My Top 12 Flu Prevention and Treatment Tips

Alas, the cold and flu season is starting to rear it's ugly head and flu shots are being peddled all over the place. I am more concerned about the potential health damage from the flu vaccine, than treating the actual flu. But an ounce of prevention can go a really long way when it comes to the Flu- swine or otherwise. I am not a fan of the flu shot and don't recommend them. I find they aren't safe, aren't effective and aren't necessary. In fact, they piss me off. Check out my past blogpost on the flu vaccine if you want to know why. I do mention some of my favorite products in this post, primarily high quality physician line formulas, which are all available in my natural pharmacy. So here we go...my Top 12 Tips for Preventing and Treating the Flu.  1. Mucococcinum My Numero Uno remedy. Used effectively in Europe for decades, this homeopathic remedy provides a whopping 88% effectiveness rate for preventing the flu- no matter what strain is going around! No flu vaccine is even coming close to that. And, it's super simple: Take 1 tablet every other week from October to March. You can also take it to treat flu symptoms-clinical evidence also shows it has an 82% efficacy rate. And while it sounds similar, it is not the same as over-the-counter Oscillococcinum. Mucococcinum:It's cool. It's Euro. And it works. 2. Wash your hands frequently or use a natural hand sanitizer (available in health food stores). Avoid touching your nose, mouth, or eyes, with dirty hands as this is how viral particles are spread. Avoid or limit contact with people who are sick or might have been exposed to the flu. 3. Take a probiotic or include fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchee daily. Healthy gut bugs=healthy immune system 4. Avoid eating mucous forming foods: peanuts, oranges, dairy, sugar, bananas, red meat and alcohol. 5. Load up on all things green: green leafy vegetables, green juices, wheatgrass, and sprouts. These high energy foods alkalize to help your body resist infection. You can also use a green powder superfood. 6. Boost immune function by supplementing with Vitamin D or Cod Liver Oil with Vitamin D. It is an essential winter immune support staple. 7. If you tend to have a weak immune system, or catch everything going around, then I recommend a formula called Thymic Formula. It is the bomb. It can be taken as an immune support multivitamin daily, or increased as needed if you start to get sick. (Please note: it is not vegetarian) 8. Have your medicine cabinet stocked with remedies that will help with the flu. I like Muccocinum, Acute Immune Formula, Flu-Ease, and IM-Encaps. Additionally, I like to have a cough elixir and sore throat formula on hand. I take Yin Chao Chinese formula at the first sign of a cold or flu.  (just a reminder, many of these products can be found in my natural pharmacy if you are wondering where to get them!) 9. Catch up on extra sleep. 10. Eliminate or cut down on sugar. 11. Give up alcohol and coffee for a while. These substances tax your liver. Did you know that the liver plays an important role in immune function? Consider a cleanse 12. Hydrate! Mix 1/4 tsp of baking soda in water and drink it once a day. This helps alkalize the body, which helps it fight infection. Make sure you are drinking at least 8 cups of water/day minimum. Avoid ice water and sip herbal teas. Plus 2 extra bonus tips! 13. Give yourself a hot foot bath at the first signs of getting sick. Soak feet in hot water while wrapped in a warm wool blanket. Put a cold cloth on your head ( very important!) and relax while you sit in a comfortable position for 10-15 minutes. Take care to avoid getting chilled after this treatment. Great to stimulate the immune system, decrease congestion and help with headaches. 14. Engage in stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation, hiking, deep breathing, fun, play, sex (yep, Marvin Gaye was right...) and creative endeavors. Stress decerases immune function, and there are so many supportive things you can do to protect yourself and stay healthy! I'd love to hear from you- what do you do when you get a cold or a flu? What do you find effective?