Tips for the Flu Season
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Byron Richards, CCN
2008 had been a very mild season for the flu, until last week. Now it is in full swing. The Center for Disease Control has issued a report stating that this year’s flu shot was only 40% effective and that Americans are being exposed to several unexpected viruses that are now sweeping the country. The CDC also reports a 500% increase (from under 1% to 4.5%) in viral infections that are resistance to anti-viral drugs.
In other words, the government’s approved ideas about how individuals are supposed to protect themselves aren’t working all that well. The following information is provided to you for educational value. It is not medical advice and is not intended to replace medical care. It is not suggested as prevention or treatment for the flu. By all means, if you have the flu see your doctor and get appropriate medical care.
For over 20 years I have helped Wellness Resources customers with their immune support needs. I know what works! Nutrition and natural concepts of health work in harmony to support the function of your immune system. These are tools that can help keep you on track. While some people just need basic support others are greatly assisted by a wide array of helpful immune boosting nutrients.
All flu incubates and replicates in the digestive tract before moving into other areas. This means the health of your digestive tract is of primary importance. For example, those taking antacid medication have a double the risk for getting the flu because stomach acid kills the flu as a first line of natural defense.
During a time when flu is spreading the consumption of sugar and alcohol must be reduced, as both pose a significant challenge to digestive competence and immunity. Sugar between meals is especially bad, as is alcohol in excess. A person trying to fight off a bug can be made quite ill within a few hours simply by snacking on a cookie or other sweet.
Breast milk is an immunologic powerhouse of natural immune support. It is how nature has enabled the immature immune system of a newborn baby to cope with potential threats. First milk colostrum is an especially rich source of IgG antibodies and other important immune support cofactor nutrients. Knowing this I placed the finest grade bovine colostrum in my very popular Super Immune Booster product, which is always my first choice for natural immune support.* Individuals can take anywhere from 2-12 per day.
Whey protein is another excellent source of proteins that are partly in the form of immunoglobulins, providing general protein nourishment for immune system function. All Wellness Resources Daily Protein powders fall into this category and are a popular breakfast option for many.*
We also have a product called GI Soother, which is specially filtered whey protein that concentrates bio-active immune system cofactors. This is our top product for soothing the digestive tract and lining it with a potent array of natural defense compounds. It is great for small children as well as adults. The dose can range from a teaspoon to a heaping tablespoon up to four times a day.*
GI Soother is often combined with Immune Plus powder, a unique carbohydrate of a molecular weight that has natural immune enhancing properties. As in mother’s milk, some of these carbohydrates act as decoys. Immune Plus also helps the lymph system clear trash, helping to enhance the natural clearance of waste products. If waste products build up too much there is stiffness or pressure in the shoulder area (main lymph area) and/or this can generalize to more widespread aches or a yuck feeling. The dose of Immune Plus can range from ½ tsp to 1 rounded tsp, up to four times a day.*
GI Soother and Immune Plus are quite easy for children to use as they readily mix in water, juice, or yogurt. I often suggest pulling apart a capsule of Pyc-50, a grape seed extract that is also easy for kids to take. It is a wonderful antioxidant and natural immune support compound. This type of nutrition is very safe as it simply helps strengthen the body while assisting the immune system.*
For adults, Super Immune Booster along with GI Soother and Immune Plus is a great basic combination.*
There are many other options. For example, breast milk contains a variety of unique immune support compounds. Monolaurin (a 12 carbon fat) and alkylglyecerols (a basic immune cell nutrient) are potent supporters of general immunity. Monolaurin has been in widespread use for many years as a broad and effective immune support compound.* Shark Liver Oil is a rich source of immune-boosting alkylglycerols, especially helpful for respiratory support.*
Your immune system relies on antioxidants to function properly. A comprehensive antioxidant such as Daily Protector ensures you have all your bases covered, and is also very helpful for general respiratory support. During winter months higher amounts of Vitamin C may come in handy, and doses of 1000 mg up to 6,000 mg – if needed, can be used on a regular basis. The most popular bioflavonoid that goes with vitamin C is quercetin. Quercetin has natural anti-histamine properties and helps reduce drainage or sinus pressure.*
Your immune system is extremely energy demanding. Always try to use enough nutritional support so that your energy level is maintained. Our best products for supporting the energy needs of the immune system are Activator Plus (2-8 per day), Daily Energy Multiple Vitamin (2-6 per day), and CoEnzyme Q10 (100-300 mg a day).*
One of our most popular combinations is to take 2 Activator Plus and 1 vitamin C every few hours to support immune system energy.*
Both humans and plants have evolved in a symbiotic relationship with viruses and bacteria. Many plants have developed their own natural defense systems in order to survive. Such plant compounds have been in traditional use for immune support for thousands of years. Two popular examples are Oregano Oil and Noni. Oregano Oil is very popular for sinus and upper respiratory support and Noni is another option in this category.*
The bottom line is that there is a treasure trove of nutrients to naturally support your immune system. These are tools that widen your window of opportunity to take effective actions to help out your immune system do its job.
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Byron J. Richards, Founder/Director of Wellness Resources, Inc., is a Board-Certified Clinical Nutritionist and has been a charter professional member of the International and American Associations of Clinical Nutritionists (IAACN) since 1991. His professional experience with nutrition, thyroid, and weight issues dates back to 1985 when he began working as the nutritionist for one of our nation’s leading thyroid doctors, Keith W. Sehnert, MD. Time Magazine considered Dr. Sehnert the “George Washington of medical self-care.” He was one of the founding fathers of alternative health and sadly passed away in 1999. Together they were true pioneers in the area of thyroid health, hypothyroidism, and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis…
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