Alternative Cures for the Flu - Part 2

Building a healthy immune system is the number one defense mechanism an individual can use to help themselves prevent the flu. This is accomplished by getting plenty of rest, at least eight hours each night, during which the body regenerates and heals. You should also eliminate as much sugar from the diet as possible. A teaspoon of sugar will negatively impact the immune system for up to six hours. It is better to satisfy your taste buds with sweet organic fruit than ice cream or chocolate. (2)

We really are what we eat, which means that our diets and the foods that we consume each day, will have a significant impact on your immune system. Drink as much water as possible each day to help flush out toxins and waste products. This actually helps to decrease the workload on the kidneys and improves your immune system.

Exercise is an important factor in maintaining the health and well-being of your immune system. It helps to move the lymph system through the body, sheds unwanted pounds, removes toxins, improves vitamin D production when done outside and improves blood circulation throughout the extremities. Vitamin D plays a vital role in both the prevention and cure of the common cold, flu, and other illnesses that are caused by invasion of bacteria and viruses. (3)

Intake of a good multivitamin with vitamin C is also another important factor in the prevention and cure of the flu. Vitamins C works in conjunction with vitamin D in order to boost the immune system and shorten the length or prevent the flu.

Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth. The flu virus can be easily transmitted from your hands to your eyes, nose or mouth and effectively inoculate yourself with the virus. Wash your hands frequently, after coming in contact with solid objects, shaking hands with people, each trip to the bathroom and before bed. Do not use antibacterial soaps because they are likely to spread antibiotic resistant bacteria. Instead practice good hand washing techniques under warm water with friction and for at least a minute and a half.

Decrease the amount of stress in your life, as much as possible. Stress will negatively impact your immune system and increase the likelihood that you will contract a cold or the flu. Learn to manage your stress with deep breathing, walking, music or exercise. Learn to manage your stress by also eliminating the individuals or situations which cause an increase in the stress level that you feel each day. You may believe it is impossible to remove these situations from your life but it is much more difficult to accommodate your lifestyle to the stress related illnesses which can result.

References:

(1) KidsHealth.org: The Danger of Antibiotic Overuse

http://kidshealth.org/parent/h1n1_center/h1n1_center_treatment/antibiotic_overuse.html

(2) Natural News: The Harmful Effect of Sugar and Choosing Healthy Alternatives

http://www.naturalnews.com/022692.html

(3) Dr. Mercola: The Vitamin Which Can Cut Your Flu Risk Nearly in Half

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/12/14/study-shows-vitamin-d-cuts-flu-by-nearly-50.aspx

(4) University of Maryland Medical Center: Influenza

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/influenza-000062.htm

(5) Microbes and Infection: Antimicrobial Properties of Allicin from Garlic

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10594976