Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Lyme Disease part 3 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND I hope you have been enjoying this conversation on Lyme disease. I want to start today’s blog by talking about something that in my opinion doesn’t get enough attention, chronic Lyme disease. I am also going to …
Skin Irritants of Summer part 1 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND As the warm weather of summer approaches everyone is running outside to plant their garden. However, your garden can have hidden irritants that can leave you feeling itchy later. These can include plants you may …
Pneumonia Part 2
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
In our first blog on pneumonia, we covered the basics of pneumonia. In this blog we will be reviewing risk factors for pneumonia, details about the vaccine and what you can do to help boost your immunity. Let us get into it, shall we?
One of the biggest risk factors for pneumonia is age. While anyone can get pneumonia, those who are under 2 years old or over 65 years old are at an increased risk. Being in the hospital, especially using a breathing machine, can also increase your risk. Having compromised immunity for any reason as well as certain chronic conditions such as asthma also can increase your risk. Smoking can also reduce your body’s ability to fight off pneumonia.
Pneumonia is typically divided into types depending on what kind of pathogen is causing the infection and where you acquired the infection. Classifications based on pathogen type include bacteria, bacteria like organisms, fungal, and viral. Classifications based on where you acquired it include community acquired; this form means that you acquired the illness outside of a hospital or other health care facility. Then there is both hospital and health care acquired pneumonia. To break these down further it refers to the hospital setting and separate from that a health care facility such as a nursing home. Lastly, there is aspiration pneumonia, this is where food, liquid, or even saliva gets into your lungs. (1)
The next item that is confusing when it comes to pneumonia is the vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine is used to help prevent infection by pneumococcal bacteria. It is important to talk to our doctor if you are in a high-risk group. It is also important to note that the pneumococcal vaccine is not typically recommended for those who are aged 2 and under. There are also certain medications that may interact with the pneumococcal vaccine. Additionally, there are several chronic conditions that may lead to more severe side effects with the vaccine. That being said, which groups or individuals are recommended to receive the vaccine? Well to start anyone in a high-risk group. That includes adults 65 Y/0 and older. Any adults and kids 2-64 Y/O that have any chronic disease or illness that can increase the risk of pneumonia such as asthma and diabetes. Anyone that is 2-64 Y/O that is living in special environments such as Alaska or a nursing home. Lastly, anyone 2-64 Y/O with any decreased disease fighting ability. (2) This is an important topic to talk to your doctor about. Like every vaccine there are pros/cons. Please do not do your research on social media and ignore your doctor. Your doctor knows your health history. Social media may have exciting content, but influencers do not know you or your overall health risk. And to be frank they have no consequences if you get sick based on their advice. Is that social media star going to take care of you if you get sick? Are they going to cook and clean and pay your bills?? Nope! So, as they say, take social media with a grain of salt!
Now in this blog I will be talking about both Glutathione and NAC. Now I am your thinking, but aren’t they the same thing?? In the chart below I have outlined the differences. (3)
| Glutathione | NAC |
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· By breaking down and thinning mucus, NAC can make it easier for the lungs to clear.
· Boosting brain health and mood: Research suggests NAC can benefit brain health and mood. · Replenishing antioxidant levels: NAC can help support detoxification and promotes clear breathing, making it a versatile supplement for whole-body health.
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What nutrients do I recommend to help boost your immunity and overall health?
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Cold and Flu Season is Here Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND If you have noticed that it seems like everyone around you, you are coughing or sneezing it’s not just your imagination! Cold and flu season has arrived. What can you do to boost your immunity? …
Holidays and Immune Health Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND While the holidays are often times of fun, exciting travel and a time to reconnect with family and friends they can also be a time when we are exposed to different pathogens or germs than we are …
Summer Colds
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Most people have had a cold in the summertime at least once during their lifetime. But why do summer colds even happen? And while yes, I know you know the symptoms of a cold I will still do a quick refresher on those! Lastly, which nutrients are the best to help fight off the summer sniffles? It is a lot to cover so let us get into it, shall we?
Why do summer colds happen? Well as we know, colds are caused by a virus. Some of these viruses are more prevent in winter and thus spread in the colder winter season. Other viruses thrive in warmer weather and thus transmit from person to person more easily in the summer months. During the summer there tends to be many large gatherings with people close together. For example, amusement parks, cruise ships and even traveling to summer vacation spots on airplanes are all situations that are conducive to spreading a virus. In addition to spending time close to other people in the summer people often spend long hours in air conditioning. Viruses spread very easily in the cool and dry air that the AC creates. (1) In my clinical experience, in addition to the cool and dry air AC is a risk because going in and out of the cold AC frequently can be difficult for the body to adjust to. I have also found that AC can dry out mucus membranes. Both can affect our overall immunity, and this can leave us vulnerable to an upper respiratory infection such as a cold. Another risk factor for summer colds is an inability to access handwashing facilities. Remember the best way to reduce the transmission of a virus is to wash your hands! However, in places like the park this may not be possible. (1)
Since summer colds tend to be caused by a different virus than the typical winter cold virus, they may have different symptoms than you would expect. Common respiratory symptoms include runny nose, cough, sore throat, headaches, fever and even body aches. In addition to these respiratory symptoms, a summer cold can also cause digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and an upset stomach. (2) Other symptoms can include feeling pressure in the sinuses or your head. You may notice a decrease in energy. Some viruses can also cause mouth blisters, hand/feet blisters and even pink eye!
What are the most common risk factors for catching a summer cold? Spending time around children (studies find that they typically do not wash their hands). Spending time in an enclosed public space. Going in and out of AC frequently is a risk. Being incredibly young or old can increase your risk of a cold. Not practicing good hygiene (for example not washing your hands, touching your face etc.). Lastly, having a weak immune system for any reason such as stress or lack of sleep. (3)
So, what can you do to prevent a summer cold or to reduce the symptoms?
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