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(Health Secrets) Cold and flu season is right around the corner! Everywhere we turn, we will soon see signs advertising Flu Shots, while over-the-counter flu and cold medications line store shelves in prominent locations. This year instead of giving in to the fear and hype about flu and colds and taking marginally effective and dangerous flu shots and medications, take a stand and go with natural cold and flu remedies.
How to prevent colds and flu
The key to preventing the onset of a cold or flu is a strong immune system. There are certain simple steps that we can take in order to keep our bodies healthy and prevent infection.
A healthy diet is the first step. Eliminating harmful foods, such as sugar, processed foods, junk foods and fast foods is the first step in building a healthy body. Such foods only serve to suppress our immune systems. Our diet should consist of as many raw fruits and vegetables as possible, focusing on foods rich in Vitamin C. Most of us are familiar with the basic foods rich in this vitamin, such as citrus fruits, but there are less well known foods that contain vitamin C too. Broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, papaya, kiwi fruit, and even potatoes are rich in vitamin C. Onions and garlic help to strengthen the immune system too, and are very effective in preventing illness. Garlic especially helps to fight infections.
The next step is to take supplements that will boost the immune system. Such supplements include vitamin C, vitamin D3, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium. If you don’t spend time in the sun without sunscreen, vitamin D3 is an especially vital item to help keep the immune system stay strong and ward off cold and flu.
Another powerful immune booster is an extract made from the oleander plant. European studies have shown that this extract has six times the immune stimulating properties of patented immune stimulators. One note of caution, however: oleander should never be taken in raw form, as it is extremely toxic.
Getting proper rest is also necessary for a strong immune system. There is an old wives’ tale that says sleep so that you don’t get sick, and studies have indeed shown that lack of sleep suppresses the immune system.
Drinking fluids throughout the day is also important. However, these fluids should consist of water and organic 100% juices or teas. Sodas cause dehydration and immune system suppression.
Needless to say, avoidance of sick people and washing hands throughout the day are also important. But wash hands the old fashioned way with regular soap and water, and skip the hand sanitizers. Antibacterial products destroy the immune system.
Natural cold and flu remedies
If you do come down with a cold or flu, the ultimate pathogen destroyer, colloidal silver, could be the most important supplement you can take. Taking two to four ounces of top quality colloidal silver will usually eliminate the illness in just a few days.
Natural anti-virals, such as garlic, echinacea, ginger, olive leaf extract, and oil of wild mountain oregano, are also effective in ridding a cold or flu.
Raw honey with its antioxidant and antibacterial properties helps to relieve coughs and soothe sore throats.
Last, but not least, don’t overlook the tried and true chicken soup remedy grandma used to give you. In addition to providing fluids, chicken soup reduces the inflammation that causes body aches and fever, while reducing discomfort when a respiratory infection is present.
For more information:
http://www.organicnutrition.co.uk/articles/colds.htm
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/treatmentsfromatod/a/colds_flu.htm
