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StarGate Nutrition - Winter Colds and Flu's

Colds and Flu’s - StarGate Nutrition's Answers

 

With new strains of flu recently coming to the public attention and fears of a flu epidemic looming, here are some suggestions to boost you immune system so that you don’t fall prey this December.

 

During the last officially-declared epidemic in the UK, in 1989, 29,000 flu-related deaths were reported. We need to look at the reasons why we catch flu’s and colds which is due to susceptibility caused from our immune systems not working at optimum performance. Each winter season brings a range of new flu’s. The best way to protect yourself is by supporting and boosting your immunity.

 

The immune system is perhaps one of the most complex and fascinating systems of the human body. The main function of the immune system is to protect the body against infection and cancer.

 

There are over 200 viruses that can cause the common cold and flu. Usually the signs of infection strike 18-24 hours after the virus enter’s the body. So here are some very simple and effective ways of both boosting your immunity so you escape infection and self treatment for a really quick recovery. This is most relevant to you if you are from the mature generation which is vulnerable to other health conditions if they contract a virus. In some cases it can prove fatal.

 

Echinacea

As far back as a 1998 Swedish study Echinacea was found to be effective in 78% of people reducing their symptoms of colds and flu’s by an average of 63%. Much of its scientific popularity is due to its ability stimulate the body to produce interferon. This is very powerful anti viral protein. The effect from Echinacea is short lived and so one must be on a dosage of 20 drops of a tincture daily for the duration of the flu season but not more than six weeks. This herb is also known for its ability to protect cells in your throat from bacterial infection.

 

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Of all the aromatherapy oils Tea Tree is the only oil that is anti bactericidal, anti-fungal, and anti viral. During the Second World War it was used by Australian Doctors to disinfect operating theatres. These potent effects can be used to combat infection by mixing fifteen drops of Tea Tree essential oil with some body lotion and applying it to the skin after a bath or shower at night before bed.

 

Goldenseal

This is one of the most powerful, potent and understated immunity booster that I have only discovered in recent months. Goldenseal combats bacteria and viruses directly and wins. In particular it has had some success in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which some researchers think is a depressed immunity disease. The herb has been used very successfully in the treatment of people with reactions to antibiotics such as nausea, dizziness and diarrhoea. They take the Goldenseal instead of the antibiotic and protect themselves from infection and endure no side effects. The herb should only be used for one week and only when you feel an infection coming on and is particularly amazing for urinary tract infection relief when needed.

 

Astralagus

This has been used for centuries by the Chinese in the treatment of infections by inhibiting viruses from establishing themselves in the respiratory system. Like Echinacea it destroys bacteria as soon as the symptoms begin. People prone to respiratory illnesses should consider using this herb. As the herb promotes vitality and alleviates stress and stress being a major factor in immunity disorder, it decreases your susceptibility to infection.

 

Zinc

Zinc is necessary for the functioning of the immune system as it is a component in much of the biochemistry of the body. Every cell in the body needs zinc to function correctly and when there are low levels of white blood cells a major ingredient in the fight against infection.

 

Garlic

Garlic whilst widely used in the treatment of heart disease has also been shown to have stronger antibiotic power than penicillin and tetracycaline. The organs associated most with garlic are the lungs. No matter where you rub garlic on the body what is absorbed will mostly be found in the lungs hence garlic breath. So if you develop a chest infection you should

try and take crushed raw garlic, one clove a day until the infection ceases.

 

Probiotics

Natural bacteria in the gut are essential to maintaining proper health and digestive functioning. Antibiotics not only kill the organisms that cause colds and flu’s but also kill the good gut bacteria. In order to reintroduce the effects of the bacteria you reintroduce them by eating bioactive yoghurts made with strains of gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus. This may also help to reduce any thrush symptoms caused from antibiotics.

 

Elderberry

Faster recovery from flu was seen in men and women who took elderberry. Symptoms improved within two days in 93% of those using the herb. This may be in part due to the high levels of vitamin C they contain.

 

Lemon Juice

Lemon Juice has many antiseptic qualities and is also an excellent source of vitamin C. Lemon has been clinically proven to have a potent antiseptic effect on the body.

 

St Johns Worth

Normally used as a mild antidepressant the herb also has anti viral properties in fighting infections. The antidepressant side of the herb may be useful for treating the mild depression that may come after a bout of flu whilst at the same time the herb will fight the viruses.

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