fever to persist to aid the body in healing heightens anxiety and serves to perpetuate fever phobia.

Caregiver anxiety about fever may be heightened by the lack of knowledge regarding the importance of fever in illness. In fact, fever phobia is most likely fostered by the medical community itself. When doctors tell parents to give medication when a temperature rises above a certain level, say 101°F, many parents automatically assume that a fever is “dangerous” at that level. The result is to give children drugs to keep them from harm. In reality, the purpose of anti-fever methods is to provide comfort as the body fights off the infection. If doctors were clear about this, there would be a lot less “fever phobia” around.

Confirming the problem with misinformation about fever, May and Baucher published a study in Pediatrics revealing that instructions given to parents about the management of fever are often dismally incomplete and lack consistency. The study which reviewed information given to parents during sick-child visits, found that 10 percent of providers almost never discussed the definition of a “high fever”; 25 percent almost never discussed the dangers of fever, and sadly, a full 15 percent almost never discussed the reasons for fever, assuming that parents understood the importance of fever. REF: Pediatrics. Vol 90. Issue 6, pp. 851-854, 12/01/1992. “Fever phobia: the pediatrician’s contribution.”

If parents understood the importance of fever and how to appropriately support their child during a fever, parents would acquire a comfort level with caring for an ill child. They would rid themselves of unnecessary stress, unnecessary doctor and emergency room visits and most of all, their child would benefit from infection-fighting fevers. The concern of parents about fever is not justified but is understandable without appropriate information. Health education to counteract “fever phobia” should be a part of routine medical care for children.

When is fever harmful?

In addition to the beneficial effect of fever on the immune system, it is important to note that the body has a way to protect itself from excessively high temperatures. Many parents are unaware of this process and believe that temperatures will continue to rise to potentially lethal levels if left untreated. In the absence of overwhelming factors, such as extreme dehydration and unsafe circumstances, such as being locked in a closed automobile, a normal children’s temperature will not rise out of control to potentially lethal levels. Therefore, it is exceedingly rare for a child’s temperature to exceed 107°F (41.7°C) in the event of a routine infection.

The fear most parents have about a high fever-defined as a sustained temperature of greater than 104°F for several days-is the concern about developing seizures. A febrile seizure manifests as abnormal jerking movements all over the body without evidence of central nervous system infection. Febrile seizures occur most commonly in children between the ages of three months and five years of age and usually last five minutes or less). About 3 percent of all children experience a febrile seizure sometime during childhood. Febrile seizures occur most commonly due to a sudden rise in temperature and not due to a prolonged fever, unless the child is dehydrated.

This susceptibility is not well understood. Of those children who have a first-time febrile seizure, about one-third experience a recurrence. Risks for recurrence are elevated for children who experienced the first seizures at age 16 months or younger, and who have a family history of febrile seizures. In general, 30 to 40 percent of children who have had a febrile seizure are likely experience one more. If a child has had two febrile seizures, there is a 50 percent chance that an additional episode will occur at some time in the future. Although frightening, febrile seizures are almost always benign. Nonetheless, if a child experiences a febrile seizure, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. In addition, if your child is under six months of age or if an older child has had a fever of more than 104°F for more than four or five days, a healthcare provider needs to be consulted.

How best to treat a fever: home management

So, what can you do at home?

1. Encourage drinking lots of water.

Fever increases fluid loss, and dehydration cause fevers to remain high. Often, children with fevers do not feel thirsty, or by the time they do want something to drink, they’re already dehydrated. Keep offering water or an electrolyte-based drink. Every drop and teaspoon counts. Small, frequent sips are often best, especially if the child feels nauseated. If necessary, use a plastic medicine dropper that can be readily purchased at the drug store to gently insert water into your child’s mouth.

2. To dress lightly or bundle up?

The answer depends on your children’s perception of temperature – follow her cues. If your child looks pale, shivers, or complains of feeling chilled, bundle her in layers of breathable fabrics but be sure that the layers are easily removed. If the fever is low-grade, dress her snuggly and give warm liquids to assist the body’s fever production. If he complains of being too hot, use light close and sheets for comfort.

3. Starve a fever?

Children with fevers generally don’t have much appetite and it is much more important to remain hydrated than to consume foods. Let your child determine when and what she wants to eat. Try light foods such as broth or hot cereal for calories and easy digestion.

4. Avoid white, refined sugar.

It has been documented that refined white sugar can suppress the immune system. In a study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition as far back as 1977 reported the adverse that sugar has on the immune system. Blood was drawn from subjects and the activity of the white blood cells that neutralize viruses and bacteria was observed and calculated. The white blood cell activity was calculated before and after subjects were given various doses of sugar: 6, 12, 18 and 24 teaspoons, respectively. Each subsequently higher dose of sugar created a corresponding decrease in the activities of the subject’s white blood cells. The group that had consumed the largest amount of sugar had essentially no functioning white blood cells within an hour after consuming the sugar. The immunosuppression occurred for up to two hours after consuming that sugar, but the adverse effects of no blood cell activity persisted in some instances for up to five hours. REF: Am J Clin Nut 1977;30:613 “Depression of lymphocyte transformation following oral glucose ingestion.”

Why is this important? White blood cells eliminate viruses and bacteria that invade our defenses. Without the efforts of these cells, susceptibility to infection is increased and recovering from infection can be stalled. Therefore, do not offer children with fevers Coca-Cola, 7-Up, or Ginger Ale for an upset tummy and ice cream to soothe a sore throat. Unaware, these hefty doses of sugar can further drag down the immune system at a time when it needs to be at its strongest.

To medicate or not to medicate?

A rule of thumb when treating a fever is “First, do nothing,” meaning that observation is a better choice than running for the medicine cabinet. Is your child drinking fluids well? Urinating at least once every eight hours or wetting at least eight diapers per day? Does your touch console her? Is he attempting to play? If the answer to these questions is yes, this is probably not a serious illness, despite the number on the thermometer.

Medications for fever can act as a screen. Here are some pros and cons regarding giving your child over-the-counter medication to ease a fever:

The good news

Medications such as acetaminophen if used at all, should be used for comfort. If your child feels miserable because of a fever, a trial of one or two doses can be given as a “screening test.” If you child looks and acts much better within a short period of time, it is likely that the infection is not a serious one. He may be more likely to drink fluids, nibble food, and sleep if he is a little more comfortable. This means keeping the fever around 100 or 101°F.

The not-so-good news

Several studies have shown that by suppressing the fever, the body needs a longer time to recover.

• In a study of children with chickenpox, acetaminophen prolonged itching and the time to scabbing compared to placebo treatment. REF: J Pediatr 1989; 114:1045-1048. “Acetaminophen: more harm than good for chickenpox?”

• A study of adults found that aspirin and acetaminophen suppressed production of the patient’s antibodies and increased cold symptoms, with a trend toward longer viral shedding and prolonged symptoms. REF: J Infect Dis 1990; 162:1277-1282. “Adverse effects of aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen on immune function, viral shedding, and clinical status in rhinovirus-infected volunteers.”

The bottom line
Use anti-fever medicines sparingly when your child suffers discomfort from a fever over up to 104°F (40°C). Ask yourself whether you are administering the fever-reducing medicine to make your child more comfortable or to decrease your own anxiety. Drug-free approaches can go a long way toward helping your child feel better. If the situation does not seem urgent, consider a trial of echinacea tea, lavender oil, Vitamin D 5000-50,000IU/day and Vitamin C (10mg per pound) before you pull out the fever drugs.

Dr. Sherri Tenpenny is a board-certified osteopathic medical doctor from Cleveland, Ohio. She is the founder of Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center, a clinic that specializes in holistic health and healing, including breast thermography, allergy relief and bio-identical hormones.

Dr. Tenpenny is an internationally known expert on the problems associated with vaccines. She has produced many educational DVDs and is the author of two books, FOWL! which makes the connection between bird flu and environmental pollution, and Saying No To Vaccines, a guide written to help adults and parents refute the most common reasons to vaccinate.

As the “Voice of Reason about Alternative medicine”, Dr. Tenpenny is an outspoken advocate for free choice in healthcare, including the right to refuse vaccination. She has done hundreds of TV and radio interviews, and she is a returning guest to C2C-AM.

Follow Dr. Sherri Tenpenny!
Vaccine information: (440) 239-1878
Information on Medical clinic: (440) 239-3438

Dherbs Solutions:

• Anti-V Formula
• Anti-V Tea
• Immune Formula
• Immune Tea
• Vitamin C Extract
• Vitamin C Tea

SHARE:

The post FEATURE: The Importance of Fever appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.