Infections of this kind are most frequently the result of an underlying allergy. An allergic reaction induces inflammation that blocks the thin tube that runs from the sinuses to the ears. Once this swells and blocks, the inner ear chamber becomes a favourite site for infection. Treatment with antibiotics quadruples the risk of another infection. This may be because antibiotics irritate the gut wall, making it more leaky, which exacerbates underlying allergies.
Diet advice
Eat and drink plenty of fruit, vegetables and their juices. Drink plenty of water, herb teas and three cups of cat’s claw tea a day. Stay away from mucus-forming foods – dairy produce, meat and eggs. Dairy allergy is the single most common cause of ear infections.
Supplements
• 2 x Multivitamin and multimineral
• 2 x Antioxidant complex
• 3 × Vitamin C 1,000mg
• Echinacea 10 drops twice a day
• Aloe vera a measure a day as instructed on the bottle (get the best, since the concentration of active ingredient varies a lot)
• Grapefruit seed extract 10 drops twice a day
Scale these amounts down, according to weight, for children. Give a child weighing 60lb (half an average adult), for instance, 5 drops of both echinacea and grapefruit seed extract, 500mg of vitamin C three times a day (1,500mg in total) and a children’s multivitamin and multimineral and antioxidant complex.
In this unpleasant condition the skin becomes scaly and itchy; it can crack and be very sore. Dermatitis is very similar in nature and probably also in cause. The possibility of allergy must be strongly considered. Although the mechanism is unknown, optimum nutrition does usually help this condition. Vitamins A and C strengthen the skin, while vitamin E and zinc improve healing. When there is no open wound, vitamin E oil can help to heal the skin. Essential fats also help to reduce inflammation.
Diet advice
Generally a vegan-type diet, low in saturated fat and with sufficient essential fats from seeds, is best. If you suspect an allergy to dairy produce or wheat, test for it by avoiding these foods.
Supplements
• 2 x Multivitamin and multimineral (with magnesium 300mg and zinc 15mg)
• 2 × Vitamin C 1,000mg
• 2 x Antioxidant complex
• 2 x Essential Omega 3 and 6 oil capsules
• Vitamin E 400mg
It’s completely myth that eggs raise your blood cholesterol. True, eggs do contain cholesterol, but they are also an excellent source of protein, vitamins, minerals and more interestingly, unsaturated fats, especially if you feed the chicken seeds. Of the 5g of fat in an egg, half is monounsaturated (as in olive oil), which actually helps lower the risk of heart disease.
The egg yolk also contains the richest known source of choline, which helps the body make good use of fats, including cholesterol.
The trouble is, if you fry them you destroy these beneficial nutrients and damage these good fats. Also, an egg is only as healthy as the chicken laid it, so if possible buy nothing but organic, free-range eggs, laid by chickens that have been feed grains and seeds, rather than battery chickens fed who knows what.
Nowadays you can even buy eggs high in omega-3 fats. These eggs may be positively good for people whit raised cholesterol. My advice, if you have raised cholesterol, is to have no more than seven healthy eggs a week, and don’t fry them.
What it does: What it does Antioxidant, protecting cells from damage, including against cancer. Helps body use oxygen, preventing blood clots, thrombosis, atherosclerosis. Improves wound healing and fertility. Good for the skin.
Deficiency Signs: Lack of sex drive, exhaustion after light exercise, easy bruising, slow wound healing, varicose veins, loss of muscle tone, infertility.
Best food sources: Unrefined corn oils, sunflower seeds, peanuts, sesame seeds, beans, peas, wheatgerm, tuna, sardines, salmon, sweet potatoes.
Optimum daily amount: 300mg a day (50mg from a good diet; 250mg from a supplement).
