ADRENAL STRESS INDICATOR

Excerpt from Dr Marita Schauch's book "Making Sense of Women's Health" 

Write the #1 beside symptoms you have had in the past, #2 for those that occur occasionally, #3 for those that occur often, #4 for those that occur frequently. Add up the total score: 

1. Blurred vision/spots in front of the eyes
2. Hormonal imbalances (i.e., thyroid problems)
3. History of asthma/bronchitis
4. Prolonged exposure to stress (job, family, illness, etc)
5. Headaches
6. Environment or chemical exposures or sensitivities
7. Hypoglycemia/blood sugar problems including mood swings
8. Food allergies
9. Poor concentration/memory problems
10. Low energy, excessive fatigue
11. Easily overwhelmed, inability to handle stress
12. Post-exertion fatigue
13. Dizziness upon standing
14. Inflammatory conditions (arthritis, etc)
15. Nervousness/anxiety, depression, irritability or anger
16. Shortness of breath/yawning 
17. Cold hands or feet
18. Low back pain, knee problems or sore muscles
19. Insomnia/frequent waking
20. Excessive urination
21. Excessive perspiration or no perspiration
22. Heart palpitations
23. Edema of extremities or general edema
24. Eyes light-sensitive
25. Cravings: sugar, salt or coffee and other stimulants
26. Alcohol intolerance
27. Recurrent colds or infections
28. Digestive problems, ulcers
29. Weight loss or gain
30. High or low blood pressure

TOTAL SCORE: 

Between 30-50 your adrenal are starting to weaken
Between 50-80 you need adrenal support
Between 80-100 you need extra adrenal support including glandulars
Over 100 - this is adrenal exhaustion and will require long term adrenal support

Naturopathic Flu Shot: Safe and Effective

NATUROPATHIC FLU SHOT: SAFE AND EFFECTIVE

Many Canadians choose not to get the conventional flu shot because either they have had adverse reactions to it in the past, have heard it doesn’t work, or they have had it and still gotten sick. The flu shot has been criticized as being ineffective as the viruses in the vaccine are chosen based on the previous years circulating viruses. There are over 500 viruses that can cause the flu and each year the World Health Organization chooses three to base the following year’s vaccine on. However, viruses constantly change and thus poses a fundamental challenge in terms of getting the proper virus isolated for the vaccine.

Despite this challenge, Health Canada recommends that people who are at high-risk for complications get the flu shot annually. Those people include those over the age of 65, children, pregnant women (who will be over 3 months pregnant during flu season), health care workers and those with respiratory diseases (such as asthma). The statistics cited from Health Canada state that for those over 65, for example, the efficacy of the vaccine was as low as 30%. Furthermore, the conventional flu shot takes a couple of weeks before the body has a chance to develop antibodies against the viral strains and only incurs short-term immunity (lasting approximately 2-3 months). So, if it only works some of the time and doesn’t have long lasting effects, it is no wonder people are looking to alternatives to support their immune systems.

The naturopathic flu shot is a comination of sterile homeopathic medicines that work to stimulate the body’s own defences. It is a combination of two products called Engystol and Gripp-Heel that are especially effective at preventing viral and bacterial infections. It has been used for over 35 years with demonstrated efficacy and can be used safely for the entire family. There are no known side effects and few reported adverse effects (compared to the conventional flu shot). It is best to get it early in the season (between October and December) and followed up by additional immune support as recommended by your naturopathic doctor. However, if you are feeling a little “under the weather” and still would like additional immune support the flu shot can help in acute situations to quell the symptoms of fever, headaches, runny nose and stuffiness. Research on the naturopathic flu shot has demonstrated that if people who have received the shot still get sick their symptoms are milder and their recovery time is much shorter than previous bouts.

Regardless of whether you choose the conventional or naturopathic flu shot, continue to practice proper hygiene to prevent the spread of the flu virus. Wash your hands frequently and cough into the elbow of your sleeve. The best approach is preventative therefore support yourself with a proper diet, plenty of rest and you should stay healthy the flu season.