Flu
season is in full swing, and I’ve received lots of letters asking
about the best way to fight it,including the value of getting a flu
shot. I have strong issues against flu shots, not the least of which
is the fact that they aren’t very effective. To me, that makes
even the hint of side effects unacceptable. I believe in a more holistic
approach—naturally boosting your immune system to prevent infection,
and strengthening your ability to recover quickly if infection occurs.
Here
is my three-step strategy for fighting the flu. I’ve used
it for years and have seen it work wonders for my patients. It’s
also never failed me. If you do end up getting the flu, you’ll
find relief in a matter of hours and be yourself again after just
a couple of days.
Step
1: Balance Your pH
If
you have an overly acidic constitution, you’re more vulnerable
to respiratory infections, with harsher and longer-lasting symptoms.
For optimal health—and to protect against colds and the flu—I
recommend that you balance
your body’s pH to a healthier, slightly alkaline
state. Click on the red more information.
If
you do catch the flu or a cold, here are some quick pH-balancing
“emergency” tips:
Take
one-fourth to one-half a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate (baking
soda) in a glass of water, three to five times a day. (Note: Though
rare, you can get overly alkalinized from this program. If you experience
tingling in your extremities, feel over-energized, can’t sleep,
or experience muscle spasms, stop the bicarbonate immediately. Take
two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in water, to
rebalance your system. Restart the baking soda the following day
at a lower level.)
Avoid
highly acidic “remedies,” such as orange juice, ginger
ale, and Jell-O. Instead, neutralize acidity with mineral water—two
to three quarts a day—plus herbal tea and vegetable or chicken
broth.
If
you happen to be a high-alkaline producer, skip the two recommendations
above and acidify your system with citrus juices, ginger ale, and
other acidic foods.
Step 2: Bolster Your Immune System
These
remedies can help your immune system fight the flu once it hits.
Ginseng can also be taken to help prevent the flu.
Ginseng:
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 323 patients, 2 capsules
of Panax ginseng taken daily for four months significantly reduced
the number and severity of cold/flu cases. I recommend taking 100
mg of Panax ginseng, standardized for ginsenoside, twice daily.
Saline
nasal flushes: Flushing your nasal passages using a neti pot (under
$20 at most health food stores) can reduce the inflammation and
congestion that come with the flu. It can also physically remove
millions of viruses and bacteria, making it easier for your immune
system to finish the job. Flush your nasal passages every two to
four hours at the first sign of the flu, then every six to eight
hours as your symptoms subside.
Elderberry
extract: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 60 patients
with flu-like symptoms, 15 milliliters of elderberry extract syrup
taken orally four times a day for five days brought recovery four
days faster, without side effects.
Echinacea:
Taking this herb increases the number of phagocytes—specialized
cells that surround and engulf pathogens—and stimulates “killer”
cells, such as T and B lymphocytes. A review article of six clinical
trials concluded that echinacea not only abbreviates and softens
cold symptoms, but sometimes stops a cold that is just starting.
I recommend two 125 mg capsules (standardized to 3.2 or 4.8 percent
echinacosides) taken three times daily. Or, even better, try 10-30
drops of a 1 percent echinacoside liquid extract three times daily.
(Many herbalists believe that part of the herb’s benefit comes
from direct contact with the tissues at the back of the throat.)
Do not take echinacea longer than eight weeks at a stretch, and
do not use it if you have an autoimmune condition.
Step 3: Fight Congestion and Inflammation
If
you don’t get it under control, respiratory inflammation and
congestion can actually prolong a bout with the flu. Feel better
faster by adding these supplements to your daily program.
Take
one or more of the following digestive enzymes, three times daily,
one-half to one hour before meals to maximize absorption:
—
300 to 1000 mg pancreatin
— 200 to 300 mg papain
— 500 mg bromelain, with vitamin C to enhance its action
Buffered
vitamin C aids in the production of naturally anti-inflammatory
adrenal corticosteroids, and enhances bromelain’s anti-inflammatory
action. Take 1,000 mg buffered vitamin C two to three times a day,
between meals.
MSM
(methylsulfonylmethane) is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory.
Take 250–750 mg MSM granules three times daily, with meals.
Finally, take care of yourself. While it’s tempting to jump
back into your busy lifestyle once your symptoms have diminished,
good old-fashioned R&R is essential for a complete recovery.
Stay on this program as your body regains its strength, and never
underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep.
Wishing
you a healthy season no matter what
time of the year it is!
Teresa Rispoli has her Ph.D. in Nutrition, is a licensed
Acupuncturist and clinical researcher. She has been in
practice for well over 25 years. It is through her clinical
practice that she has gained insights into chronic health
conditions. If
you are suffering from unexplained symptoms that come and
go you may have hidden allergies. Find out today call for
a Nutritional Consultation with Dr. Rispoli.
Your
happiness is a reflection of your
health call today For an appointment,
contact her office at (800) 956-7083
or (818) 707-3125.
We also offer Functional Laboratory
tests that can be done through the
mail in the privacy of your home
to help determine why you are having
these symptoms. For more information
on these click on lab tests.
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