10.26.2009

{ flu prevention....naturally }



So, not to open a can of worms here, but we didn't get the flu or H1N1 vaccines. I'll leave it at that without launching into how we came to that well researched decision. However, I have done a ton of research on how to boost the kids immunity this year...We are fortunate that they seem to have solid functioning immune systems and rarely get sick - they eat healthy, take vitamins, get good rest, wash hands a hundred times a day, etc. But I wanted to bump it up even more since everyone we know has been or is sick. So here are some tips I've come across that have been helping us stay healthy.

Note: These are tips from a mom (ME) with no medical training (I was a geology/environmental studies major in college). Not a doctor. If you have flu symptoms go see your doctor, don't email ME!

1. Elderberry. An herb with anti-viral effects, elderberrry (or Sambucus nigra) has been touted as an all-natural defense against the H1N1 swine flu. Although research on elderberry's flu-fighting benefits is somewhat limited, there's evidence that this antioxidant-rich herb may reduce the duration and lessen the severity of the flu. Various products containing elderberry can be found at your local drugstore or online here. Additional info about elderberry's potential benefits here. We take Quantum Health Cold & Flu Immune Defense (Elderberry, Echinacea, Goldenseed & Vitamin C). Sam takes Irwin Kids Immuno-Zappers (Eldeberry, Zinc & Vitamin C) chewable vitamins - they taste like watermelon and Get Well Soothing Herbal Drops (Elderberry, Vitamin C & Eucalyptus). Henry gets 1/2 dropper of Elderberry Liquid Extract with water.

2. Andrographis. Anytime Will, Sam or I start to feel sick we start taking Andrographis. We like Plum Flowers Brand - Chuan Xin Lian. It has natural properties similar to an antibiotic. Note: We take the sugar coated (although said to be less effective because it is nasty if it dissolves too quickly in your mouth). We give Sam one tablet, 2-3 times a day. We take 3 tablets, 3 times a day. We just hide hers in a scoop of icecream and she is able to swallow it.

3. Obsessive hand-washing and resist all temptations to touch any part of face. We keep disinfectant handwash in our cars, bags, etc.

4. Gargle with salt water several times a day. H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling may help prevent proliferation.

5. Vitamin C & Zinc. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc
to boost absorption. We all like Trader Joe's Raspberry Flavored Zinc Vitamins.

6. Acerola - A tropical bearing fruit that contains 32x the amount of Vitamin C found in orange juice. Find it at your local health foods store.

7. Vitamin D. Get your daily Vitamin D. Best from sunshine but if you live in a rainy, dreary part of the country, take supplements.

8. Eat healthy, get some exercise & get enough sleep. Fuel your body with nutrient rich, warm foods, exercise on a daily basis and get at least 7.5 hours of sleep each night. Tired, unhealthy bodies become breading grounds for illness.

7 comments:

Cyn at RiverDog Prints said...

This is great! We always lean as much toward natural as we can. One thing to add: saline spray twice a day. Cleans out any nastiness before bed and before school. Just make sure the spray is just saline and not nose spray :)

Anonymous said...

a great list - i jotted some things down from it. we also did not get either of the vaccines. food is our medicine.

inkWELL Press said...

I'm also a fan of Goldenseal w/ Dandelion at the first sign of getting sick. Helps clean out the infection faster so you don't get sick.

Anonymous said...

I love this list.

PS~Erin said...

Awesome stuff. Thanks!

Carbzilla said...

Just found your site through Unclutterer! Love it.

I feel that everyone should be free to make their own choice regarding H1N1. I already know plenty of women and children who have gotten through H1N1 just fine, though I realize there are others who are not so fortunate. All your suggestions are terrific and have been corroborated by medical professionals. Congratulations on taking such great (natural) care of your family!

Can't wait to read more! (and maybe place some orders)

JensenFamily54 said...

My neighbor bought this product online that helps him keep his coughs and sneezes to himself! I asked for more info because I wanted to check it out myself. They told me about a website – coughsecure.com. I checked it out. I may get one. It looks like it really works and it is less expensive than I thought it would be. Have you heard of it?