(NaturalNews) It's that time of year again for the oncoming cold and flu season. Everywhere we turn, we see the familiar signs advertising "Flu Shots" and "Free Flu Shots," while over-the-counter flu and cold medications line store shelves in prominent locations. Instead of giving in to the fear and hype about flu and colds and taking marginally effective and often dangerous flu shots and medications, there are simpler and much safer natural solutions.
A healthy immune system is a sure fire way of preventing the onset of a cold or the flu. If we do find ourselves coming down with a cold or the flu, we can turn to the safer and more effective natural alternatives.
The key to preventing the onset of a cold or the 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 all harmful foods, such as sugar, processed foods, junk foods, fast foods, etc., 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. We are all familiar with the basic foods rich in this vitamin, but there are less well known foods that contain vitamin C too - such as broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, papaya, kiwi fruit, and even potatoes. Onions and garlic help to strengthen the immune system 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. Vitamin D3 is an especially vital item to help keep the immune system strong and ward off
colds and flus.
Another powerful immune booster is an extract made from the oleander plant. European studies have shown that it 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. It can be purchased in supplement form or you can make your own version carefully according to specific instructions. See:
http://www.naturalnews.com/023552_Oleander_cancer_oil.htmlhttp://www.naturalnews.com/023551_Oleander_health_water.htmlGetting 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 with no added sweetener. Sodas and caffeine only cause dehydration.
Needless to say, avoidance of sick people and washing hands throughout the day are also important.
If you do come down with a cold or the
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.
Sources:
http://www.organicnutrition.co.uk/articles/colds.htmhttp://www.naturalnews.com/028093_longevity_health.htmlhttp://altmedicine.about.com/od/treatmentsfromatod/a/colds_flu.htmhttp://www.tbyil.com/Flu.htmAbout the author
Luella May is a natural health advocate helping people to heal naturally. Luella is in the midst of editing her ebook, "The 8 Invisible Stains of Our Souls" which will be available in the next few months. She partners with Tony Isaacs, who authors of books and articles about natural health including "
Cancer's Natural Enemy" and "
Collected Remedies" Luella contributes to
The Best Years in Life website for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Luella co-moderates the CureZone "
Ask Tony Isaacs" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "
Oleander Soup" and hosts her own yahoo group focusing on the natural wellbeing of pets "
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