At the time of writing this article (Thursday night, April 30) there are two confirmed cases of swine flu in Michigan: in Livingston and Ottawa Counties plus a third suspected case in Allegan County. We are capable of preventing the spread of this virus by following the basic principles of personal hygiene: thorough hand-washing, covering all sneezes and coughs, disposing of used tissues, avoiding contact whenever possible with flu victims, and staying home when sick. Yet there are additional pro-active methods to resist swine flu...
First and foremost, build up your immune system; there are many foods that are capable of giving you the extra resilience you need. Vegetables such as garlic, all dark green leafy vegetables, orange vegetables such as sweet potatoes and some squash varieties, all are rich in the antioxidants and vitamins needed for a healthy immune system. Fruits such as citrus, strawberries, kiwi, are high in vitamin C, an essential ingredient in warding off disease. Herbs such as ginseng, thyme and ginger, among others, are known to boost immunity. The spice turmeric is known to be a powerful anti-viral, as well, among its many other therapeutic qualities, having been trusted by people in other cultures (mainly India) for centuries.
The lymphatic system is vital in controlling immune responses. Lymph (a clear fluid) is responsible for fighting infections, among other necessary functions to keep the body operating properly. Herbs to help cleanse and improve the lymphatic system include burdock root, barberry (bark and roots), and even dandelions (roots)--available everywhere in the Detroit area!
Relieving stress--a difficult task in general for some but all the more so in today's economic situation, particularly here in Michigan--is another way of building your disease-resistance. Stress has long been known to debilitate the body of its natural defences. The increase in production of adrenalin (the "fight-or-flight" hormone) and cortisol take their toll on all systems. Relaxing with music, meditation, herbal teas, therapeutic massage, acupuncture, all have the effects of calming down tensed muscles and internal organs, returning the body's energies to a state of balance. When energy is blocked at any place in the body, it causes other areas to be deprived of vitality and vulnerable to illness.
It is possible to avoid this virus and others. It takes determined effort and scrupulous practice of personal hygiene, and as well, a calm, cool-headed approach to getting through this and any other crisis. It can, and must, be done.
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