by Crystal Fedele, AP, DOM, FABORM
One of the most common questions I have been getting this last month has been “How do I protect my children and myself from getting sick during flu season?”
Our bodies actually have some pretty amazing super powers when we enhance their abilities and there are many simple ways to improve the body’s function to have the best chance against nasty microbes.
Before I go in to the remedies themselves, I would like to state that our immune system develops by small amounts of exposure to microbes. Consistent anti-bacterial hand soap use and avoiding the public will weaken the body’s ability to fend off infections. Unless you are already immune compromised (or under 4 weeks old) I would not recommend avoiding germs entirely.
The first defense against any health condition is to eat a diet rich in detoxification enhancing foods. Vegetables and fruits carry the highest amount of Vitamin C, A, and other necessary nutrients. Seafood is also important, as magnesium and iodine are also major players in organ health and detoxification. Avoiding sugar is also necessary, as it feeds microbes and reduces the functions of the intestines and liver to remove them.
If you are feeling sick it is best to consult your holistic health provider, but for extra protection, these are a few of our favorite immune boosting and anti-microbial remedies.
Glutathione
Glutathione is considered the “master antioxidant.”It is a nutrient that is synthesized in the body from three amino acids (glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine.) As well as being an antioxidant, Glutathione promotes detoxification and resists proteolysis. Dietary Glutathione can help protect against viral infections by keeping virions encased in their protective shells and suppressing the action (lysis) that breaks them out and lets them loose in the body. Glutathione is an effective detoxifier, so a healthcare provider should be involved if administering to children.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is well known for it’s immune boosting properties. It is an essential antioxidant and still relevant for this purpose. The liposomal format is best as it is more capable of delivering the right amount of vitamin C to the proper areas in it’s protective phospholipid barrier.
Vitamin C helps encourage the production of white blood cells ,which help protect the body against infections and also protect the cells against harmful free radicals. Vitamin C is often preferred by parents, because children usually don’t mind the taste of the supplements and it is easy to find in the correct formats.
Vitamin D
We have found that vitamin D deficiency is linked to a variety of health issues, including hormone imbalance, insomnia, depression and osteoporosis. It also has an important role in the immune system.
Dr. Amy Meyers suggests “Sufficient levels of Vitamin D reduce your risk of infectious disease by strengthening your innate immune system. Vitamin D turns on key peptides in your immune system that trigger a strong anti-microbial response, allowing you to quickly and effectively fight off invaders before they can develop into a full-blown infection.”
It is important to have your vitamin D tested to determined if you are deficient, but according to studies, taking 1-5000 IU of Vitamin D during cold and flu season may reduce the risk or time frame of the flu.
Garlic
Garlic contains a compound called Alliin. When whole garlic is crushed or chewed, it converts Alliin to Allicin, one of it’s main components. Raw garlic or aged garlic extract are the best way to intake Allicin and may help fight of viruses.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a fantastic cold and flu preventative. When taken upon early signs of a cold or daily during cold and flu season it can help ward off illnesses by boosting the immune system. I prefer the liquid form of echinacea, but capsules are also readily available. It’s also found regularly in children’s doses. Gaia Herbs makes a palatable children’s echinacea. Combining Echinacea with Goldenseal can amp up it’s immune boosting properties.
Elderberry Syrup
Studies have shown that elderberry extract can significantly lower duration of influenza while lowering the need for medication, when compared with placebo.
The dried berries of the Sambucis Nigra plant are naturally high in immune-boosting compounds that are shown to help beat the cold and flu more quickly. They can be used to make a variety of remedies, but the most common way to use them is in Elderberry Syrup. It’s fairly easy to make your own!
Ginger Root
Fresh ginger is called “Sheng Jiang” in Chinese Medicine. It’s not only warming and soothing for the digestive system, but it releases exterior “wind-cold,” which in our practices can expel exogenous factors such as viruses from the body. It’s diaphoretic properties promote sweating and it is also helps with nausea. To make ginger tea at home, slice 20 to 40 grams of fresh ginger and steep it in a cup of hot water. Add honey and lemon and it can be very pleasing when a cold is present.
Medicinal Mushrooms
Mushrooms of many varieties contain powerful antioxidant and antiviral properties. Reishi mushroom or “Ling Zhi” has been used medicinally for over 2000 years.
Cordyceps, Maitake and Coriolus are some other very powerful medicinal mushrooms. Shitake can also be used, which is more pleasing to eat as a food. Adding mushrooms to your diet on a regular basis can be of major benefit. The more pungent mushrooms can be taken in capsules.
Chinese Herbal Medicines
There are hundreds of classic formulas in to “release the exterior,” which is how colds and flus are treated in Chinese Medicine. It is preferable to start treatment at very early signs to avoid allowing the pathogen to go deeper in to the body. Although it’s best to consult your Acupuncture Physician on what herbs to take, some of the most popular remedies can be found in retail sources- Yin Qiao San, Yu Ping Feng San and Gan Mao Ling, to name a few. Always be sure that if you are buying Chinese herbs that they are reputable, GMP certified brands such as Plum Flower or Herbal Times.
Pay attention to your body! Adequate rest , hydration and nutrient dense foods are the key to good health. If you happen to pick up a roaming microbe, it’s helpful to already have a regimen of immune boosting herbs around. Stock your natural medicine cabinet BEFORE you get sick!
