If Your Efforts to Prevent the Flu Fail Flu Series Post 5

by Dr. Danite Haller

If your prevention efforts fail

 

If despite your best efforts, you get sick, there are a few widely available natural products that may reduce the length and severity of your illness. Treatment is always most effective when started early, so begin taking measures as soon as you notice the first symptoms. Early symptoms can be vague, like feeling tired or run-down.

 

It is important to consult a doctor if symptoms persist or if you develop more severe symptoms, such as a fever of 103°F or higher, a fever lasting more than 2 days, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or delirium.

 

Elderberry is anti-viral and active against the Influenza virus. Elderberry is most commonly found in the form of syrup. There are many brands available in health food stores, large grocery chains, and regular drug stores. Gaia Herbs* is one brand that is high quality and that we recommend. It is tasty and safe for children as well as adults.

 

Vitamin D is essential for proper immune function. Our skin makes Vitamin D when exposed to the sun. Supplemental Vitamin D3 has been shown to boost the immune response to viral infections and flu. Take 5,000-10,000 international units (I.U.) a day (1,000-5,000 units for children) for 2 days at the onset of symptoms. In areas of the country where there is little sunshine during the winter months, taking 1,000-2,000 units a day during the winter can be protective. If you live in a place like Arizona, where there is plenty of sunshine all winter long, be sure to get some sun on a regular basis but avoid burning. Your doctor can order a simple blood test to check your Vitamin D levels. Here is a high quality vegan Vitamin D3 product*.

 

Zinc is a mineral that is essential to proper immune function and that can be used to boost immune response against colds and flu. During a cold or flu adults should take 15-20 mg daily and children 5-10 mg daily, or as directed by your doctor.

 

Probiotics contain friendly bacteria that inhabit the human intestinal tract. They have been shown to boost immune function in children and are generally safe for everyone. A therapeutic daily dose is 15-25 billion colony forming units (CFU) for children and 50 billion CFU for adults. You can also take them daily throughout the cold and flu season as a preventive.

 

Other potentially helpful herbs are Echinacea*, Turmeric*, and Larch Arabinogalactans*. The Rapid Relief product line by Gaia herbs combines these herbs with Elderberry and can be found in most health food stores or online.

 

Homœopathy is extremely effective at speeding recovery from colds and flu. If started early, it can abort the illness altogether. To be effective the selection of the homœopathic remedy must be individualized in accordance with theLaw of Similars, so no general recommendations can be made. Minor ailments can often be treated effectively at home through the use of an acute prescribing manual or online tool. For anything more serious, we encourage you to consult a well-trained professional.

 

A Twist on Dr. Fuhrman’s Famous Anticancer Soup

 

Soups can be warming and comforting when you’re sick. Our slightly modified version of Dr. Furhman’s soup also improves immune function to help your body’s immune system to recover faster.

 

Ingredients:

 

• 1 cup dried beans
• 1 cup split peas
• 4 cups water.
• 4 medium onions, roughly chopped (about 4 cups)
• 6 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 6 medium zucchini (about 6 cups)
• 3 leek stalks, roughly chopped
• 2 bunches of kale or collard greens (about 6 cups)
• 5 lbs carrots, sliced, or 4-5 cups of carrot juice (about 15 cups)
• 2 bunches celery, chopped, or 2 cups of fresh celery juice (about 10 celery stalks)
• 2 tablespoons of Dr. Fuhrman’s VegiZest* or other no-salt seasoning
• 1 cup raw cashews
• 1 package mushrooms, chopped (about 6 cups chopped)

 

Directions:

Place the split peas, beans, and water in a very large pot over low heat.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer.  Add the zucchini whole to the pot.  Add the carrot juice, celery juice, VegiZest*, and Mrs. Dash*.

Put the onions, garlic, leeks, and kale in a blender and blend with a little bit of soup liquid.  Pour this mixture into the soup pot.

Remove the softened zucchini with tongs and blend them in the blender with the cashews until creamy.  Pour this mixture back into the soup pot.  Add the mushrooms and continue to simmer the beans until soft, about 2 hours total cooking time.

 

*Amazon Affiliate Link

 

Yesterday: Preventative Methods to Take to Fend Off the Flu

 

DISCLAIMER: The information and reference materials contained here are intended solely for the general information of the reader. It is not to be used for treatment purposes, but rather for discussion with the patient’s own physician. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of professional medical care. The information contained herein is neither intended to dictate what constitutes reasonable, appropriate or best care for any given health issue, nor is it intended to be used as a substitute for the independent judgment of a physician for any given health issue. The major limitation of informational resources like this newsletter is the inability to take into account the unique circumstances that define the health issues of the patient. If you have persistent health problems or if you have further questions, please consult your health care provider.