Yes, it’s “flu” season. Yes, you don’t want to suffer with the flu if you can avoid it.
But, please, no, don’t fall for the scare tactics. (Remember the swine flu year? The way the news read, most of us were going to die. And, most of us are still here, right?) Don’t fall for the suggestions that the only prayer of a chance you have to avoid the flu is getting a flu shot.
Of course, deciding whether a flu shot is right for you is a personal decision. Here’s why I won’t get one: I feel like getting a flu shot – with its inherent side effects – crosses the line further toward endangering my health, not protecting it. There are safe, inexpensive, natural, effective ways to prevent the flu instead. (I’ll list some below.) Flu shots are a mix of thimerosal (a preservative that is almost half mercury), flu viruses from nearly a year ago, formaldehyde (a known cancer-causing agent) and a variety of other toxins. One dose of flu vaccine may contain more than 250 times the EPA’s safety limit for mercury. Does 250 times the safe limit seem a little dangerous to you?
Onward to the good news. Here are ways you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu this year:
Take probiotics:
Probiotics provide good bacteria your body needs. What do they do? They fight off bad bacteria, boost your immune system, help prevent infection and strengthen your gut. A variety of foods allegedly do contain probiotics, but the question is: Is there enough in there? Are they good quality? How many survive the food production line? How much extra food do you have to eat to get enough? What else are you getting when you attempt to eat probiotic-containing foods? (Such as more sugar, chemicals, artificial junk, etc.) The easier, more effective solution? Take probiotic capsules. Because probiotics seem to be the natural health product of the decade, there are plenty of brands. Unfortunately … because many of those contain no live probiotics. Your best bet are the ones refrigerated to preserve the probiotics. The extra bonus in taking probiotics? If you happen to pick up a stomach bug, having enough good bacteria in your system will help tame that as well.
Allow yourself enough shut eye:
When you don’t get enough sleep, your immune system suffers. ‘nuf said. By the way, if you want your lovely immune system to function even better, exercise and eat healthier. Both make it stronger … and you, too.
Skip this as much as possible – it kills your immune system:
Sugar – in your morning coffee, your breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, dessert (yes, many of us seem to ingest it religiously every couple hours) – leaves your immune system defenseless. So how can it possibly ward off that virus headed your way? For example, when you take a break and grab a candy bar, your immune system went on break with you. No, it’s not gone forever. But it’s down for the count for a couple hours or more. (Depending on how much sugar you had.)
If you can’t stand the thought of never enjoying your sugary whatever, at least have it when you won’t be around a bunch of germ-carrying humans. Enjoy that dessert or your coffee with sugar when your immune system might not be presented a challenge.
So simple, so easy, so safe, so cheap:
Simply wash your hands well and often. Good ol’ soap, no antibacterial stuff needed. Soap and water wash the germs down the drain effectively. They’re gone, not waiting to jump into any open spot. It’s practical; it couldn’t be more safe or inexpensive; it’s easy.
Also inexpensive, safe and easy:
Vitamin C as an overall preventative appears to lessen your chances of coming down with a cold or the flu. I know there are arguments out there saying this isn’t true. But, you know, there are increasing arguments about everything health-related anymore. Where it’s safe, make up your own mind. Vitamin C is both inexpensive and safe for most people. It’s good for everything from cold and flu prevention (or treatment if you are sick) to de-aging and detoxifying.
