10 Natural Health Tips to Prevent Swine Flu (and Everything Else)

I am among the people who have no intention of getting the Swine flu vaccine.  I choose to prevent the need for vaccinations and medications.

Although I’ve made my choice clear, this article is not meant to discourage anyone from vaccines or medication.  My only intention is to provide information for those who are interested in alternatives.

My daughter and I are extremely healthy. We stopped getting flus, colds and other contagious illnesses years ago.   But this did not happen without effort.

In 2006, I suddenly found myself and Brandye among the millions of uninsured Americans.  Amazingly, that crisis turned out to be a wonderful opportunity. It led to awesome discoveries that I will use for the rest of my life.

Because I couldn’t afford it, I learned ways to prevent the need for doctor visits.  Yes, we see doctors now for check-ups, but our health is amazing.

The key?  An immune system that does its job.  The human body is designed to protect itself against the many culprits that can invade our cells.  When bacteria, viruses, and diseases attack, a perfectly functioning immune system offers great defensive plays.  Here are a few tips for keeping your defense system functioning at its peak:

Add color to your plate

Antioxidants fight off cell-damaging free radicals, thus enabling the immune system to function better.  My personal favorite antioxidant is Vitamin C.  I make sure to get at least 500 mg each day, doubling that to 1000 mg if I feel the slightest itch in my throat.

There are supplements available for anti-oxidants, but it’s best to get as much as possible from natural sources. Opt for colorful fruits and veggies. Bell peppers, oranges, berries, leafy greens, carrots, broccoli and lemons are just a few that I love. And remember….don’t cook out the color (and the health benefits).

Get moving

If you want to prevent yucky illnesses, it helps to increase the amount of infection-fighting leukocytes.  That’s exactly what you’ll be doing when you get off your butt and get moving.  Find an enjoyable activity that will help you to close the door on a sedentary lifestyle.

Go for garlic

Okay, this remedy may leave you with breath that sends friends running for cover.  But it does the same to your body’s intruders.  Garlic has wonderful anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.  And if you’re really worried about the smell, you can opt to simply add it to foods during the evenings.  Also, you can take coated garlic supplements that mask the smell, saving everyone around you from the trauma of garlic breath.

Drop the fat

Because excess fat cells lead to an increase in inflammation within the body and an impaired immune response, we have another reason to make dietary changes.  This does not mean you need to start some drastic diet that will ultimately result in more issues.  Aim for portion control and try piling on the veggies to fill up without dessert.  Your immune system will thank you for dropping even a few pounds of fat.

Quality pooping

Nobody wants to talk about it, but poop is very important.  A few doctors will tell you that it’s normal for some people to only poop a few times a week. Hog wash!!!  Get your digestive system in order if you want an immune system that is ready to protect.  You can do this by improving your dietary fiber intake, practicing clean eating, drinking more water, healing your colon, taking digestive enzymes, starting a healthy detox program and avoiding foods that aren’t well-tolerated by your digestive system.

Stop smoking

Smoking beats up on your immune system in more ways than I care to count.  Give the body a rest and it will repay you.

Herbal teas and tinctures

Herbs are the best kept secret.  They literally have the potential to wipe out the need for doctors.  A few amazing immune building herbs are Astragalus, Elderberry, Echinacea, Golden Seal and Juniper.  Some are better for viruses while others are better for fighting bacteria.  Herbs are a marvelous way to take control of your health.

Change the channel on your mind

Studies have shown that chronic stress can impair the immune system, leaving the body more susceptible to illnesses.  So, find a way to de-stress.  Positive thinking, meditation, and yoga are a few practices that have proven helpful for many people.

Snooze or lose

Because the body produces more inflammation when inadequate sleep is a problem, it is crucial to get the right amount of shut eye.  If you have insomnia or you wake during the night, consider some herbs for relaxation (Skullcap, Passionflower, Valerian) or visit a sleep clinic for analysis.

Kick the sugar habit

Sugar is the yummiest food source for bacteria in your gut.  It is natural to have bacteria in the body, but you don’t want them to grow out of control.  If your white blood cells can’t overpower the bad-guys, you’re far more vulnerable to becoming ill.

“The patient should be made to understand that he or she must take charge of his own life.  Don’t take your body to the doctor as if he were a repair shop.”  Quentin Regestein

Tagged as: Health, Natural health, self improvement technique