How to Fight the Flu

Cough! Hack! Sniffle!

It is estimated that at least 50 million people in North America get the flu each year from November to March. Children are two to three times more likely than adults to get sick. More than 100,000 people are hospitalized and at least 20,000 people die from the flu and its complications annually.

The best way to prevent viral illness is to keep healthy by getting enough rest, limiting stress, and eating a nutritious, whole-food diet.

Wash your hands frequently.

If stress and/or sleep are problems, try some 5-HTP (100–200 mg) before bedtime. This increases the level of the relaxing hormone serotonin in the brain and calms the nerves without grogginess.

Making sure the body has an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals can also enhance general good health. Nutrient requirements vary from one individual to the next, but any formula for the immune system should contain:

• Vitamin A

• Beta-carotene (provitamin A)

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin B6

• Zinc

There are formulas available that combine these ingredients with adaptogens (botanicals that help the body combat stress) such as rhodiola, cordyceps, and ginseng.

As a further precaution, take garlic. Garlic is one of the best herbs to boost immunity and fight a long list of deadly microbes.

If, despite all these measures, a cough or cold develops, its duration can be shortened with echinacea and zinc lozenges. Echinacea increases the production of white blood cells and boosts their ability to ward off, surround, and destroy bacteria and viruses. Zinc is essential for the white blood cells to fight a wide range of viral infections. Recent research has shown that the symptoms of colds (cough, fever, and respiratory secretions) can be significantly reduced with zinc lozenges.

Other natural treatments with very effective antiviral activity are wild mountain oregano oil, astragalus, lomatium, bovine colostrum, grapefruit seed extract, and propolis. While some natural healthcare practitioners recommend using one or more of these only during the flu season, they can safely be taken year-round, especially by those with weakened immunity.

Dr. Zoltan Rona