Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (301 page)

PNEUMONIA

Pneumonia refers to inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by an infection. The infection causes the lungs to become congested with mucus and pus. Symptoms include fatigue, shivering, fever, chest pain, coughing up sputum, sweating, muscle aches, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, bluish tinge to the skin, and difficulty breathing.

CAUSES

The initial infection may be viral, bacterial, or fungal. Most at risk are the very young, older people, and those with other disorders such as diabetes, HIV, cardiovascular disease, or a compromised immune system. Smokers are also at increased risk because of the damage done to their lungs and immune system by nicotine. Other factors that may be implicated include malnutrition, stress, and pollution.

Action plan

Treatment for pneumonia should always be in conjunction with a medical practitioner.

EAT/DRINK

Fruits and vegetables. These are the most cleansing and easily digested foods. They provide an abundance of antioxidants needed by the immune system to fight the infection.

Beta-carotene-rich foods. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that can be made into vitamin A in the body. It is especially protective of the mucous membranes in the lungs and can aid healing. Carrots, pumpkins, squash, apricots, spinach, and watercress are all good sources.

Warm water—at least half a gallon a day. Fluids are necessary to clear thickened mucus and congestion from the lungs.

Freshly pressed vegetable juices, herbal teas, and broths. Fasting on freshly pressed juices for the first few days can help to shorten the suffering and reduce the fever.

AVOID

Dairy products. These can increase the amount of mucus the body produces and increase congestion in the lungs.

Sugar, tea, coffee, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and additives. These can suppress the immune system, put a strain on the liver and digestive system, and/or deplete the body of nutrients.

HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Useful herbs include aconite, green hellebore, gelsemium, belladonna, echinacea, and elecampane root. However, these may all be indicated at different stages of the infection, so advice should be sought from a medical herbalist before taking any.

Astragalus may be helpful for recovery.

Supplement with vitamin C with bioflavanoids. Vitamin C has antibacterial and antiviral properties and is needed for healing the mucous membranes.

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