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October 29, 2004
IN THIS ISSUE
ARE YOU READY FOR FLU SEASON? THE CO-OP CAN HELP!
November 1st is the start of the influenza (“the flu”) season. And everywhere you look, there are humans waiting in line to get the short supply of flu vaccinations. While there are some people that are considered high risk and should get the shot, others have to look for alternative methods.
Teri suggested that we write up some flu season tips. For some ideas on preventing and treating this little bugger, you can take a look at an old stand-by called Natural Medicine for Colds and Flu by Nancy Pauline Bruning.
Influenza is actually a viral infection of your respiratory system. Commonly confused with the common cold, the flu actually differs in that symptoms come on suddenly, and more severely.
The virus primarily affects the bronchial tubes and lungs and symptoms include feeling awful all over: ache, fever, exhausted, etc.
Even though the “flu season” is typically in the winter months, the influenza virus is around throughout the year. Flu viruses can travel through air and like dry environments (yep, those Thanksgiving plane trips call for extra precautions)!
PREVENTING THE FLU
To lower your risk of flu, the more practical measures are always a good idea: get a good night’s sleep, eat right, drink plenty of fluids, stay active and watch out for stress. In her book, Bruning also recommended upgrading your diet with foods rich in vitamins, minerals and omega-3s. That means eat your fruits and veggies and include fresh flaxseed oil or fish oil!
If your diet isn’t perfect, enhancing your immune system with supplements helps. A daily multivitamin or good antioxidant combo will help boost your immune system.
And if you are more prone to getting the flu each year, then consider adding extra vitamin C, vitamin E, bioflavonoids, selenium and/or zinc to your daily regimen. Another popular immune-stimulating herb during flu season is Echinacea (and, yes, it’s on our list of frequently requested items).
DARN!! TREATMENT NEEDED!!
Once you catch the flu bug, there are several things that can speed up recovery.
Let’s talk supplements and bring back our good old friend, Linus Pauling. Back in 1970, Pauling wrote the book on everyone’s favorite anti-flu vitamin, vitamin C. Since 1970, there have been over twenty studies that showed that vitamin C was effective in reducing the severity of flu symptoms.
Vitamin C is a proven anti-inflammatory, collagen- building nutrient, that helps to get your respiratory system back in gear. A strong respiratory tract is your first defense again flu viruses. Vitamin C also has the added benefit of increasing the effects of phagocytes, which “eat” viral cells.
Studies show you should take at least 2,000 mg per day, because your body can absorb and utilize much more vitamin c when you are sick.
Another popular natural approach is the use of zinc lozenges. Zinc, like vitamin C, seems to inhibit viral activity. Zinc lozenges are to be dissolved in the mouth. Swallowing them, by the way, does not work the same.
Several studies have shown that using lozenges with 15 to 25 mg of zinc with glycine as the sweetener (that way they taste better) reduce the duration of flu symptoms.
Other well known treatments that assist in recovering from the flu include:
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Echinacea (made from the purple cone flower), which helps “turn on” white blood cells to fight flu viruses;
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Garlic, which has a long history of supporting immune and respiratory systems; and
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Vitamin A (or beta-carotene), which has antiviral effects and maintains a healthy respiratory tract.
ANTI-NUTRIENTS TO STAY AWAY FROM DURING THIS FLU SEASON
Anti-nutrients work against good nutrition and could deplete some of these essential nutrients that are fighting the flu virus. Here are some ways to cut down on these bad anti-nutrients:
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Limit caffeine intake
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Avoid sugar
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Cut down on fat and protein
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Limit salt intake
If you need to stock up on Vitamin C, Multi-Vites, Fish Oil or our Sam’s Advanced Antioxidant formula, check out our Product Catalog.
Oh Teri wanted to make sure I mentioned one more thing: wash your hands well and often!
HEALTH IN THE NEWS
- Halloween calories: What is in your bag of treats? http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/507922/?sc=wire
- Red wine may protect against lung cancer: http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/507920/?sc=wire
Happy Halloween and don’t forget to push your clocks back this weekend!
Enjoy that extra hour in the morning, fair members (unless you’re in one of those odd places that doesn’t follow the protocol)!
Still purringly yours,
Guido
Guido Housemouser (The Enforcer) ^..^
Chief Kat and Community Manager
Our Health Co-op
931 Village Blvd, Suite 905-480
West Palm Beach FL 33409
“We do not stop laughing because we grow old.
We grow old because we stop laughing!”