Index of Diseases / Health Conditions ... Medicinal Foods, Herbs, Spices & Household Items
The below provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner ... Please refer to: Medical & Legal Disclaimer.
Natural Ways of Building a Strong Immune System & Fighting Disease: Increase your own and your pets' chances of fighting / overcoming disease through a combination of excellent nutrition and a low-stress environment.
Unhealthy Light?
Dr. Hildegarde Staninger, RIET-1 Industrial Toxicologist/IH and Doctor of Integrative Medicine, stated to a patient that 60 watt light bulbs provides the best frequency in which to produce disease. Therefore, she strongly recommended against the use of 60 watt lights in your environment for any reason.
Bird owners already know the benefits of full-spectrum lighting - which also offers immense health benefits for us. (Click on link for more information.)
Nutrition is the key.
Adding the following foods will be the first, but most important step, in keeping your bird healthy:
Include in your bird's daily diet: Natural Antibiotics - to make sure it stays healthy.
Cod Liver Oil: Why Fish Oil is Crucial to Your Health: An Interview with Dr. Barry Sears Did you know that fish oil can alleviate inflammatory diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's? Dr. Barry Sears, the creator of the Zone diet, explains how the Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil promote wellness in this interview with Pat Robertson. Watch Video
Spirulina: Tests have discovered that Spirulina supercharges the immune system for better disease resistance and increased fertility. Studies also indicated that it increases metabolic rate, promotes the beneficial types of digestive tract flora, has strong anti-cancer and anti-viral properties, reduces serum cholesterol, protects against kidney damage and has radio protective effects. The National Cancer Institute has announced that sulfolipids in spirulina are remarkably active against HIV. I am also supplementing with Spirulina. You can buy it in pill form or as a powder. I found it easy to mix the powder in with my birds' wet food. I mix it in with my daily yogurt.
Wheat Grass: It packs natural enzymes, vitamins A, B, C, E and K, calcium, 
chlorophyll, iron, lecithin, magnesium, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, potassium, amino acids, trace elements and protein. It cleanses the blood by improving the supply of oxygen to the circulatory system; detoxifies and regenerates the liver; and protects us from carcinogens in our food or our environment. Wheatgrass has shown to expand the blood vessels and improve circulation; thus improving oxygenation of blood and the ability to rid the blood of toxins. Wheatgrass juice has been successfully used to treat anemia and repair the liver.
Alfalfa (Organic): lkalizes and detoxifies the body, especially the liver, and it contains an anti-fungal agent. It is an excellent appetite stimulant and overall tonic and an excellent source of chlorophyll and vitamins. Sprinkle it over your birds' soft food a couple of times a week.
Aloe / Herbal Anti-Inflammatories
Cayenne: An overall digestive aid containing liberal amounts of Vitamins A, C, B-complex, calcium, phosphorous and iron. It is anti-inflammatory and helps arthritic conditions. Parrots love the aste of cayenne and will try new and unfamiliar foods, such as sprouts, when you sprinkle on this healthful herb.
Chamomile: A natural alternative to tranquiliziers for stressed birds. Substitute for your bird's drinking water. It soothes the nerves and the digestive tract. "Night flight episodes " in cockatiels can be treated by offering a bedtime tea of chamomile.
Dandelion: Dandelion is packed with blood purifying substances. Parrots love the taste of this plant - and it is readily available in most people's gardens. Rather than destroying them with toxic pesticides -- you would do yourself a HUGE favor by serving them to your family -- both feathered and unfeathered. Including dandelion leaves helps prevent arthritic conditions.
Toxic / Contaminated Produce:
The Avian Medicine: Principles & Application publication by Ritchie, Harrison and Harrison states that exposure to high concentrations of pesticides can lead to nonspecific signs of poisoning, including gastro- intestinal problems, tremors, weakness, dyspnea, seizures or sudden death. Birds are especially susceptible to environmental toxins.The following foods have the highest levels of toxins: Strawberries, Bell Peppers, Spinach, Cherries, Peaches, Cantaloupe, Celery, Apples, Apricots, Green Beans, Grapes, Cucumbers
Either buy organic produce, use your own crop, or substitute with the least contaminated crop: Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli, Cauliflower, bananas, Broccoli, Plums, Watermelon, Brussel Sprouts
- Click here for information on organic foods -- a listing of the most and the least contaminated food items, as well as handling tips.
An article in the Journal of Applied Nutrition stated that organic foods have higher nutrient levels than non-organically grown food and lower levels of heavy metals.
Garlic (safe for birds in SMALL amounts)
Non-toxic ways to control pests in the house or garden
Disease Prevention: Home Remedies
Relevant Information: Nutrition as a Primary Cause of Digestive Disorders and other Diseases? Joan, kindly forwarded information she found on a Pet Info Brochure to the Avian Health mailing list, that I feel is relevant for any bird owner. Here it is: "Most digestive problems can be traced to the quality of food we serve. In the wild, animals eat raw food that is abundant with the digestive enzymes. Not only is the most commercial pet food heavily processed, which eliminates most of the natural enzymes, but many brands also contain artificial colors, preservatives and other chemicals. These ingredients have a negative effect on the bacteria in our animals' digestive tracts. Like us, our pets intestines contain "friendly" and "unfriendly" bacteria. Ideally, the friendly bacteria should out number the unfriendly by a healthy margin, but typically, the bad guys have taken over. This over abundance of bad bacteria leads to digestive disorders or organ failure. Consider switching your brand of pet food to one that is all-natural, with no added sugar or preservatives. Raw vegetables are a wise choice. Carrots and other veggies are chock full of natural enzymes and can really aid digestion. Additionally, try topping off your pets food with a teaspoon of plain yogurt. Yogurt contains friendly bacteria like acidophilus, which can help keep the ratio of good and bad bacteria in check. Be sure to read the label to make sure it contains live cultures and is low-fat."
Natural Remedies:
If you OR your pet are having health problems, researching all the below websites for quite valuable information would be "time well spent". My pets and myself have been disease free for years ever since I have taken an active interest in this topic (and followed it too!): Home Remedies ... Holistic Bird Website & Discussion Group ... Christopher Hobb's (Info on Berbs, Remedies and Herb Identification) ... Herbal Reference Library ... Herbal Remedies / Drug Interactions ... MedHerb ... The Kitchen Physician Citricidal Cure and Disinfectant
Herbal References / Herbal Remedies: Home Remedies ... Herbal Remedies / Drug Interactions
For people who suffer from allergies, or those who want to keep the air clean for their own benefit:
- Please check out the various available Air Filtration Systems, some of which even kill bacteria and viruses!
- Safe, non-toxic products that will help you protect youself, your family and pets from allergens, including biting mites, mold and fungi
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