How the Naturopathic Doctors at Marsden Centre fight infections during cold and flu season

“Doctor heal thyself - A dose of our own medicine”

Although as NDs we strive maintain a healthy immune system, sometimes we find ourselves as the patient. On these rare occasions, we engage in aggressive therapies so that we can return to a healthy state as quickly as possible. Here are our secrets to speeding up healing and reducing time away from work and loved ones.

Intravenous Ascorbic Acid: Vitamin C has demonstrated antiviral effects in vitro and also plays a role in immune function. We choose administer vitamin C intravenously because oral ascorbic acid is absorbed through the intestinal lumen in an energy and dose dependant process. This means that at doses of over 2g, less than 20% is absorbed. Therefore, in order to maximize the effects of ascorbic acid, we administer it intravenously. Vitamin C concentrations in the plasma and leukocytes rapidly decrease during infection and stress.Vitamin C in high doses leads to the production of large amounts of hydrogen peroxide in the connective tissues in the body.

By: Dr. Ashley Chauvin ND

Clinic Fellow

Hydrogen peroxide is an important oxidative molecule involved in many immune reactions in the body. Vitamin C can reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of respiratory infections, including the common cold. Vitamin C has also been shown to reduce the incidence and improve the outcome of pneumonia, diarrhea and malaria in developing countries (1). Intravenous administration of ascorbic acid carries a very low risk of adverse effects and other benefits that include detoxification, cardiovascular support, tissue and wound repair and potential anti cancer benefit.

Nebulized Glutathione: A nebulizer is a device that is able to convert medications into mist for the purposes of inhalation. At the Marsden Centre, glutathione is administered by inhalation through a nebulizer machine. Glutathione can only be absorbed through intravenous or inhaled administration. Infections by viruses induces oxidative stress in host cells.

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant. Inhaled glutathione can decrease the inflammation of the sinuses, trachea and lungs, thereby enhancing breathing. Studies have shown that glutathione can provide an alternate strategy to controlling infection from influenza (2). Nebulized glutathione is a staff favourite because it is non-invasive, the treatment takes only 15 minutes, and the effects are felt almost immediately. This procedure can be done in office or

in the comfort of your own home. Nebulizers can be given to younger patients. Therefore it is a popular treatment for our children. Overall nebulizer treatments are extremely safe, however some patients may have sensitivities to glutathione. Check with your ND to make sure this is a safe option for you or your little ones.

Marsden’s Mouthwash: One of the first symptoms of an infection can be a sore throat. At the Marsden Centre, we combined some of our favourite herbs into an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory tincture. Commiphora Myrhh is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial herb. Salvia officials is known for its cooling properties. Echinacea is immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory and increases lymphatic drainage. Chammomile is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and can help decrease fever. Peppermint is antispasmodic and can help open up the airway to enhance breathing. Thyme is antispasmodic, antiseptic, antimicrobial and can expectorate mucous in respiratory conditions (3). Some sore throats can be a sign of streptococcal infection. If your sore throat is accompanied by a fever > 38 degrees Celsius, swollen lymph nodes, or swollen tonsils, you should be evaluated for strep throat.

Getting Back to Basics: It is easy to forget about self care, especially during the busy holiday season. Allowing extra time to sleep is imperative for the body’s recovery. Optimal digestion is essential for overall health, regardless of whatever ailment you may be suffering with. Although it may be tempting to reach for a quick meal or snack, indulging in dairy and sugar can decrease healing time. Ingesting dairy can increase mucous production which can cause more phlegm. Sugar is highly inflammatory and can decrease the immune system. Onions and garlic have large quantities of sulfur containing compounds. These compounds support general detox. The “allicin” component of garlic also shown to be antibacterial, antiviral, anti fungal and antiprotozoal. Mushrooms contain polysaccharides which have an important role on the immune system. Honey is antibacterial and anti fungal. Raw unpasteurized honey can mixed with hot water to soothe a sore throat. Honey should not be given to children under the age of 1.

Colds and flus can be our body’s way of reminding us to re-evaluate our immune system. Never hesitate to contact the office for an acute visit if you find yourself facing any signs or symptoms of cold and flu.

Wintergerst, E. S., Maggini, S., & Hornig, D. H. (2006). Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions. Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism, 50(2), 85–94. http://doi.org/10.1159/000090495
Cai, J., Chen, Y., Seth, S., Furukawa, S., Compans, R. W., & Jones, D. P. (2003). Inhibition of influenza infection by glutathione. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 34(7), 928–936. http://doi.org/10.1016/S0891-5849(03)00023-6
Bone, Kerry and Mills, Simon. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Churchill Livingstone. 2000.