The national news media in recent
weeks has given a great deal of attention to the upcoming flu season,
especially the H1N1 strain of influenza, better known as swine flu, which has already begun. The H1N1 vaccine will be available to most of our population by
mid-October. This vaccine, however, has
no effect on the seasonal influenza virus that is also expected later this year
and early 2010. This is the flu that
typically occurs during the winter months each year, and for which many
Americans are routinely vaccinated. For
anyone who’s used to getting the flu shot, they’re going to have two shots this
year.
As you may be aware there is a
great deal of controversy surrounding the safety and the effectiveness of the
swine flu vaccine. I will not personally be getting the flu shot. What I will
be doing, however, as I have done every winter to successfully prevent the flu
(whatever the particular strain is), is to strengthen my immune system.
The following are all scientifically-documented methods for strengthening immunity and thereby preventing the flu:
Maintain a healthy nutritious diet, emphasizing fresh
organic fruits and vegetables, antibiotic-free poultry and fish,
gluten-free grains, nuts and seeds. Avoid sugar and starches.
Exercise
at least 20 to 30 minutes 5 days/week, preferably outdoors as long as it’s
not too cold or too polluted.
Get at
least 15 minutes of sunlight on your skin daily.
Meditate daily using a visualization in which you’re
surrounded by, immersed in, and absorbing white light throughout your
body. (This will act as a shield protecting you, while also strengthening
your immune system.)
Avoid coffee and cigarette smoke.
Drink at least ½ oz./lb of body weight of non-chlorinated
water (bottled, filtered, distilled).
Some of this can be in the form of medicinal teas (e.g. Astragalus,
Pau D’arco, Elderberry) with lemon.
Take the following daily supplements:
Vitamin C – 1,000 to 3,000mg. C is a strong
antioxidant.
Grape seed extract – at least 100mg. Grape seed is
both a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. I recommend GrapeGold,
combining a high quality grape seed with vitamin C.
Vitamin D-3 – at least 5,000 I.U. D-3 is an immune strengthener. Recent
studies are showing most illnesses are accompanied by a deficiency in
vitamin D. You can safely take up to 50,000 I.U. daily (if you do, then
avoid taking any calcium supplements).
CO-Q 10 – 100 to 200mg. CO-Q 10 is a vital enzyme,
a catalyst to the production of energy in our cells. Also has the ability
to strengthen the heart and lower blood pressure.
Probiotic – maintaining a healthy GI tract with
probiotics helps to strengthen the immune system. I recommend Orthobiotic, a
comprehensive non-refrigerated probiotic that includes a strain of
bacteria proven to prevent colds.
Viracid – 1 capsule daily for prevention; 2 caps
daily for treatment. This product contains a combination of immune
strengtheners (vitamins A and C, Zinc, Pau D’Arco) and anti-viral
supplements (Echinacea and Lysine).
Maintain a positive attitude and reduce anxiety.
Laugh as often as possible; do it even if you have no
reason to laugh.
Feel connected to those closest to you. Love heals
(and strengthens immunity)!
At the very earliest sign of the flu or a
cold (symptoms often include: sore throat, mild muscle aching, fatigue,
headache, cough, fever), take the following (it helps if you prepare ahead and
have these available if you need them):
1. Zinc
gluconate lozenges – up to 4 daily.
2. Vitamin
C (Ester C) – increase dosage to 3,000 to 5,000mg 3x/day.
3. Allimed
– 2 capsules 3x/day for at least 3 days; then reduce to 1 capsule 3x/day for
another 3 to 4 days. This is the only available 100% pure allicin product (the
active ingredient in garlic). Studies have shown it to be highly effective as an anti-viral (as well as
anti-bacterial and anti-fungal) supplement. During the flu season, which has
already begun, it can be taken preventively in a dosage of 1 capsule daily.
4. Occillococcinum
– a homeopathic remedy effective against flu viruses; comes in pellets that
dissolve in your mouth.
5. EchinOsha
Syrup with Elderberry – contains echinacea, an excellent anti-viral herb; osha
root, an immune strengthener; and elderberry, an herb that is especially active
against various strains of flu viruses. This can also be taken preventively if
you’re feeling weak and vulnerable to getting sick.
6. Yin
Chiao – an anti-viral Chinese herb.
With the regimen above, I’m
confident you’ll have an excellent chance of preventing both the swine flu as
well as the seasonal flu that should follow on its heels this winter. It’s always worked well for me, and at 62,
I’m happy to report I’ve never had the flu.
Nor have I ever had a flu shot.
If you do start to experience symptoms, you can take all 6 of the above
items in the treatment list. It should
significantly shorten the course of your illness, whether it’s a cold or the
flu.
My final words of advice: Don’t worry, be grateful for the many
blessings in your life, practice forgiveness on yourself and your loved ones,
and you’ll be happy and healthy this winter, and hopefully for the rest of your
life.
