10/29/2018
That time of the year again when you get pressured to get the new Flu Shot...I will practice this info from Dr Haas.
Fending Off Colds and Flu
Viruses and germs! Ugh – they are everywhere! But that doesn't mean you have to give them a comfy place to make camp. Even when exposed to the nasty bacteria and viruses that cause most common maladies, strong, clean, energized bodies simply don't make very good hosts, and that's why they don't get sick as easily as stressed, toxic, tired bodies.
A vital and vibrant immune system can make things downright unpleasant for invading germs. Thus, regardless of what the cough-syrup, cold-medicine and disinfectant-spray ads may imply, strengthening your own immune system is by far the best way to prevent colds and flu.
Here are a few extra tips to help keep you cold- and flu-free this fall and winter:
Although your skin is an excellent first line of defense against germs, you can help by washing your hands frequently throughout the day. Many of the most common and most dangerous infections are spread through germs on the hands. (Note: Don't assume "antibacterial" soaps are more effective. If overused, they can weaken your body's pH-balanced acid mantle and kill off its healthy bacteria, thus leaving you more vulnerable. The presence of antibacterial soaps in the water supply may also contribute to the development of "superbugs.")
Minimize your exposure to people who are ill, for your sake and theirs.
Even a slightly stuffy nose can result in an upper-respiratory infection. Help keep sinuses clear with an herbal facial steam. Use mint, chamomile, rosemary or lemon verbena and breathe in the herbal mist. Or try a netti pot to rinse your nasal passages.
Increase your intake of fluids through water, tea
or soups.
Avoid excess sugar, alcohol and chemicals in your diet.
In addition to your basic multivitamin, take additional vitamin C, at least 1,000 mg once or twice a day.
Herbals and immune supporters that may protect you from colds and flus include echinacea, astragalus, Siberian ginseng, garlic, co-enzyme Q10 and DMG (dimethylglycine).
Although I do not suggest flu shots for healthy people, they may be necessary for the elderly, for people with chronic illness or asthma, for those who have been prone to the flu in previous years or who cannot risk getting the flu for other reasons.
Elson Haas Elson M. Haas, MD, is medical director of the Preventive Medical Center of Marin (www.elsonhaas.com) in San Rafael, Calif., and a leading practitioner of integrative medicine. He is also the author of several books, including Staying Healthy With Nutrition and The Detox Diet. Dr. Haas is a regular contributor to EL.
