How to Protect Yourself Against Influenza
While the media is sure to continue hyping potential pandemic influenzas, remember that a healthy immune system is your best and primary defense against any viral threat. Remember: Every decision you make is either building or tearing down the immune system.
Here are some guidelines from www.pacifichealthcenter.com and www.mercola.com will help you keep your immune in good health – ones that I truly think have kept my family healthier:
Tips for Avoiding the Flu
From Dr. Kline:
1. DON’T GET A FLU SHOT — The reason is simply: (1) Flu shots aren’t safe, and (2) Flu shots don’t work. Some people’s body’s just can’t handle being injected with a bunch of germs, so it’s possible for some to have serious reactions, one of the worst being Guillain-Barre Syndrome. (See Better Health Update #61 “Flu Shots — Yes or No?” at: http://www.pacifichealthcenter.com/blog/?page_id=119). Some have allergic reaction problems, particularly in cases of chicken or egg allergy. All viral vaccines contain trace amounts of leukemia virus and other cancer causing viruses. Flu vaccines usually contain mercury preservatives and aluminum adjuvants. When it comes to effectiveness, various studies have shown virtually no difference in flu incidence in the vaccinated versus unvaccinated population. For example, a Dutch study, noted in my Better Health Update, found 50% of the vaccinated population of a home for the elderly got the flu compared to 48% of the non-vaccinated population. Ironically, the elderly are generally the most vulnerable to flu shot reactions while they are also the group conventional medicine urges the most to get flu shots.
2. DO PRACTICE SANITATION — This is one area where I agree with conventional medicine. Wash your hands lots, but don’t use anti-bacterial soaps which can compromise your immune system. (Joy note: I use one that does not kill the good bacteria!) I make it a practice to not touch door knobs in public restroom by using a paper towel to open the door, given half the people don’t wash their hands after using the toilet and then touching the door. Think about the stuff you’re touching, and who else may have touched it. By the way, paper money is probably one of the filthiest, germ-laden things you can touch, so again, wash your hands a lot if you have to have contact with it.
3. AVOID CONFINED CONTACT – Much of the flu and other infectious diseases are spread in the winter because of breathing recirculated air. Airplanes are probably the worst and likely comprise one of the main ways these flu outbreaks spread around the country and around the world. If your immune system is fragile for any reason, I would avoid being with groups of people, particularly in confined air space. A little ventilation can really help, so go out of your way to regularly get some fresh outdoor air.
4. STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM — The most important thing I can tell you is to focus on strengthening your immune system. Build up your health, and it’s highly unlikely that you will get sick. So how? First of all, don’t eat junk. Nothing suppresses your immune system like eating refined sugar. Second, take vitamin C, from 3000 – 6000 mg/day (I take over 3000 mg/day just for normal maintenance). Third, take an L-Lysine amino acid supplement to strengthen your connective tissue and thus prevent infectious invasion. Fourth, take 4000 – 5000 units of Vitamin D-3 daily.
And from Dr. Mercola:
Avoid Sugar, Fructose and Processed Foods. Sugar decreases the function of your immune system almost immediately. Be aware that sugar is present in foods you may not suspect, like ketchup and fruit juice.
Get Enough Rest. Just like it becomes harder for you to get your daily tasks done if you’re tired, if your body is overly fatigued it will be harder for it to fight the flu. Be sure to check out my article Guide to a Good Night’s Sleep for some great tips to help you get quality rest.
Exercise. When you exercise, you increase your circulation and your blood flow throughout your body. The components of your immune system are also better circulated, which means your immune system has a better chance of finding an illness before it spreads.
Wash Your Hands. Washing your hands will decrease your likelihood of spreading a virus to your nose, mouth or other people. Remember that antibacterial soaps are completely unnecessary and cause more harm than good. Instead, identify a simple chemical-free soap that you can switch your family to.
Avoid Hospitals. I’d recommend avoiding hospitals unless you’re having an emergency, as hospitals are prime breeding grounds for infections of all kinds and could be one of the likeliest places you could be exposed to any new bug. Also keep in mind that virtually all vaccinations have the potential to reduce the effective functioning of your immune system, NOT make it stronger!
The entire articles can be viewed at:
http://www.pacifichealthcenter.com/blog/?p=737
Choices Matter!
