The swine flu / bird flu / human flu virus (H1N1) has now been confirmed as striking victims in New York City, Kansas, Ohio, Canada and is suspected in New Zealand, Spain and Israel. Over 100 people are now confirmed dead from the swine flu (mostly in Mexico City), and confirmed infectious have surpassed 1600. Just today, the U.S. declared a Public Health Emergency over swine flu. (Natural News)
So what can we do to avoid contracting the swine flu?
The good news is heaps!!
1. Vitamin C is a natural immune system booster. It inhibits some types of viruses due in part to its ability to stimulate Interferon’s production(1) and has been proven to prevent and shorten the duration of symptoms in Influenza patients.(2) Take up to 3000mg a day
2. Echinacea may suppress many viruses and shorten the duration of symptoms(3).
3. Olive leaf extract may also kill of viruses and shorten the duration of symptoms(4) .
4. Increase garlic in your diet as garlic is a natural immune stimulant and has the ability to kill of many viruses(5) .
5. Take selenium, a selenium deficiency may increase your susceptibility to contracting viruses(6)
6. Reduce stress! Stress decreases the strength and protection of your immune system. Get plenty of early nights, leave work on time, and avoid negative people or people who stress you out. Trust me the stress isn’t worth the risk of getting sick!
7. Drink plenty of fluids, like herbal teas and water. This does NOT include coffee and soft drink!
8. Increase your anti-oxidants via your diet. So plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and make sure you get plenty of colours in each dish, the more colours the more anti-oxidants!
9. Reduce alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol will always just put that extra burden on the body that you just don’t need. Try to aim for 5 alcohol free days a week and when and if you do drink aim for 2 – 3 standard drinks, no more.
10. Avoid excess sugar in your diet. Excess consumption suppresses the immune system(7).
[1] Dahl, H., et al. The effect of ascorbic acid on production of human interferon and the antiviral activity in vitro. Acta Pathologica et Microbiologica Scandinavia. 84B(5):280-284, 1976.
[2] Gorton, H. C., et al. The effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing and relieving the symptoms of virus-induced respiratory infections. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 22(8):530-533, 1999.
[3] Sicha, J., et al. Substances in the echinaceae family which are potential antiviral agents and immunostimulants. Cesk Farm. 38(9):424-428, 1989.
[4] Renis, H. E. In vitro antiviral activity of calcium elenolate. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 1969:167-171, 1970.
[5] Weber, N. D., et al. In vitro viricidal effects of Allium sativum (Garlic) extract & compounds. Planta Medica. 58(5):417-423, 1992.
[6] Beck, M. A., et al. Rapid genomic evolution of a non-virulent Coxsackievirus B3 in selenium-deficient mice results in selection of identical virulent isolates. Nat Med. 1:433-436, 1995.
[7] Sanchez, A., et al. Role of sugars in human neutrophilic phagocytosis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 26(11):1180-1184, 1973.