iStockphoto.com/Martin Roeder
DCL
Every year about this time my doctor at the VA Hospital says the same thing. "You will be getting a flu shot this year, right?"
Every year my answer is the same. "Have you lost your mind?".
Natural Alternatives to the Flu Shot
The human body was designed to effectively fight illness and disease. It does a great job at it, too - at least when it doesn't have a lot of toxins and other impurities to deal with. The more unnatural substances you put in your body the harder it has to work.
I could sit here and explain why I am so against flu shots but that would be pointless. Those who believe flu shots are good things would continue to believe that way and those who were looking for information would not find it. So, I won't argue it. There are plenty of places on the Internet where you can research what goes into flu shots and why they might not be such a great idea. For now, here are some ways you can keep yourself and your family from getting the flu.
A Strong Immune System
The best way to guard against any illness is for the body to be working properly. It needs a healthy diet, plenty of fresh water, and a good amount of sleep to be at peak performance. Your first line of defense against any flu is a strong immune system.
It is especially important during flu season to cut back on refined sugars, preservatives, and toxins in the diet. You want your body to have the optimum ability to fight bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. Refined and non-organic foods introduce toxins into the system that your body has to deal with. If the flu virus is introduced at the same time it makes it that much harder to fight.
- Get 8 hours of good quality sleep
- Cut back on refined, non-organic, and commercially prepared foods
- Take extra vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A along with a natural multivitamin
- Take a low dose of echinacea daily. Knudsen has an Echinacea Ginger juice that is really tasty.
- Elderberry will also strengthen the immune system and specifically fights flu and colds
- Exercise
- Make healthy dietary choices
Keep Viruses and Bacteria From Spreading
Along with a strong immune system you need to keep malicious microbes out of your environment as much as you can. You don't need a ton of chemical sprays and cleaners to do it either.
- Wash your hands often with a gentle soap. Don't use antibacterial products.
- Add a few tablespoons of white vinegar to your rinse water when you wash dishes (or to the dishwasher's rinse cycle). It kills all kinds of germs.
- Keep a few drops of tea tree oil and lavender oil in a humidifier or vaporizer. You can also boil water with these oils in it in a teakettle on the stove. They act as a disinfectant.
- Clean door knobs often with a natural disinfectant or hydrogen peroxide.
- Soak your toothbrush in a solution of a tablespoon of white vinegar to a pint of hot water. Rinse before using again.
- Limit the amount of eating in restaurants and fast food places that you do.
- Keep your hands away from your face.
- Use essential oils to combat viruses
What If I Get the Flu Anyway?
If you are very careful and you still end up getting the flu you can take steps to keep it from getting worse.
- At the first sign of a cold or flu place a dropperful of echinacea on your tongue and hold it for 2 minutes. Do this every hour for the first 4 to 6 hours. Often this will keep the flu from getting a foothold.
- Try a homeopathic remedy like Aconitum napellus or Byronia. You must match your symptoms to the remedy in homeopathy or the remedy won't work.
- Stay home. This not only keeps it from spreading to others it keeps you safe from a secondary illness when your immune system is compromised.
- Stay away from dairy. Dairy causes the mucus to be thick and you want it to be thin and runny.
- Foods that fight flu and help mucus thin out are:
- Hot sauce
- Garlic
- Chicken soup
- Salsa
- Drink lots of liquids and keep hydrated.
- Rest and allow your body to heal.
- Add goldenseal to the echinacea you are taking. Use goldenseal for two weeks and then take one week off. Repeat the cycle if necessary.
- Boil handkerchiefs in water after washing. This ensures that all the germs are gone.
Who Should Get Flu Shots?
It is important to discuss your medical choices with your naturopath or other health care provider. Some people should consider getting flu shots in October or November because of other risk factors. Those that may want to consider a flu shot include those affected by the following:
- Nursing homes
- Heart disease
- Lung disease
- Diabetics
- Kidney disease
- Anemia
- Auto-immune disorders
- Anemia
- Over 65
If you have any questions be sure to talk to your health care provider.
