Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Fighting the Flu with Healthy Options

As the World Health Organization Phase of Pandemic Alert continues to escalate, many of us are contemplating what we might do to protect our families. I would like to share with you some options and any pros or cons of which I am aware. None of this is medical advice, simply information. First and foremost, make certain you are covering your family and friends in PRAYER during this concerning time!

  1. Surgical Masks: The CDC website says they do work, even though for some reason they are being played down right now. The only downside I can figure is that if they give you a false security in which you expose yourself to more dangerous situations. Also do not neglect handwashing because you are wearing a mask.

To learn more about choosing proper maks or respirators, please visit http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/ppe/masksrespirators.html .

  1. Hand Washing: This still continues to be the most effective way to avoid the flu if you come into contact with germs. Washing for 30 seconds in soap and water is very effective. Using an anti-bacterial soap containing Triclosan cannot be recommended as it is very controversial, many believe it is what makes you more susceptible to antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. However, alcohol based hand sanitizers work very effectively. If you are going to use alcohol wipes/swabs or hand sanitizers, you should also consider keeping lotion on hand to moisturize after killing bacteria/viruses/fungi, as you do not want your hands to start drying out and cracking open, leaving a new portal for infections.

  1. Elderberry/Sambucus Syrup, Lozenges, Pills: Elderberry long used in jam and marshmallows has been scientifically proven to fight against the flu, only if it is Sambucus or Sambucol type of Elderberry. It is 96% effective as either a proactive measure of keeping the flu at bay or reducing the flu symptoms to an average of three days with very mild flu symptoms. It works much like Tamiflu as it inhibits neuraminidase, the enzyme used by the virus to spread infection to host cells, but without all the side effects. Nor does it become less effective overtime. It can be bought over the counter. In Israel, Sambucus is highly touted by the scientific community for its flu fighting abilities.

  1. Vitamin D: Supposedly many Americans are now deficient in Vitamin D. I think this is entirely possible since we tend to have become more of an indoor generation, preferring computers and TV to a walk in the park or going on a picnic. Vitamin D helps build the immunity system. Vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle aches, muscle weakness, and bone pain at any age. Recommended direct sunlight exposure (without sunscreen) is 5 to 15 min (suberythemal dose) to arms and legs, or face, arms and hands, at least 3 times a week.

Please feel free to ask any questions and I will try to find the answer if I don't know. Blessings to you!

2 comments:

  1. Where do I find this scientific proof about the Elderberry called Sambucus? My husband will demand to see it.
    Kind regards, Lori

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Lori: Thanks for visiting and commenting!

    There are several links out there, but I would suggest starting with this one, as it refers to the studies completed.

    http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20031222/elderberry-fights-flu-symptoms

    If you need more info, please let me know. Blessings to you and yours!

    ReplyDelete

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