Preventing and Treating the Flu Narutally

[Guest guest]

Hi every one I am fairly new here and don't post much, but with all

the great articles I have read here on the Flu I just wanted to add

what I have found. Well, actually, I didn't find it, it was sent to

me by a pharmacist I know who is a huge advocate of natural answers

after being involved in the medical world for so many years. I always

get little, tid bits from him, if you would be intrested I can post

them more offen. Thanks!

I love how active this group is!

Winter in NM

 

PREVENTING AND TREATING THE FLU NATURALLY

 

 

 

The purpose of this FLU Information Essay is to help you survive the

2003-2004 Flu Season.

 

Natural supplements can be used to both prevent influenza, and

should it be contracted, to ease symptoms, to speed recovery and make

less likely it will result in complications.

 

The ideal would be to prevent the flu and other infectious diseases

altogether through optimum nutrition and timely enhancement of immune

function. Failing that, you are able to cut short a case of the flu

at its onset by using nutrients and botanicals that are proven to

reduce severity and duration of illness.

 

Let's review ways to deal with a stubborn flu that lingers or allows

insidious infections to " pile on " an overtaxed immune system.

 

The flu differs from the common cold in the rapidity of its onset and

the severity of its symptoms, including fatigue, headache, fever and

chills, nausea or lack of appetite, and muscle aches. It also differs

in that certain strains of the flu can be deadly, as with the Asian

flu of 1957, the Hong Kong flu of 1968, and the virulently lethal

epidemic of 1918, which killed an estimated half million Americans

and fifty million people worldwide. More recent flu strains have

proven mild in comparison to these.

 

Serious complications of flu, such as bacterial infection or

pneumonia, can be just as deadly, especially for those who are over

sixty-five years of age or whose immune system is compromised by

existing disease. Antibiotics may be needed for such complications,

but the additional use of certain nutrients and botanicals can help

resolve the disease process more rapidly and reduce reoccurrence of

infection.

 

The Natural Approach to Powerful Immune System Boosters

 

Naturopaths are not just substituting herbs for drugs, they are

looking at a whole shift in medical philosophy, which is focused on

the body's innate ability to heal itself and on medical treatments

designed to facilitate that innate mechanism of healing.

 

A kinder and gentler approach to restoring proper immune function

will produce better results over the long run. Activating an under

active system can be achieved in several ways:

 

 

 

Stimulate macrophage production and activity with complex sugars or

polysaccharides. Examples include: Astragalus promotes resistance

against disease and appears to help restore normal immune function

for cancer patients. It is also a powerful antioxidant and protects

the liver from toxins. Echinacea has profound immune-enhancing

effects and anti-viral activities. Echinacea is useful where a sore

throat is one of the symptoms of the flu. A recent study using an

extract of Echinacea showed that duration and severity of illness was

reduced for persons with acute upper respiratory tract infections.

VITAMIN C's role in flu and cold prevention cannot be underestimated.

However, recommendations of mega doses to prevent or to cure the flu

or a cold are mistaken. A human body cannot absorb more than 500 mg

of vitamin C in a four hour period and larger doses are simply

excreted.

Beta carotene stimulates the immune system, kills viruses and

protects the mucous membranes. Adults who have the flu can benefit

from 50,000 I.U. to 200,000 I.U. of beta carotene for three to five

days, until symptoms diminish. (The dose can be repeated if symptoms

continue.) Children under 16 years of age can be given between 25,000

I.U. to 50,000 I.U. for a similar period. NOTE: Beta Carotene is a

mixed cartenoid, which is converted by the liver into vitamin A, and

is non-toxic. Retinol vitamin A in large doses (over 5,000 I.U. per

day) can be toxic and is not recommended as it may cause

complications of its own, especially in pregnant women.

..Zinc helps with the conversion of beta-carotene into vitamin A in

the liver, as needed by the body. Zinc supplements containing 30 mg

to 45 mg of zinc inhibit the common cold and may inhibit flu viruses.

Up to 100 mg of zinc may be taken orally by adults.

The immune system can be maintained or returned to normal by

providing immune boosters such as super anti-oxidants particularly

proanthocyanadins and quercitin.

Bromelain . The flu can often be accompanied by excessive mucous that

can clog the sinuses, leading to sinusitis; mucous in the throat can

compound the symptoms of cough and sore throat. Even worse, excessive

mucous production can occur with bronchitis, or lead to pneumonia,

with or without bacterial infection. Using the protein and mucus-

dissolving enzyme bromelain can cut such congestion. Take on an empty

stomach between meals. Bromelain's anti- inflammatory effect,

moreover, can help reduce some of the muscular aches that accompany

the flu.

[Guest guest]

sure I will have to go through my files and I will post it ASAP!

 

Winter NM

 

, " A. S. "

<glkbreeze> wrote:

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> winter stated:...A recent study using an

> extract of Echinacea showed that duration and severity

> of illness was reduced for persons with acute upper

> respiratory tract infections.

>

> Could you please post that study? thanks.

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> New Photos - easier uploading and sharing.

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