Flu which is also called "Influenza", is a
very contagious viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Because
the illness can be spread easily by coughing and sneezing, influenza epidemics are very common, especially in
the winter season. There are over 200 different viruses can cause colds and flu, and strains of these viruses are constantly changing, so vaccinations against influenza have been only partly successful in preventing outbreaks of the disease.
The symptoms of influenza begin much like those of the common cold: body
aches, fatigue, fever, and headache. Many times the person you will feel hot
then and cold and shaking. Most flu sufferers have a dry throat and cough. Nausea and vomiting may occur as well.
The person with the influenza or flu is so weak and uncomfortable that
they do not feel like eating or doing anything. Influenza is rarely dangerous in healthy adults
60 years of age or younger, but it does make a person more susceptible
to pneumonia, ear infections, and sinus trouble.
In people 65 or older, serious respiratory infections such as pneumonia and influenza are the
5th leading cause of death, so the flu is a very serious infection for older people.
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
vitamin
C |
10 |
strengthens the immune
system and increases the number of white blood cells as well
as the quality of the white blood cells. |
Zinc |
10 |
this mineral quickens the immune
system response and helps reduce infection. Often used in lozenges
for colds or flu with vitamin C and
echinacea. |
Bioflavonoids |
10 |
bioflavonoids are
natural antioxidant and free radical destroyer, boosts the immune systems and helps fight infection,
work well
with vitamin C. |
Echinacea |
10 |
herb that helps healing and often
combined with zinc |
Reishi |
9 |
herb that helps boost the immune
system and both protect and fight against viral infections in
the body |
vitamin
E |
8 |
helps the body's healing
process and also serves as a powerful antioxidant to help
rid the body of free radicals. |
Multi-vitamin
and mineral supplement |
8 |
contains vitamin E, vitamin
C , vitamin B complex ,
and zinc which all are helpful in
both the treatment and prevention of ear infection and disorders. The nutrients found in
a
daily supplement are needed for good general health and well
being. |
Frankincense
resin |
8 |
helps to calm and sooth the body
and promote general healing |
Myrrh resin |
8 |
promotes healing and it works well
with frankincense and aloe vera |
Garlic |
8 |
has both antiviral and
antibacterial properties |
vitamin B
complex |
7 |
they promote healing, strong immune system,
and healthy nervous system. |
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|