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How to Prevent and Treat Colds and Flu
The average adult succumbs to two to four colds per year. The flu is rare. Roughly three out of 10 of us get the flu each year. Viruses, not bacteria, cause both. Thus, the most you can expect out of an antibiotic when you have a cold or flu is damage to your intestines and potentially super bugs that can't be touched by antibiotics in the future. I have had two clients recently hospitalized from prescribed antibiotics inflicting serious digestive damage.
There is no drug that can keep you from getting the flu or a cold. Flu vaccines actually weaken your immune system, leaving you more susceptible to colds, sore throats and flu strains not in the vaccine. This is from the CDC's own web site, "Another reason to get a flu vaccine every year is that after you get vaccinated your immunity declines…" Your immunity declines! Do you really want to be MORE vulnerable to everything else? During the 1976 swine flu scare, more people died of the vaccine than the flu itself.
Decongestants and pain relievers may lessen short-term suffering, but they do nothing to shorten your illness. In fact, if used longer than a few days, they can make symptoms worse. You can decongest naturally anyway.
There are simple, effective, safe and even free things you can do to escape and shorten flues, colds, sore throats and other nasty winter illnesses. They aren't high tech, nor not big profit-makers, so you aren't as likely to hear about them as vaccines and other drugs
Tips to Prevent and Treat Winter
Colds and Flu
- Get SUNLIGHT on your skin. Could the winter flu be a vitamin D deficiency from a lack of sun? Vitamin D is critical to immunity. Studies show those with the lowest levels of vitamin D have more respiratory tract infections, colds and flu. archinte.ama-assn.org When you can't get sun on your skin, consider supplementing with 2000-5000IU vitamin D3 per day.
- Get sleep. Skimping on sleep (less than 8 hours) weakens immunity, plus it increases risk of diabetes and obesity. When you are sick, rest.
- Starve a fever. Water, teas and broth are best with a fever. A fever is the body's healing response and actually helps you fight a virus. It also impairs digestion, so this is no time for a feast. Unless you're temp is above 103-104 F (kids excluded), or rises suddenly and fast, let your fever work for you.
- Eat chicken soup. Not only Grandma, but the Mayo Clinic recommends this to speed recovery and lessen symptoms of a cold. Add some fresh grated ginger for even better results.
- Eat mushrooms. Mushrooms, including shiitake, reishi, maitake, and matsutake, modulate immunity and fight viruses. You will find some mushrooms in your produce section or use tinctures and powders. If you are knowledgeable fungi hunter, you can get them for free in your local woods.
- Take Vitamin C. Studies show vitamin C boots the body's ability to fight infection and may reduce the duration of a cold. White blood cells are rich in vitamin C, which is depleted during infection http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1541262/ Vitamin C saved an Australian man infected with a severe case of swine flu, when drugs could not. Living-Proof-Vitamin-C---Miracle-Curex Try 2000 mg vitamin C per day in divided doses
- Get extra zinc. Adequate zinc keeps your immune system strong while low levels may leave you vulnerable to colds and flu. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9823012. Good food sources include beef and lamb, liver, pumpkin seeds and oysters. Unleavened bread (pita) or raw grains can reduce your zinc levels. Supplement with pill form if you repeatedly get sick.
- Avoid Sugar. One of the worst foods for your health is refined sugar. Your immune system is immediately weakened when you eat candy, soda, sugared coffee or other sweets. http://www.usatoday.com/LIFE/usaedition/2009-10-05-bline05_ST_U.htm Avoiding sugar will help you feel more energized and less depressed.
- Use fresh garlic. Raw garlic kills viruses, bacteria and fungi. Pressing fresh garlic into a bowl of hot broth or soup can help speed recovery from colds and flu.
- Use oregano oil and olive leaf oil. Both these concentrates have antiviral and antibacterial properties and help fight infections while boosting immunity..
- Get an earful: One you have the flu or a cold, use of a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide in each ear can start you on the path to healing in less than 24 hours. www.healingdaily.com/exercise/hydrogen-peroxide-in-ears.htm
- Irrigate a stuffy head. A neti pot used with tepid saline water can immediately relieve congested sinuses. Used regularly it may even prevent infection. Not as sexy as drugs, but free, and free of side effects.
- Gargle. A warm saltwater gargle several times a day can relieve a sore throat.
- Take vitamin A at the onset of a virus. Short-term use of high dose vitamin A fights infection. Try 100,000 IU for 2-3 days. Do not use this dose for longer and don't use if pregnant. Higher doses are used safely in infants in developing countries to fight infection when antibiotics are too dangerous. There are no side effects to short term use.
- Relax. Up to 80% of our diseases result from anxiety. Follow a yoga video each morning, listen to relaxing music, walk through a park or near water, practice biofeedback, meditate, or do tai chi. You need daily relaxation.
Still getting sick too often? Email me for a personalized program to boost your immunity.