While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a w ay, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected o ne. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking w arm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
Natural Products you can use:
When you get the flu – there is not much you can do except rest, drink plenty of fluids, take over the counter pain relievers and stay home to prevent transmission to others. There are two major methods of preventing influenza – vaccine and antiviral drugs. It is highly recommended you get your flu shot this year to prevent infection. In addition to prescription antivirals there are also non-prescription antiviral medications and other medicinal substances that have been shown to be effective in clinical trials against human influenza.
Sambucol
Sambucol is a non-prescription proprietary medication made from an extract of black elderberries and has been shown in laboratory studies that it inhibited viral replication. Two randomized double blind control trials of the efficacy of Sambucol against human influenza showed that the Sambucol treated group had a duration of illness about 4 days shorter than the placebo group. These results show that Sambucol actually decreases illness duration more than the prescription antivirals on the market. It has been shown to have a direct antiviral action as well as an immune boosting action. Sambucol is available in health food stores and on the internet and comes in both sugar and sugar-free formulas, in liquid and lozenge
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a natural compound found in the skins of grapes, wines, peanuts, and a few other plant sources. There is research showing that resveratrol has antiviral effects against human influenza. In a recent study at the University of Milan, researchers found that resveratrol could stop the replication of the influenza virus in cell cultures and has significant anti-inflammatory properties.
Echinacea purpurea
Herbalists consider Echinacea one of the best blood purifiers and an effective antibiotic. It activates the body's immune system and has been used to help prevent the common cold and to relieve the symptoms of hay fever. It has been shown in animal and human studies to improve the migration of white blood cells to attack foreign microorganisms and toxins in the bloodstream. The most commonly used, Echinacea purpurea, is believed to be the most potent. Unfortunately, some studies to date have not proven that echinacea shortens the course of colds or flu. For example, two NIH funded studies did not find a benefit from echinacea, either as Echinacea purpurea fresh-pressed juice for treating colds in children, or as a mixture of Echinacea angustifolia root and Echinacea purpurea root and herb in adults. But there are other studies that show that echinacea may be beneficial in treating upper respiratory infections versus the flu.
Andrographis paniculata
Andrographis has become popular for use during winter season for immune support and is also a popular herb in Chinese medicine. Several double-blind clinical trials have found that andrographis can help reduce symptom severity in people with common colds. Standardized andrographis extract combined with Siberian ginseng has also been shown in a double-blind clinical trial to reduce symptoms of the common cold.
Elderberry
The American elder also known as Elderberry, is a small tree that grows to 12 feet and is native to North America.The tree has been called "the medicine chest” of the common people. The berries from the elder contain a considerable amount of vitamins A, B and C, as well as flavonoids, sugar, tannins, carotenoids and amino acids. Warm elderberry wine is a remedy for sore throat, influenza and induces perspiration to reverse the effects of a chill. The juice from the berries is an old fashioned cure for colds, and is also said to relieve asthma and bronchitis.
Umcka ColdCare – Pelargonium sidoides
Clinical studies show that Umcka shortens duration, reduces the severity and breaks the cold cycle. Umcka ColdCare success is attributed to impressive clinical results and high consumer satisfaction.. It is a traditional remedy made from the roots of Pelargonium sidoides — a species of geranium unique to South Africa. For hundreds of years the Zulu, Basuto, Xhosa and Mfengi cultures have used Pelargonium sidoides as a curative for coughs, upper respiratory tract irritations and gastrointestinal concerns. For best results, take at the first sign of symptoms and continue to use for an additional 48 hours after symptoms subside.
Maintaining Optimal Body Health – Acid/Alkaline Balance
1. Good Diet - eat a wide variety of fresh, wholesome foods packed with powerful vitamins and minerals to ensure a strong immune system. Vitamins A, B6, C and E and zinc, iron, copper and selenium are critical for maintaining strength and immunity. Make sure that your diet consists of fruits and vegetables to ensure that you are getting all of the necessary nutrients. Keep your body is a healthy acid/alkaline balance to prevent certain organisms and viruses from taking a hold in your body. Eat lettuce, carrots, and celery – they are very beneficial to the body because they are very alkalizing and help to maintain the correct acid/alkaline balance. Lists of foods that are acid and alkaline can also easily be found on the internet, along with discussions of how to balance the diet in regard to pH. Basically, most, but not all, fruits and vegetables are alkalizing, while most meats, poultry, fish, dairy, alcohol, grains, and sugars are acidifying. The trick is to try to eat more fruits and vegetables and less grain products, meats, dairy, sugars, alcohol and refined carbohydrates. It is known that too much stress will cause the body to become unbalanced with regard to pH. This helps to explain why some people are more susceptible to colds and flu when under chronic stress. You can also alkalinize easily with liquid or pill form Chlorofresh (eg chlorophyll) - take 2 tbsp a day of liquid.
2. Supplementing your diet with a daily multivitamin is an essential part of your health regime. During cold and flu season, increase your dosage of vitamin C for added virus fighting benefits. Studies have shown that the powerful antioxidants in vitamin C can reduce both the symptoms and duration of the flu.
3. Eat Extra Garlic - Certain foods can give you an extra boost and should be factored into your regular eating habits. Garlic is known for its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties and can prevent infections from taking hold and spreading.
4. Drink Tea - While the healthy properties in black tea have been known for centuries, a recent Harvard University study confirmed its healing effects. The study found that people who drank five cups of black tea a day for two weeks had 10 times higher levels of the cold- and virus-fighting chemical interferon than those who did not drink tea. Researchers suspect that green tea has the same effect.
5. Exercise - Exercising for 30 to 60 minutes daily can enhance your immune system.. A study conducted at Appalachian State University found that people who walked regularly for 12 weeks had half the number of colds and sore throats as people who were less active. Exercise is also a great way to reduce stress and its harmful effects on the immune system.
6. Sleep on it - Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for the immune system to recharge itself. An overly fatigued body doesn’t have the necessary strength to fight off infections.
7. Most Importantly – Use Good Hand and Skin Hygiene - A strong immune system should be able to combat the virus, but washing your hands frequently can decrease the chance of cross contamination. Use warm water and soap and avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes to prevent the virus from entering your system.
References:
Taylor JA, Weber W, Standish L, et al. Efficacy and safety of echinacea in treating upper respiratory tract infections in children: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2003;290(21):2824–2830.
Barrett BP, Brown RL, Locken K, et al. Treatment of the common cold with unrefined echinacea: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2002;137(12):939–946.
Fugh-Berman A. Echinacea for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory infections. Seminars in Integrative Medicine. 2003;1(2):106–111.
No comments:
Post a Comment