"Look under the microscope...see?"

[brightrosefox]

Wall Street Journal article this morning: How staying home from work when you're sick, even a little sick, can save everyone else from getting sick. Viruses are smart enough to know that if you're still decent enough to walk around and cough on people, you'll spread the germs faster. However, modern business implores us to tough it out, saying that if you're not half dead, get out of bed and come to work, thereby infecting everyone. However, the article also said that coming in to work while still barely registering viral infection may help the immune systems of those around you by alerting their bodies to prepare for defense -- like a free vaccine. But it won't help if you're already boiling with fever and sneezing everywhere. So the article offered some tips: In the bathroom, after washing hands with soap and hot water, use soapy hands to dispense paper towels, etc, then take a towel and use that to open the door. Personally, I like to do everyone a favor by soaping up and then wiping down the doorknob. Cleaning crews come in twice a day anyway, but do you know how many times those doorknobs are touched? Eesh. Same with mechaninal equipment like printers and copiers. I know, you're thinking "Why bother? We want people to get sick and die; there'd be less of them to bother me!" True, but nature takes care of her own by automatically weeding out most of the stupid ones.

I keep a bag of black seed and honey lozenges on my desk. Boosts the immune system and tastes lemony. I also have this organic hand soap with lemon and eucalyptus oils; I squirt it on without water so it creates a film, then wash it off later. Naturally antibacterial, but not so much that it raises bacterial resistance. Must find real oil of oregano, not the spice, the oil. Both ingesible and topical kinds. It's apparently one of the top most powerfully effective antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial oils on the planet, better than tee tree or antibiotics. They have them at www.lifesvigor.com in capsules along with capusles of hyaluronic acid, which is the body's most powerful hydrator and can make you live longer and healthier with less wrinkles. No, really.

Gods, I am such a health geek.

Comments

[ronin-lethe.livejournal.com]

okay, health geek, i need your help.
evening primrose oil: what is it for? what does it do? side effects?
also, can excess B vitamins be harmful?

[brightrosefox.livejournal.com]

Ah! *cracks knuckles*
Evening Primrose oil, taken internally, has been found to be extremely helpful in alleviating nearly all symptoms of PMS and menopause, and generally easing female concerns, even hormone imbalance and arthritis. EP is very high in the good kind of fatty acids, like linoleic acid and gamma-linoleic acids. It is so high in these oils that it has been found to be highly beneficial for cellular protection and regeneration, as well as being very anti-inflammatory. Externally, as an oil or in cosmetic creams, evening primrose is one of the most powerful moisturizers found in nature, said to relieve dry skin, flaking, dandruff, soreness, eczema, itching, acne, and cellular breakdown which can cause wrinkling, sagging, and loss of firmness. EP should be supplemented in daily doses between 1,000 mgs and 3,000. As far as side effects, it's not good for epileptics because it might lower the seizure threshold. Schizophrenics shouldn't take it. For everyone else, it may cause headaches and nausea if taken on an empty stomach. Take with milk or food. Very high doses may cause diarrhea.

B Vitamins--yes, there are consequences if you take too much. B12, for instance, can make your hair start to fall out in chunks, which is precisely what controlled amounts are meant to prevent. All B vitamins are extremely helpful for depression, anxiety, OCD, panic, anger, and emotional issues. Many people with depression disorders are shown to have a B deficiency, and start vastly improving upon proper supplementation. B1, B2, B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6, PABA, Methionine, Choline, Inositol, Folic Acid, Biotin, and B12 all should be taken in supplement for as well as with food, but no single dose should exceed, say 500 mgs per day. B Vitamins primarly act as cellular protectors, and to benefit the skin, hair and nails. This is why B5, Biotin and Inositol, especially are given to horses to improve and maintain coat and mane strength. Controlled doses of B5 have been shown to dramatically improve acne and dry skin. Inositol, also known as B8, counters anxiety, OCD, and panic, prevents hair loss and promotes hair growth. B3, Niacin, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure and increases circulation and heart health.
Most B vitamins are effective in single doses of 100-500 mgs, except for Biotin, the "Hair Growth" vitamin, which usually is measured in mcgs (micrograms) and is most effective in doses of 2,000 mcgs, or 2 mgs, to 5,000 mcgs (5 mgs).

http://www.wizardofvitamins.com/ is a great "starter" site for vitamin and supplement info.

WHEW.

[ronin-lethe.livejournal.com]

*grin*
i knew you'd know.

thanks sweetie!!

grin

[officeninja.livejournal.com]

some people are just too health conscious for their own damn good - oh yeah tell your boy to call me

Re: grin

[brightrosefox.livejournal.com]

Actually, I try to avoid being overzealous about it. I'm very good like that. Heh. I just like the research, really.

clarification

[brightrosefox.livejournal.com]

The majority of B vitamins normally don't exceed daily recommended doses of 60 mgs, because high doses may cause diarrhea or gastrointenstial upset. The biggest thing about too much B is that it'll flush through you too quickly and wreak havoc, causing hair loss, tummy upset, and possibly annoyance to the liver--possibly.
The Wizard of Vitamins website gives good dosage recommendations. A lot of single B vitamins can be taken in doses over 100 mgs if you're looking to alleviate a specific condition, like migraines, pain, PMS, or depression. Start with moderate doses, under 100 mgs, and slowly increase and see what works for ya.