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Surviving Without Prescriptions

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The document discusses how following a Paleo diet can help manage chronic diseases and provide alternatives to medications in an emergency situation without access to prescriptions.

The Paleo diet eliminates foods that cause inflammation and instead focuses on lean meats, low-starch vegetables and healthy fats which can help manage conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol and rheumatoid arthritis.

Alternative therapies mentioned include controlling blood sugar through diet for diabetes, lowering salt intake for blood pressure, and antioxidants from vegetables to help fight chronic diseases.

How to Live Without

Prescriptions

©How to Live Without Prescriptions Page 1


CONTENTS

DISCLAIMER............................................................................................................................................................ 4

Living with Chronic Disease after Disaster ............................................................................... 5

How Disaster Affects Chronic Disease Patients .................................................................................... 6

How to Prepare ................................................................................................................................................. 6

Creating Your Disaster Kit ............................................................................................................................ 7

Life after the Event .......................................................................................................................................... 8

When Meds Disappear: the Survival Crunch of the Ill .................................................. 10

Hoard What You Can .................................................................................................................................... 11

Ration Your Medications ............................................................................................................................ 11

Alternative Therapies for Diabetes ........................................................................................................ 11

Alternative Therapies for High Blood Pressure ................................................................................ 12

Alternative Treatments for Alzheimer Disease ................................................................................. 13

Surviving with Diabetes after SHTF............................................................................................. 15

Preparation Is Key ........................................................................................................................................ 16

How to Spot Hypoglycemia ....................................................................................................................... 17

Dealing without Medication ...................................................................................................................... 18

12 Ways to Survive with Asthma ..................................................................................................... 19

True and False about Asthma ................................................................................................................... 20

The Symptoms ................................................................................................................................................ 21

Natural Remedies that Help ...................................................................................................................... 23

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Natural Alternatives for Common Meds after SHTF ...................................................... 26

Aspirin, NSAIDs and Anti-Inflammatories ........................................................................................... 27

Blood thinners ................................................................................................................................................ 27

Pain killers and anti-inflammatories: .................................................................................................... 27

Statins ................................................................................................................................................................ 28

Blood Pressure ............................................................................................................................................... 28

Antacids............................................................................................................................................................. 29

Type-2 Diabetes ............................................................................................................................................. 30

Paleo Foods for Surviving with Chronic Disease ............................................................... 32

Take Care of Yourself ................................................................................................................................... 33

What’s the Big Deal about Paleo? ............................................................................................................ 33

The Downside of Grains .............................................................................................................................. 34

Why Beans Get the Boot ............................................................................................................................. 34

How to Use Paleo to Survive Chronic Disease .................................................................................... 35

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DISCLAIMER

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN “How to Live Without Prescriptions”, IS MEANT TO


SERVE AS A COMPREHENSIVE COLLECTION OF STRATEGIES THAT THE AUTHORS OF
THIS COURSE LEARN OVER THE YEARS, RELATED TO MEDICAL
SURVIVAL/PREPAREDNESS. SUMMARIES, STRATEGIES, TIPS AND TRICKS INCLUDED IN
THIS E-BOOK ARE ONLY RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE AUTHORS. AND ARE PROVIDED
FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, SO THEY ARE NOT INTENDED, BY ANY MEANS,
TO STAND FOR MEDICAL JUDGMENT AND ADVICE.

THE AUTHOR OF “How to Live Without Prescriptions” HAS MADE ALL REASONABLE
EFFORTS TO PROVIDE CURRENT AND ACCURATE INFORMATION FOR THE READERS OF
THIS COURSE. THE AUTHOR WILL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY UNINTENTIONAL
ERRORS OR OMISSIONS THAT MAY BE FOUND.

THE MATERIAL IN “How to Live Without Prescriptions” MAY INCLUDE INFORMATION,


PRODUCTS, OR SERVICES BY THIRD PARTIES. THIRD PARTY MATERIALS COMPRISE OF
THE PRODUCTS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY THEIR OWNERS. AS SUCH, THE AUTHORS
OF THIS GUIDE DO NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY THIRD PARTY
MATERIAL OR OPINIONS. THE PUBLICATION OF SUCH THIRD PARTY MATERIALS DOES
NOT CONSTITUTE THE AUTHORS’ GUARANTEE OF ANY INFORMATION, INSTRUCTION,
OPINION, PRODUCTS OR SERVICE CONTAINED WITHIN THE THIRD PARTY MATERIAL.

WHETHER BECAUSE OF THE GENERAL EVOLUTION OF THE INTERNET, OR THE


UNFORESEEN CHANGES IN COMPANY POLICY AND EDITORIAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES,
WHAT IS STATED AS FACT AT THE TIME OF THIS WRITING, MAY BECOME OUTDATED OR
SIMPLY INAPPLICABLE AT A LATER DATE. THIS MAY APPLY TO THE “How to Live
Without Prescriptions” AS WELL AS THE VARIOUS SIMILAR COMPANIES THAT WE HAVE
REFERENCED IN THIS EBOOK.

GREAT EFFORT HAS BEEN EXERTED TO SAFEGUARD THE ACCURACY OF THIS WRITING.
OPINIONS REGARDING SIMILAR WEBSITE PLATFORMS HAVE BEEN FORMULATED AS A
RESULT OF BOTH PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, AS WELL AS THE WELL DOCUMENTED
EXPERIENCES OF OTHERS.

NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION SHALL BE REPRODUCED, TRANSMITTED OR RESOLD IN


WHOLE OR IN PART IN ANY FORM, WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE
AUTHORS. ALL TRADEMARKS AND REGISTERED TRADEMARKS APPEARING IN “How to
Live Without Prescriptions” ARE THE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNER.

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LIVING WITH CHRONIC
DISEASE AFTER DISASTER

In any crisis scenario, one of the first priorities is providing emergency care. However, a lot
of this care is focused mostly on tending to injuries and common diseases.

While other medical issues are also planned for, they are not considered a priority. This
presents a big problem to many older adults who suffer from a chronic illness such as
diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Middle-aged and older adults are the most vulnerable in the event of a disaster. Around
80% of them have to cope with at least one chronic disease on a regular basis.

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Add to that the fact that the aging process makes them naturally frailer. This means that it
is far more likely that they will need special medical care after SHTF than the younger and
healthier people. Even so, priority is given to acute conditions such as physical injuries and
infections. This approach needs to be changed. Disasters have a disproportionate effect on
older adults. Even though they make up a small bit of the population, they are often the
most affected group.

HOW DISASTER AFFECTS CHRONIC DISEASE PATIENTS

Living with chronic disease can impose a lot of physical limitations. Diabetes, arthritis and
heart disease are just a few examples. However, these are some of the leading causes that
limit activity in older adults.

Their illnesses prevent these people from performing a lot of basic activities of daily living,
also known as ADLs. These can include moving around, dressing, eating, bathing etc. Under
normal circumstances, many of them require aid on a regular basis.

In a SHTF scenario, their conditions can get worse. This can happen due to stress, lack of
proper food or water, and exposure to extreme temperatures. All of these issues can cause
a chronic disease to worsen very rapidly. This can happen even if the condition was kept
under control prior to the disaster.

Other common problems in this situation include a lack of necessary medication or medical
treatment. Moreover, nutrition is also an issue. Disaster victims are often provided Meal,
Ready-to-Eat (MRE) packages. However, these are rich in fat and sodium, a problem for
many chronic disease sufferers.

HOW TO PREPARE

Knowing that people with chronic diseases are more vulnerable than others during a
disaster can actually be beneficial. If you are among them, this can be the motivator to

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properly prepare yourself for such an event. Information is power. The more informed you
are, the better you can prepare.

Your first decision should be whether you will stay in or get out after a disaster. This
decision is based on how well each scenario can attend to a few basic needs, including daily
living items, supplies, mobility and aid.

Daily living means items necessary for personal care (clothes, grooming tools, bathing
supplies etc.), but it can also include special utensils and equipment used to treat your
chronic illness. They shouldn’t pose a big problem whether you decide to stay in or bug out,
but it will be easier to stock up on them if you stay in, though.

Next issue is supplies, mostly referring to food, clean water and medical supplies. This does
not take your disaster kit into account.

A disaster kit should be filled with the supplies you need to survive the initial period after a
catastrophe. However, it is possible for the kit to be exhausted. In this scenario, you need to
decide which situation makes it easier for you to obtain new supplies.

The other two problems are mobility and aid. It is usually easier to move around the house
because you have access to mobility aids. Extensive traveling outside can pose a problem:
in a disaster, it is common for the transportation network to be damaged. Aid refers to your
ability to seek outside help, and this can be from friends, family or community responders.

Once you take all these factors into account, you can make an informed decision whether to
stay in or leave the home after a disaster.

CREATING YOUR DISASTER KIT

After a catastrophic event, your disaster kit can be your best friend, and it can also, literally,
be a lifesaver. This kit should contain everything you need to survive following a SHTF
situation. The best part is that you are the person assembling the kit.

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If you have a chronic disease, you can pack all of the items particular to your needs. Basic
supplies for the kit include: several days’ worth of food and water, first aid kit, clothing,
flashlight, matches, batteries, portable TV or radio, cash and copies of important
documents.

If you have a chronic disease, the kit should


include a few weeks’ worth of medication.
This also refers to medical equipment you
might need.

All of the medically relevant information


should be included in the kit. This refers to
health insurance, medical history, contact
information etc.

You should also wear a medical ID bracelet at all times. It can save your life if you are in a
situation where you cannot communicate, and will alert first responders to your chronic
condition and special needs.

People with chronic disease usually have dietary restrictions. This is something to keep in
mind when assembling your kit. You should pack food which is healthy for you. At the same
time, pack food you enjoy. This can make a bad situation a little better. Furthermore, you
can simply eat the food once its expiration date approaches. Be sure to replace it, though.

LIFE AFTER THE EVENT

There is no way to tell how long it will take you to recover after a disaster. This is true for
your entire community, also.

As mentioned above, various factors associated with disaster can exacerbate your chronic
condition. That is why one of your main priorities after this kind of event is to get your
condition under control again.

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Best way to do this is to stick to your regular treatment. You should look to obtain more
medication as soon as you can in case your disaster kit supply runs out.

Moreover, you should also schedule a consultation with


your doctor as soon as possible. He will be the best person
to determine how the disaster has affected your condition.

Once you begin to recover, your life with chronic illness


should return to how it was. You can’t really expect the
condition to improve.

Just maintaining your health through such an ordeal is


difficult. It is important to look at this experience as a
learning opportunity, and see what you did wrong and what
you did right during the event.

This can help you better prepare for the future.

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WHEN MEDS DISAPPEAR:
THE SURVIVAL CRUNCH OF
THE ILL

Not having enough meds is perhaps the biggest health issue known to a lot of people who
are preparing for long-term survival after a catastrophic event.

It’s easy to stockpile over-the-counter medications such as fever reducers, pain relievers
and allergy medications but if you suffer from a chronic life-threatening condition such as
diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, you’ll have a much more difficult time hoarding
prescriptions.

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So how you may be able to survive with your illness in a post-SHTF situation?

HOARD WHAT YOU CAN

Know now that managing to stockpile your medications is the best thing that you can do;
they’re tried and true treatments for your illness. They’re also closely regulated and nearly
impossible to stockpile. You have a set amount that’s supposed to last you for a designated
period and you’re likely not permitted to refill them until you’re nearly out.

If you can hold back a few days’ worth each time that you refill, do so. After all, a month’s
worth might get you through a disaster, and maybe the pharmacies will get back on track
and functioning again.

RATION YOUR MEDICATIONS

If you’re due a refill on your meds when (and if) news of pending disaster is announced, get
your refills. At that point, be prepared to ration them and supplement them with some
alternative therapies that we’ve found for you.

We’re not doctors, but we ARE survivors. If you can skip a dose of your medications or
take your meds twice per day instead of three or four times without suffering life-
threatening conditions, then do so.

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES FOR DIABETES

These treatments are likely going to be more successful for Type-2 diabetics but may also
be of some assistance to those of you with Type-1 diabetics. As always, controlling your
diet is going to be crucial to survival regardless of what type you have.

Because your disease is caused by your body’s inability to produce enough insulin to
manage glucose, the first thing to do is eat as little extra refined sugar or starch as possible.

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Your body uses sugar for energy but it can also use proteins and fats if sugar is limited.
However, you may also be hypoglycemic, which means that you don’t have ENOUGH sugar.
Fortunately, this is easy enough to treat.

Discussing symptoms is outside the scope of this article; you know your illness. If your
sugar gets too low and you begin to experience symptoms, eat a pack of sugar or a glucose
tablet.

To maintain manageable levels of glucose, eat plenty of fiber with your carbohydrates. This
helps your body to digest the sugar slowly.

There are several alternative substances that have been shown in some studies to increase
insulin sensitivity. They include:

 Aloe Vera
 Alpha-lipoic acid
 Caffeine
 Cassia cinnamon
 Chromium
 Flaxseed
 Ginseng
 Glucomannan
 Gymnema
 Guar gum
 Magnesium
 Oat bran
 Zinc

The amounts that you need to take depend upon your individual condition. Do your
research and have a plan in place BEFORE SHTF!

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

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As with type-2 diabetes, it’s likely that your high blood pressure can be controlled by diet. If
you can, gain control of it and get your blood pressure back within normal limits, which is
your best option. If, however, you can’t, here are a few alternative treatments that you may
try. They have been shown in various studies to actually reduce blood pressure in
varying degrees.

 Cat’s Claw
 Garlic
 Hibiscus, often studied in tea form
 Magnesium, if you’re deficient
 Vitamin D, if you’re deficient
 Green Coffee Extract
 Hawthorn (this is a primary treatment that’s been used for 1000′s of years in
Chinese medicine)
 Exercise, especially meditative exercise such as yoga

In addition, there are also some substances that you should avoid because they can
increase your blood pressure. These include salt, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS FOR ALZHEIMER DISEASE

This one is a tough one because once you’re diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it’s likely already
spread to the point that treatment success is limited.

Recently, this tragic disease has actually been labeled as Type-3 Diabetes because it’s been
shown to be caused by ineffective insulin usage in the brain.

Therefore, controlling your diet now may reduce your chances of developing Alzheimer’s
later.

There are also some alternative treatments for Alzheimer’s that may help you live through
a SHTF situation. They include:

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 Conenzyme Q10
 Omega-3′s
 Caprylic Acid
 Ginko Biloba

These are just a few illnesses that you may


be facing heading into a SHTF scenario.

Research now so that when something bad


happens, you’re already prepared to survive
as well as you can.

These suggestions are just meant to be


springboards that give you a place to start in your research. Do your homework and have a
plan before you need it.

The bottom line is that if you have a debilitating illness that required medication in order to
keep you from dying, your chances of survival when SHTRF are severely reduced.

However, some of the suggestions that we’ve made may help you extend your life by at
least something. The best option that you have is to get a handle on your health now, before
you NEED to be healthy in order to survive. Of course, you’ll significantly extend your
lifespan even in today’s reality!

If you have a disease that you’d like for us to research, or you have please ask us about it in
the comments section below. We’d love to help out if we can.

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SURVIVING WITH DIABETES
AFTER SHTF

Coping with diabetes is hard under normal circumstances. Diabetics need to take regular
medication; they must stick to a strict diet and are prone to illness and infection. All of
these problems get exacerbated when SHTF. If a disaster happens, a diabetic is left much
more vulnerable than the average person. He must take special precautions in order to
ensure that he is fit to handle the situation.

After an SHTF event, people with diabetes need to attend to their special medical needs. If
they are lucky, they still have access to medical help soon after the disaster strikes. This is
not always the case, however, but, if it is, they need to be prepared. They might not be able
to communicate with the healthcare professionals due to injury or shock.

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Furthermore, the people treating them might not have access to their medical history. That
is why they must identify themselves as diabetics so they can receive the proper care.
Therefore, the first important guideline for someone with diabetes is to always wear a
medical bracelet which provides valuable information regarding their situation.

PREPARATION IS KEY

Oftentimes when SHTF, help is not immediately available. In fact, on many occasions, it can
be days or even weeks until you would be able to reach a hospital or any other kind of
medical facility. A diabetic simply cannot wait this long without proper medication.

That is why it is highly recommended to create a diabetes disaster kit. It should be easy to
carry around, waterproof and insulated so that it does not get damaged. It should also be
placed in an area which you can easily access, even after an earthquake, tornado or flood.

There are several items which should be part of this kit:

 Medication and medical supplies. This is the most important resource for a
diabetic in an SHTF situation. You should pack as many medical supplies as you have
access to since you can never know when you will have access to outside help. A 30-
day pack would be ideal. If this is not possible, make sure that the medicine will last
you at least 2 or 3 days. The supplies should include insulin, insulin pumps, syringes,
glucagon, testing strips, glucose tablets, glucose meters, extra batteries and anything
else that you use on a regular basis to treat your diabetes.
 Extra supply of drinking water. Again, it is a good idea to store a lot of water
around the home since it becomes a valuable commodity when SHTF. However,
keep the water in the disaster kit to about 2 or 3 days’ worth. Any more and the kit
would become cumbersome and difficult to handle.
 A few days’ worth of food. Besides medication and water, food is extremely
important to a diabetic as they need to stick to a specific diet. That is why the food
kept in the disaster kit should have two qualities: be nonperishable and be safe for a
diabetic.

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 Copies of your health records and medical history. In addition to these, you
should also keep a list detailing all the medications you are currently taking plus the
diet you are on.
 Contact information for family, friends and physician.

When talking about something as dangerous as diabetes, there is no such thing as being
overprepared. That is why it is a good idea to keep vital extra supplies such as medication
and snacks around other places you regularly visit such as your workplace, homes of
friends and family, your neighbors etc.

Insulin is the most important medication for any diabetic so you need to look after it
properly. It does not matter how many vials of insulin you have in an emergency if they
have not been preserved in an adequate manner.

The good news with insulin is that it does not need to be refrigerated. It can safely be
stored at room temperature for as long as a month, as long as that temperature does not
exceed 84 degrees Fahrenheit. However, in many areas, the temperature will routinely pass
that limit. That is why it is also a good idea to have a cooler to keep your emergency supply
of insulin in.

Adding to the disaster kit would be several packets of re-freezing gel in order to maintain
proper storage for the insulin even if the electricity goes out.

HOW TO SPOT HYPOGLYCEMIA

The biggest emergency that a diabetic has to deal with is when blood sugar levels are too
high or too low. For a diabetic on insulin, it is important to monitor blood sugar levels at all
time in order to make sure that they do not dip below recommended levels.

When this happens, there is a huge risk of suffering from hypoglycemia, a problem which
can occur in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. It is most often brought on by missing meals
or medications at regular intervals, two scenarios which are very possible when SHTF.

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The standard threshold for hypoglycemia is 70 mg/dl, although the actual limit differs from
person to person. Even so, knowing and detecting the symptoms of hypoglycemia early on
can give you enough time to take the necessary precautions.

The symptoms include dizziness, sweating, shakiness, hunger, fatigue, confusion, an erratic
heartbeat and even loss of consciousness. The best course of action if you feel any of these
symptoms is to take something that raises blood sugar levels and acts fast.
Recommendation would include glucose tablets or natural juice.

DEALING WITHOUT MEDICATION

By their very nature, SHTF scenarios are unexpected. It is quite possible that you get caught
in one such emergency without the medication you require or with lower levels than
needed. It is important to know what to do when your insulin is in short supply.

Basically, you will need to stretch out your supply as long as possible in order to wait it out
before help arrives. Your diet will play a big factor. Try to avoid eating food rich in
carbohydrates and instead go for food full of proteins.

Moreover, you should know who you can contact if the communications lines are up. The
Red Cross, the International Diabetes Federation and even the American Embassy can all
provide you with an emergency supply of insulin if access is cut off to your regular supplier.

As you can see, having the proper knowledge and the proper guidance can help anyone
overcome a SHTF scenario, even someone with diabetes.

Do you fear about living with chronic disease after disaster? Share your thoughts with us
using the comment form below.

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12 WAYS TO SURVIVE WITH
ASTHMA

One of the most common medical issues today is asthma. Asthma is a chronic condition that
affects your ability to breathe. The condition affects the airways, which are the tubes that
transport air to your lungs.

In the United States alone, there are almost 20 million people who suffer difficulty with
breathing due to asthma and its complications. Indeed, it’s the most common cause of
chronic illness in children. In a survival setting, stress and hygiene issues will only make
things worse.

When people with asthma are exposed to a substance that they are allergic to (an
“allergen”), the airways become inflamed. As the airways become swollen, they constrict
and less air gets to the lungs. As such, you will develop shortness of breath, tightness in
your chest, and start to wheeze and cough.

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This is referred to as an “asthma attack”.

In rare situations, the airways can become so constricted that a person could suffocate
from lack of oxygen. This extreme condition is sometimes referred to as “Status
Asthmaticus”.

Here are common allergens that trigger an asthmatic attack:

 Pet or wild animal dander


 Dust or the excrement of dust mites
 Mold and mildew
 Smoke
 Pollen
 Severe stress
 Pollutants in the air
 Some medicines
 Exercise

TRUE AND FALSE ABOUT ASTHMA

There are many myths associated with asthma; the below are just some:

 Asthma is contagious (False)


 You will grow out of it (False-it might become dormant for a time but you are always
at risk for it returning)
 It’s all psychological (False)
 If you move to a new area, your asthma will go away (False – it may go away for a
while, but eventually you will become sensitized to something else and it will likely
return)

Here’s a “true” myth: Asthma IS hereditary. If both parents have asthma, you have a 70%
chance of developing it compared to only 6% if neither parent has it.

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THE SYMPTOMS

Asthmatic symptoms may be different from attack to attack and from individual to
individual. Some of the symptoms are also seen in heart conditions and other respiratory
illnesses, so it’s important to make the right diagnosis.

Symptoms may include:

 Cough
 Shortness of Breath
 Wheezing (usually sudden)
 Chest tightness (sometimes confused with coronary artery spasms)
 Rapid pulse rate and respiration rate
 Anxiety

Besides these main symptoms, there are others that are signals of a life-threatening
episode.

If you notice that your patient has become “cyanotic”, they are in trouble. Someone with
cyanosis will have blue/gray color to their lips, fingertips, and face.

You might notice that it takes longer for them to exhale than to inhale. Their wheezing may
take on a higher pitch. Once the patient has spent enough time without adequate oxygen,
they will become confused, then drowsy, and then possibly lose consciousness.

Use your stethoscope to listen to the lungs on both sides. Make sure that you listen closely
to the bottom, middle, and top lung areas. In a mild asthmatic attack, you will hear
relatively loud, musical noises when the patient breathes for you.

As the asthma worsens, less air is passing through the airways and the pitch of the wheezes
will be higher and perhaps not as loud. If no air is passing through, you will hear nothing,
not even when you ask the patient to inhale forcibly. This person is in trouble.

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Of course, there are a number of lab tests and X-rays that are useful to evaluate this
condition, but they will likely be inaccessible in a major disaster or collapse. This is why it
is so important to learn basic physical examination skills now.

The cornerstones of asthma treatment are the avoidance of “trigger” allergens and the
maintenance of open airways. Medications come in one of two forms: drugs that give quick
relief from an attack and drugs that control the frequency of asthmatic episodes.

Your survival group members with asthma should have accumulated a good collection of
inhalers. Quick relief drugs that open airways (known as bronchodilators) include Ventolin,
Albuterol, and Proventil, among many others.

These drugs should open airways in a very short period of time and give significant relief.
These drugs are sometimes useful for people going into a situation where they are exposed
to a “trigger”, such as before strenuous exercise.

Don’t be surprised if you notice a rapid heart rate on these medications; it’s a common side
effect. By the way, physicians are usually sympathetic to requests for extra prescriptions
from their asthmatic patients.

If you find yourself using quick-relief asthmatic medications more than twice a week, you
are a candidate for daily control therapy. These drugs work (when taken daily) to decrease
the number of episodes and are usually some form of inhaled steroid. There are long-acting
bronchodilators as well, such as Atrovent.

Another family of drugs known as Leukotriene modifiers prevent airway swelling before an
asthma attack even begins. These are usually in pill form. Often, medications will be used in
combination, and you might multiple medications in the same inhaler, such as Advair and
Symbicort.

It’s important to figure out what allergens trigger your asthma attacks and work out a plan
to avoid them as much as possible. This includes pet dander, cigarette smoke, chemicals,
and others.

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NATURAL REMEDIES THAT HELP

Various breathing methods are thought to help promote well-being and control the panic
response seen in asthmatic attacks. Asthmatics tend to breathe faster than non-asthmatics,
and many also tend to be “mouth breathers”.

This exposes the lung to cooler and drier air, a possible asthma trigger. Breathing exercises
that encourage shallow breathing at a controlled rate may actually reduce asthma
symptoms and the need for medicine.

Inhale slowly through your nose and then exhale through pursed lips, or exhale slowly as
though you were going to whistle… When you inhale, your abdomen should expand (not
your chest). Exhale slowly with your abdomen going inward. Make sure that your
exhalation is twice as long as inhalation. This is similar to breathing techniques taught in
Yoga classes.

In mild to moderate cases, you might consider the use of natural remedies. There are
actually quite a few substances that have been reported to be helpful:

Ginger and Garlic Tea: Put four minced garlic cloves in some ginger tea while it’s hot.
Cool it down and drink twice a day. Some have reported a beneficial effect with just the
garlic.

Other herbal teas: Ephedra, Coltsfoot, Codonopsis, Butterbur, Nettle, Chamomile, and
Rosemary all have the potential to improve an asthmatic attack.

Coffee: Black unsweetened coffee is a stimulant that might make your lung function
better when you are having an attack. Don’t drink more than 12 ounces at a time, as coffee
can dehydrate you. Interestingly, coffee is somewhat similar in chemical structure to the
asthma drug Theopylline.

Eucalyptus: Essential oil of eucalyptus, used in a steam or direct inhalation, is well-


known to open airways. Rub a few drops of oil between your hands and breathe in deeply.
Alternatively, a few drops in some steaming water will be good respiratory therapy.

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Honey: Honey was used in the 19th century to treat asthmatic attacks. Breathe deeply
from a jar of honey and you should see improvement in a few minutes. To decrease the
frequency of attacks, stir one teaspoon of honey in a twelve ounce glass of water and drink
it three times daily.

Turmeric: Take one teaspoon of turmeric powder in 6-8 ounces of warm water three
times a day.

Licorice and Ginger: Mix licorice and ginger (1/2 teaspoon of each) in a cup of
water. Warning: Licorice can raise your blood pressure.

Black Pepper, Onion, and Honey: Drink ¼ cup of onion juice with a tablespoon of
honey, after adding 1/8 tablespoon of black pepper.

Mustard Oil Rub: Mix mustard oil with camphor and rub it on your chest and back.
There are claims that it gives instant relief in some cases.

Gingko Biloba leaf extract capsules: Thought to decrease hypersensitivity in the


lungs; not for people who are taking aspirin or ibuprofen daily, or anticoagulants like
Coumadin.

Vitamin D: Some asthmatics have been diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency.

Lobelia: Native Americans smoked this herb as a treatment for asthma! Instead of
smoking, try mixing tincture of lobelia with tincture of cayenne in a 3:1 ratio. Put 1
milliliter (about 20 drops) of this mixture in water at the start of an attack and repeat every
thirty minutes or so.

With a number of these substances, further research is necessary to corroborate the


amount of effect that they have on severe asthma, so take standard medications if your
peak flow reading is 60% or less than normal.

Don’t underestimate the effect of your diet on your condition. Asthmatics should:

 Replace animal proteins with plant proteins.


 Increase intake of Omega-3 fatty acids

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 Eliminate milk and other dairy products.
 Eat organically whenever possible.
 Eliminate trans-fats; use extra-virgin olive oil as your main cooking oil.
 Always stay well-hydrated; more fluids will make your lung secretions less viscous.
 Acupuncture is thought to have some promise as well in treating the condition.

You might have been taught not to believe in natural remedies, but why not use all the tools
at your disposal?

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NATURAL ALTERNATIVES
FOR COMMON MEDS AFTER
SHTF

There are some natural alternatives for common meds that you can use in a post-SHTF
survival situation.

Just remember that “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean “safe.”

Use these remedies with just as much care for dosage as you would standard chemical
meds.

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ASPIRIN, NSAIDS AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES

There are a few different reasons why you may take these meds; you may take it to relieve
pain or as a blood thinner to reduce your odds of having a heart attack or stroke.

The problem is that aspirin and many NSAIDs


damage the stomach lining, liver and kidneys.

As a matter of fact, aspirin causes gastrointestinal


bleeding and new research indicates that it may
actually increase some people’s risk of having a
heart attack or stroke.

Aspirin taken long-term may also increase your risk of developing macular degeneration
and cataracts by as much as 44%.

In any event, it may not be available in a survivalist situation so you need a natural
alternative to aspirin if SHTF. Here are some alternatives:

BLOOD THINNERS

 Natural vitamin E – 100 IUs of natural (not synthetic!) vitamin E is at least as


effective as aspirin, according to some research.
 Ginkobiloba – ginko has been used for centuries to inhibit clotting and improve
circulation
 Water – yes, it sounds like a cop-out but water is the best natural blood thinner
there is.

PAIN KILLERS AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES:

 Devil’s claw – this has been used as an anti-inflammatory and pain killer for
successful treatment of arthritis, tendonitis and muscle pain.

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 Turmeric – used for pain and inflammation.
 Ginger – pain and inflammation

STATINS

Statins, including Lipitor and Zocor, are used to lower cholesterol in order to avoid heart
attacks and cardiovascular disease. There are many natural alternatives to these
medications that you can use now and in the case of a survivalist, SHTF scenario.

 Red wine – the resveratrol and other


antioxidants in red wine work well to keep
cholesterol down.
 Garlic
 Olive oil (those omega-3’s again!)
 Fiber-rich foods such as oats and vegetables
 Dark chocolate
 Coconut oil and other medium-chain
triglycerides instead of regular fats that can
raise bad (LDL) cholesterol

BLOOD PRESSURE

Though high blood pressure can be genetic, it’s mostly a dietary issue.

However, once you develop it, it’s a life-threatening condition that requires daily treatment.

In addition to losing weight, there are some natural remedies that will work as natural
blood pressure medications in a survivalist SHTF scenario.

 Increase potassium! Bananas, potatoes, tomato juice and coconut water are all high
in potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.
 Coenzyme Q10 works well to lower blood pressure

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 Garlic
 Hawthorn
 Foods containing magnesium and calcium
 REDUCE sodium intake. This directly affects your blood pressure!

ANTACIDS

Heart burn, acid reflux and stomach upset don’t have to plague you, even in a SHTF
situation. When you’re making your survivalist list, include these natural alternatives to

antacids.

 Almonds – they naturally reduce stomach acid. Take a handful of 15-20 and your
heartburn will disappear in a half-hour or so.
 Aloe vera juice – long used to heal ulcers and soothe upset stomachs. Make sure that
if you’re making your own, you follow proper procedure. Aloe is super-easy to grow.
 Apple cider vinegar – though it may sound counterproductive to throw acid on
heartburn, ACV has been used forever to cure stomach ailments. Stir 2 tablespoons
into a few ounces of water and drink it immediately following a meal.
 Apples – a slice of apple can reduce stomach acid and have you feeling better in 5
minutes or so.
 Baking soda – mix a teaspoon in a few ounce of water and drink. Don’t use it
regularly though because it can increase sodium levels.
 Bananas
 Basil leaves – 2-3 will do the trick.

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 Buttermilk
 Chamomile
 Cinnamon
 Fennel
 Garlic
 Ginger
 Grapes
 Peppermint

The list for natural antacids goes on and on but these are some of the best.

TYPE-2 DIABETES

Though there is no real approved alternative treatment for type-2 diabetes, there are some
interesting research studies taking place that suggest that the following may be effective in
helping to control it in the future.

In a SHTF situation, an alternative treatment for diabetes may be necessary, though, so


having these on hand certainly can’t hurt. Also, it should go without saying that any food
that raises glucose levels should be eaten with extreme care.

 North American ginseng – may help with blood sugar control and glycosylated
hemoglobin levels.
 Chromium – this essential trace mineral plays an important role in carbohydrate
and fat metabolism and helps cells respond correctly to insulin.
 Magnesium – found naturally in green leafy veggies, nuts, seeds and grains. It’s an
essential mineral for everything from blood sugar metabolism to sodium uptake.
 Cinnamon – studies are showing that as little as 1 gram or as much as 6 grams of
cinnamon may improve blood glucose control in people with type-2 diabetes.

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Many of these illnesses can be avoided by proper exercise and eating a healthy diet. In this
case, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure because in a SHTF situation,
it’s probably not going to be easy to find medications to keep you alive.

These herbs can help but the best way to prepare yourself to survive in a survivalist
scenario is to be in the best shape that you can be!

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PALEO FOODS FOR
SURVIVING WITH CHRONIC
DISEASE

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard about the Paleo diet. It’s all
the rage in some circles right now and rightly so.

There may be some pretty significant health benefits to it. In fact, it may save your life.

Today we’re going to talk about what the Paleo diet is, and we’ll discuss certain Paleo foods
for surviving chronic disease in case SHTF and you don’t have access to your meds.

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TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

I know that we preach this often, but we just can’t


overstate it. Take.Care.Of.Yourself.

That’s the best way to survive when SHTF. It doesn’t


matter how old you are; if you’re healthy and not
dependent upon medications, your chances of surviving
disaster increase exponentially.

And many diseases that require medication are nothing


more than diseases of excess borne from poor eating
and minimal exercise.

Get yourself under control BEFORE you have to worry


about running out of life-sustaining meds.

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT


PALEO?

Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, heart disease, and even many
cancers can be avoided by eating properly. Enter the Paleo diet.

Also known as the Paleolithic diet, the Stone Age diet or the Caveman diet, it eliminates all
grains, beans, potatoes, processed foods, non-organic foods, and artificial foods, including
sugar.

The strictest form also eliminates dairy and salt though some of the modified versions
allow them.

In a nutshell, the Paleo diet lets you eat whatever you want as long as you can hunt for it,
fish for it, trap it, or scavenge it.

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Meats, fish, fowl, berries, herbs, fruits, vegetables; almost all of them (except potatoes) are
fair game, even if you follow the strictest versions of the Paleo diet.

More moderate versions allow potatoes because potatoes are only toxic in their raw state
or if they’re green. Beans and grains are inedible raw so they’re out.

THE DOWNSIDE OF GRAINS

There are a couple of reasons why proponents of the Paleo diet (and many other health-
conscious folks) have mixed grain in all forms from their diets. The premise of Paleo peeps
is that wheat is a relatively new dietary addition that our bodies simply aren’t adapted to
digest.

This, according to them, accounts for digestive upset as well as many GI issues such as
GERD and gas.They’re not alone in this believe and research supports them, at least
partially.

A second reason is that since consumption of wheat products became common, allergies
and digestive issues have skyrocketed. There’s actually good science behind this: gluten,
the protein in wheat, rye, and barley, is an inflammatory that has been officially linked to
everything from certain cancers to rheumatoid arthritis. White flour is so processed that it
has basically no nutritional value whatsoever.

WHY BEANS GET THE BOOT

This one’s easy – beans are toxic in their raw state and even in their cooked state, they can
still cause significant gastric distress. (Remember – beans, beans, the musical fruit?)
They’re good sources of protein but many people just don’t consider that worth the
discomfort. Paleo folks take it a step further and say that the distress is a sign that your
body just isn’t designed to handle them. It’s not a bad argument.

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We’re not even going to dedicate a section to why the Paleo proponents disallow processed
foods and refined sugar. That’s a no-brainer.

HOW TO USE PALEO TO SURVIVE CHRONIC DISEASE

Ahhh… the meat of the matter so to speak. Eating Paleo-style is a great preventative
measure to avoid disease. Meats and vegetables should all be non-GMO and organic so that
you’re not getting cancer-causing hormones and other toxins.

Also, when you eliminate grains, processed foods and refined sugars, you’re avoiding
inflammation caused by grain and you’re not feeding cancer cells with sugar.

As far as using Paleo foods for treatment in lieu of medications to survive chronic disease in
a survival scenario, here are just a few examples:

 Type-2 diabetics may not need insulin to control insulin spikes because refined
sugar is eliminated and high-fiber foods help control the release of glucose into the
blood stream. Low-starch vegetables and meats are the best Paleo foods for
diabetics to depend upon to survive chronic disease.
 Eliminating salt from your diet, as required by Paleo, can lower your blood pressure
to manageable levels in case you can’t get your blood pressure medication. Again,
this is a situation that’s better to avoid than treat.
 Cholesterol medications can possibly be eliminated because you’re eating lean
meats and plenty of healthy vegetable fats oils that have healthy doses of good
(HDL) cholesterol that will help lower bad (LDL) cholesterol.
 Obesity, though not strictly an illness that requires medication, leads to conditions
such as heart disease and those discussed above. The Paleo diet only allows healthy
foods. Though you can conceivably gain weight, chances are good that an obese
person is going to shed some serious pounds by going Paleo. This can help avoid the
near-inevitable future need to start medications.
 The antioxidants that you’ll gain from eating plenty of vegetables can help you fight
all of the conditions that excess free radicals cause. These include everything from

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wrinkles to heart disease and cancer. You may not need your psoriasis medication,
either.
 The Paleo diet has been shown to put rheumatoid arthritis into remission. Seriously.
People don’t need their meds anymore. Now whether or not this will work for you
remains to be seen, but the science and the testimonials are there. If SHTF, you may
be able to go Paleo to treat your RA.

Eating a healthy diet has numerous health benefits. Since the Paleo diet essentially
eliminates anything that your body may have a hard time digesting, or that may cause
inflammation that leads to disease, it’s a good first step toward being healthy.

There is, of course, the argument that milk and whole grains are good for you, but to each
their own.

Research your particular disease and medications to see if Paleo foods can help you survive
your chronic disease if SHTF.

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