Respiratory System
On average, a person exchanges about 6 liters of air every minute.
The lungs
are the center of the respiratory system, which includes the nose, throat and trachea (windpipe). Air comes in through the
nose and mouth, travels down the trachea (windpipe), and into the bronchi. Bronchi to bronchioles, to alveoli. Alveoli are
the tiny air sacs around the ends of the smallest bronchioles. Capillaries surround the bronchioles and it is here that carbon
dioxide leaves the body and oxygen enters it.
Importance of sinuses and trachea:
Sinuses:
Filter and humidify
the air we breathe.
Regulate the temperature of incoming air.
Trachea, bronchi and bronchioles:
Lined with cilia
- tiny hair-like structures that pulsate continuously, pushing mucous and foreign particles toward the pharynx so they can
be swallowed, broken down and eliminated.
Health Factors
Common concerns:
Runny nose, sneezing, allergies,
post-nasal drip, cough, colds, bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia and asthma.
Associated problems:
Earache, sore
throats, swollen lymph nodes and tonsillitis
Chronic respiratory weakness:
Wheezing, shortness of breath and emphysema.
Prevention
Good hygiene (wash hands frequently)
Don't smoke and avoid second-hand smoke
Get plenty of
sleep
Exercise regularly
Practice deep breathing
Eat a balanced diet
Try to avoid air pollution and air-born
contaminants
Reduce amount of stress
Remedies for Cold and Congestion
Drink plenty of water, preferably with
lemon (lemon breaks down excess mucous)
Avoid dairy, sugar and wheat (they produce mucous)
Eat plenty of fresh garlic
(it is anti-bacterial and anti-protozoan effects)
Zinc Lozenges (kill cold virus on contact)
ECHINACEA -
Infection
Fighter - Kills broad range of disease causing viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, supporting its traditional use in wound
healing and treatment of many infectious diseases. Fights infection comparable to broad-spectrum activity of penicillin. Strengthens
tissues against assault by invading microorganisms. Echinacea contains a substance that counteracts the germ's tissue-dissolving
enzyme.
Immune System - Prevent infection by revving up immune system. A study published in INFECTION AND IMMUNOLOGY
showed that a substance derived from echinacea boosts infection-fighting white blood cells (macrophages) ability to destroy
germs.
Colds and Flu - Behaves like body's own virus-fighting chemical, interferon. Interferon is released just prior
to infected cell death. That interferon boosts the ability of surrounding cells to resist infection. Echinacea does the same
thing.
Yeast Infection - A German study of women with recurrent yeast infections found significant differences in
treatment results when treated with combination of echinacea and anti-yeast cream. After six months, 60% treated with just
cream experienced recurrences, but those treated with echinacea and cream the figure was only 16%.
Safety - Echinacea
often causes a tingling sensation on the tongue. This is normal and not harmful.