Articles ¬ The Source ¬ What to do without Tamiflu

Lately, the media is full of stories about the risk that the "bird flu" may pose to the world. Many people are hoarding Tamiflu in preparation for an outbreak in North America. This virus may prove to be more contagious than a typical flu bug however, the media misses the fact that not everyone in contact with "bird flu" gets sick.

Naturopathic Medicine believes that a person will not become sick unless they have the 'proper terrain'. This means that in order to become ill there must be an imbalance in your body that is suppressing the immune system. Otherwise, wellness and health should continue even when exposed to a contagion.

Basics

Generally, to keep you body strong, I recommend;

• getting at least seven or eight hours of sleep every night.

• exercising 20 to 40 minutes three times a week.

• drinking at least four to six 8 ounce glasses of water per day.

• frequently wash your hands with soap and hot water.

• learning to effectively deal with your stresses.

• following a diet that is low in fat, processed foods, sugar and animal proteins.

• increasing the amount of mint, cayenne pepper, garlic, onions and ginger in your diet.

A heathful daily habit is dry skin brushing before a shower or bath. This assists the lymphatic system, which is responsible for moving metabolic waste to the liver, where it can be broken down.

To perform dry skin brushing, use a loofah sponge or a dry tough towel and brush your torso and limbs, using short, brisk strokes toward the heart. This should be done daily for 5 to 10 minutes or until the skin is pink and warm.

As well, to increase the efficency of the liver, drink the juice of half a lemon, unsweetened in water, 20 minutes before breakfast each morning.

A through Z

Vitamins C, A, and the mineral Zinc are all important for the normal function of the immune system. The maintenance dosage of vitamin C, for an adult, is 500 mg, twice daily; it should contain bioflavonoids to increase absorption. The dosage for vitamin A should be 20,000 IU twice daily. Zinc is 30 to 40 mg daily.

Echinacea is very useful for the treatment and prevention of bacteria and viruses. It is best to use a formula thathas both E. angustifolia and E. purpurea. Take echinacea on those days when you are feeling run down or you're concerned that you may be exposed to something contagious.

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