Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs usually caused by infection from bacteria, viruses, fungi or other organisms that enter the air sacs of the lungs during breathing. This condition takes more than 60,000 lives in America per year. While pneumonia can strike anyone, older adults and people with chronic illnesses or weak immune systems are particularly at risk. This condition is a leading cause of death in children all over the world.

Over 50 different types of pneumonia exist, with cases ranging from mild to life-threatening. Many cases of pneumonia develop suddenly, with chest pain, fever, chills, cough and shortness of breath. Infection usually precedes a cold or the flu. However, it can also occur on its own or result from other illnesses.

Because it mirrors other illnesses like a cold or the flu, pneumonia can be hard to diagnose. Aside from that, signs and symptoms can vary greatly, depending on any other conditions a person may have and the type of organism causing the infection which includes:

Bacteria - Bacterial pneumonia can occur on its own, or it can precede a viral upper respiratory infection such as influenza. Signs and symptoms include shaking chills, a high fever, sweating, chest pain and a phlegm producing cough.

Viruses – A number of different viruses can cause pneumonia. People are often affected in the winter by viral pneumonia and for those with cardiovascular or lung disease it can be especially dangerous. Initial signs and symptoms typically include a dry cough, headache, fever, muscle pain and fatigue.

Mycoplasma - This bacterium causes signs and symptoms that reflect those of other bacterial and viral infections. However, the symptoms take longer to surface and are often mild and flu-like. Mycoplasma is the primary cause of what’s known as "walking pneumonia" which is a type of pneumonia involving symptoms that can be so mild, a person doesn’t even know they are infected. So they are "walking around" instead of getting bed rest.

Chlamydia – Characterized by symptoms similar to that of mycoplasma pneumonia, this type is most common in school-age children. If and when an adult does become infected, it can be dangerous. The chlamydia bacterium that causes pneumonia is not the same bacterium that causes sexually transmitted infections.

Fungi - Pneumonia can also be caused by certain types of fungus. Most people affected experience few if any symptoms but others can develop symptoms of acute pneumonia.

Pneumocystis carinii - Pneumonia caused by P. carinii is the most common infection affecting Americans living with AIDS. People with weakened immune systems are are at risk for this type of pneumonia. Signs and symptoms of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) include a persistent cough, fever and trouble breathing.

I strongly recommend seeking the attention of a qualified medical doctor who is open to alternative therapy if severe symptoms are present. In extreme cases, pneumonia can send you to the hospital and is potentially life-threatening for those over age 65. If antibiotics are used as part of conventional therapy, be sure to use probiotics to replace friendly bacteria once antibiotic therapy is complete.

Don’t be one of 60,000 lives that pneumonia takes this year. Furthermore, don’t get sucked into messages claiming prescription med’s are the only way to treat pneumonia. Remember, "Big Pharma" equals Big Business.

Instead, treat your self naturally by supplementing with the following:

Goldenseal (take as directed on label) - This herb aids the immune system in destroying many of the germs that commonly cause bacterial pneumonia.

Garlic (take as directed on label) - Nature’s antibiotic, which helps protect against respiratory infections. As always I recommend using Kyolic by Wakunaga of America, which is an odorless organic garlic supplement.

Grape Seed Extract - (take as directed on label) - Boosts immunity and protects lung tissue.

Coenzyme Q10 (100 mg daily) - Enhances cellular oxygen utilization. I highly recommend using Q-absorb by Jarrow Formulas.

Maitake Extract (take as directed on label) - Builds immunity and fights infection. I personally use Griffin's liquid Maitake Mushroom.

Vitamin A (up to 25,000 IU daily) - Enhances immunity and aids in lung tissue repair.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (5,000 - 20,000 mg daily in divided doses) - Helps reduce inflammation and enhances immunity.

Astragalus & Echinacea (take as directed on label) - are both great natural immune system enhancers.

Ginger (take as directed on label) - Aids in treating fever.

Blue Vervain (take as directed on label) - Soothes the respiratory tract.

Marshmallow (take as directed on label) - Relieves respiratory problems.

Also be certain that your diet consists of lots of raw fruits & vegetables.

"Green drinks" with chlorophyll are essential as well. My top choice is "Super Green Formula" by Garden of Life.

Avoid dairy, sugar & white flour products.

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