Boost your immune system and fight swine flu naturally

Echinacea flower/wikipedia

Now is the time to boost your immune system as a safeguard against the upcoming flu and cold season. And what better way to do it than with natural remedies.

Boost your immune system naturally
The immune system is assaulted with a continuous barrage of bacteria, viruses, environmental toxins, and other health-damaging elements that can compromise your health. With the approach of the cold and flu season, and especially this year with the alert out on swine flu, it is important to be prepared.

Here are some natural ways to boost your immune system. As always, consult a health-care professional before starting any supplement program.
• Echinacea purpurea is a Native American herb that has long been valued for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Studies indicate that it can stimulate production of immune cells. Echinacea is available in tincture, capsules, tablets, and extract. Although Echinacea can be very beneficial for many individuals, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends that anyone who is allergic to ragweed use Echinacea with caution, as these two plants are in the same family. When purchasing Echinacea, you can determine if the remedy is viable by putting a drop of the tincture or extract on your tongue (or crush a tablet or capsule). If you experience some numbing, then the product is good.
• Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has long been a part of traditional Chinese medicine for fighting colds and flu. Like Echinacea, it is believed to work by increasing production of immune cells, and it may also have antiviral properties. Astragalus is an adaptogen, which means it helps protect the body against different types of stress, including physical and emotional stress. Supplements are available as tincture, extracts, and powdered root in capsules. The typical dose of the standardized extract is 250 to 500 mg three to four times daily, standardized to 0.4% 4-hydroxy-e-methoxy isoflavone. For the fluid extract in 25% ethanol, the typical dose is 2 to 4 mL taken three times daily. For the powdered root, 500 to 1,000 mg three or four times daily.
• Garlic is one of the more potent natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral substances you can use. You can enjoy garlic in your diet: a typical suggestion to ward off colds and flu is to eat two cloves of raw garlic as soon as symptoms appear. To help prevent colds and flu, add fresh garlic to your daily diet. Garlic is also available in supplement form.
• Probiotics, also known as beneficial bacteria, protect against disease-causing organisms, improve absorption of nutrients, and improve digestion. These good bacteria can be found in fermented foods such as yogurt and kefir, and in supplement form (powders, caspules, tablets). When shopping for probiotic supplements, choose those that contain at least three or more species of beneficial bacteria. Friendly bacteria come mainly from two groups, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
• Zinc has been in the news recently, as scientists report that zinc not only supports healthy immune system function, it also increases the activity of cells that destroy bacteria and viruses. This makes zinc a good candidate for fighting swine flu and colds. The recommended intake of zinc is 30 mg daily. Too high a dosage can actually suppress the immune system.

Free lecture on immune boosting basics
To learn much more about how you can boost your immune system naturally, you may want to attend the free lecture that is being presented at several different locations of Sprouts Farmers Market in the Phoenix area. The lecture, entitled “Immune Boosting Basics for the Whole Family,” is being presented by Janeen Carter, a certified health specialist who has been involved in natural health for more than 30 years.
The lecture is being presented at the following Sprouts Farmers Market locations and times:
August 10:
Peoria Location (83rd Ave. & Thunderbird) - 2 p.m.
51st Ave. Location (51st Ave. & Peoria) - 6:30 p.m.
August 11:
Surprise Location (West Point Pkwy & Bell) - 11 a.m.
Glendale Location (57th Ave. & Bell ) - 6:30 p.m.
Avondale Location (Dysart & McDowell) - 2 p.m.

Janeen will discuss simple and affordable immune boosting ideas, which foods can enhance the immune system, and how to improve the immune system for people of all ages.

You may also be interested in the following articles:

“Can homeopathy fight swine flu?”

“Can probiotics help swine flu?”

“White tea helps fight infections and cancer”