Avoiding Swine Flu Naturally: Update September 3, 2009

by Catherine Haug

September 3, 2009 update: added info on basil and holy basil (tulsi) for prevention and treatment of influenza.

August 15, 2009 update: addition of probiotic foods to list of ways to support your immune system, based on recent study published in Pediatrics.

July 10, 2009 update:  Flu.gov has information about the swine flu, and the preparedness plans of our government, in the event of an outbreak this fall.  I’ve added some information from this website in a new section of this post, titled Swine Flu Symptoms.

July 9, 2009 update:  a video of Dr. Don Beans:  What to Do About the Flu, as recorded on KGEZ radio, is available from Dr. Beans, a Licensed Acupuncturist and Certified Homeopath.  He tells me he’s working on a written version of this 2-hour recording, in booklet form, and hopes to make it available on his website, drbeans.com.  Contact Dr. Beans at 837-0310 or 863-9300.

Original post (April 29, 2009):

“Swine flu” is much in the news today, along with conspiracy theories about its origin. Without getting into all that, see below for some things you can do to support your immune system, and help you fight off the flu should you be exposed.  

And, to prevent future deadly outbreaks, spurn factory-farmed animal foods including pork, poultry, and beef (such as available in your local supermarket, Costco, Wal-Mart and Whole Foods).  “Natural” does not necessarily mean the meat is raised in pasture.  Support local producers who raise their animals humanely, in pasture.  Know your farmer!

Support Your Immune System

  • Eat balanced, nourishing meals and avoid processed foods, including sweets and sugary soft drinks (no matter what the sweetener). Don’t over-eat.
  • Drink raw milk if you have access to it; it contains many immune factors.
  • Keep hydrated; drink plenty of water; stir in 1/8 tsp Celtic seas salt into an 8 oz glass of water first thing in the morning and before bed at night, to help balance electrolytes.
  • Eat garlic at least once a day; it has broad-spectrum antibiotic and anti-viral ability. It is best consumed raw to maximize its antimicrobial properties.  Mixing it with raw honey combines the antimicrobial powers of both (see below).
  • Optimize vitamin D levels.  The best way is to spend time in the sun, but here in Bigfork at this time of year, that can be difficult. The next best thing is a good brand of cod liver oil, such as Dr. Rons, Nordic Naturals or Carlson’s. These oils have been deodorized, and have lemon or orange oils added to improve the flavor. Several recent studies including one by the CDC show a strong correlation between low vitamin-D levels in the blood and susceptibility to seasonal and H1N1 flu.
  • Optimize omega-3 fats in your diet, such as fish oil, cod liver oil, and products from grass/pasture-fed animals. Also wheatgrass juice and flax oil.
  • Increase intake of probiotic foods: yogurt, kefir, natto, sauerkraut (not canned), brined olives (not canned), etc.. You can also take probiotic supplements, but living probiotic foods provide the best protection. A recent study* demonstrated that “young children who drank a mixture of [probiotic] bacteria … had fewer colds, needed fewer antibiotics, and missed fewer days of school.” Probiotic microbes such as lacto- and bifido-bacteria boost the immune system, not only in your gut but throughout your body. *NOTE: This Chinese study was sponsored by a Danish company that makes supplements.
  • Take immune-boosting herbs. Swan Valley Herbs recommends tinctures (or teas) of: echinacea, astralagus, and/or schizandra.  [NOTE:  echinacea is native to our area.] Holy Basil (and regular basil) taken as a tea with ginger is also an excellent preventative for the flu (see Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Influenza for instructions on making the tea).
  • Increase natural vitamin C intake.  Some people swear by mega-doses, but I don’t think they are helpful.  Instead, add foods rich in vitamin C for the synergistic effect of whole foods.  For example, fermented foods such as sauerkraut (not canned), fresh fruits, freshly-squeezed orange juice, red peppers, berries, and green leafy veggies (like kale, broccoli, spinach, and chard).
  • Get adequate rest, and reduce negative response to stress.  For some of us, this can be difficult. Try a therapeutic massage, or a hot bath.
  • Tub soak: Steep chopped fresh ginger in boiled water, then add to hot bath; climb in and soak for at least 30 minutes.  Swan Valley Herbs also recommends a peroxide or clorox soak.
  • Get adequate exercise, but don’t overdo if you’re not used to it. Start slow and work your way up.
  • Wash your hands frequently.  You don’t need anti-bacterial soaps. Just plain old hand soap is great.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, ears,nose or mouth; germs spread this way. In fact, it is believed that cold and flu viruses enter the body through the ears!

Foods containing vitamin-D and omega-3 fats

  • Raw milk, meat & eggs from grass or pasture-fed animals, etc.. Refer to  pasture-Fed Meats, Eggs, Dairy for more.
  • Fresh liver from young animals (calves, chickens, etc.)
  • Wheatgrass and other green juices.
  • Cod liver oil.
  • Fish oil contains omega-3 fats, but not vitamin D.
  • Flax seed oil contains an omega-3 fat, but not vitamin D.

NOTE:  There is a difference between omega-3 fats from plants (such as flax) and those from animals.  Plants provide linolenic acid (also known as ALA); pasture-raised animals provide DHA and EPA, the omega-3s needed for human metabolism.  In theory, animals like chickens or cows eat plant matter, then convert the ALA from the plant matter into DHA and EPA, which we can then obtain from eggs and dairy.

Some people have lost the ability to convert plant omega-3 (ALA) into animal omega-3 (DHA and EPA), the forms needed for human metabolism, so it’s a good idea to consume animal sources of DHA and EPA.

Ways to add garlic to your diet

[NOTE: for garlic’s immune benefits, it’s best to eat it raw. See also Edmund’s comment to this post].

  • Raw: Add to salad dressing: mince garlic, then sprinkle with salt and crush with the flat side of a knife until it becomes liquidy; scrape into dressing and mix.
  • Raw garlic & honey: Mix peeled garlic cloves with raw honey in a jar and let sit in a warm window for several days, then take by spoonful (see The Wonders of Garlic for more).
  • Roast whole garlic cloves and spread on bread, or on meats when grilling.
  • Add to cavity of a chicken before roasting, perhaps with cut lemons and herbs.
  • Add minced garlic to a stir-fry or braised veggies.
  • Add to sauces, such as for pasta or casseroles.

If You Get Sick Anyway

Here are some things to consider:

  • Keep following the above recommendations.
  • At the first sign of symptoms (see below), take anti-viral herbs.   Swan Valley Herbs recommends a tincture of the following combination: lomatium root, osha root, cedar leaf, yarrow and usnea.  Other antiviral herbs include self-heal (or heal-all), St John’s wort, and elderberry [NOTE: blue elderberry is a Montana native].  Anti-V Formula (Natural Factors), available at most health food stores, contains an extract from echinacea, lomatium, astralagus, reishi mushroom, and licorice.
  • Holy Basil (Tulsi) is another excellent herb for preventing and fighting influenza, and can be taken as a tasty tea (see Home Remedies for Influenza for more on Holy Basil and other Ayurvedic remedies for flu). If you can’t find Holy Basil, other varieties of basil are also effective.
  • Stay home from work or school if you are ill.
  • Try homeopathics; see Homeopathy for Influenza (Organic Consumers Assoc.),  Common Flu Remedies at flusolution.net, or Homeopathy for Flu/Cold (Holistic Online) for more. Now is the time to stock up on homeopathic basics for your family’s medicine chest.  While Oscillococcinum is one popular remedy, it’s important to know that a homeopathic remedy that works for one person may not work for you, because these remedies are specific for your particular makeup, personality, and combination of symptoms.  It’s best to consult a homeopath; Dr. Donald Beans is a Certified Homeopath and Licensed Acupuncturist in Bigfork. He is currently working on a booklet, What to Do About the Flu. (see July 9 update, at the beginning of this post). See my post, Introduction to Homeopathy, for more on this healing art (Sorry, that post has been deleted).
  • Cough/sneeze into a handkerchief or your elbow in an emergency, to avoid spreading the disease.

Common Homeopathic Remedies for Influenza

The list below is by no means all-inclusive, as there are many other remedies that could apply to your specific situation. Also, different remedies may require different potencies, depending on symptoms. NOTE: if your symptoms change as you progress through your recovery from your  illness, your remedy may change.

Refer to a homeopathic guide to determine correct potencies for your symptoms. Remember that a remedy that works for someone else may not be the right remedy for you – this is a quirk of homeoapthy.  However, the most commonly used remedy for flu is Gelsemium (Gels.), for that “I feel like I was run over by a truck” complaint, and Phosphorus (Phos.) for the secondary cough or pneumonia that may accompany influenza. [NOTE: abbreviation in parenthesis and italics is the Latin abbreviation for the remedy, and is the common name used for the remedy].

Secondary Bacterial Infections

A sure sign of a secondary bacterial infection, which can be more deadly than the original virus, is green-colored mucous.

  • Swan Valley Herbs recommends goldenseal tincture (or tea) for its remarkable anti-bacterial powers.
  • Honey-garlic mixture is also good, especially for cough (see above)

Symptoms of Swine Flu

(from Flu.gov)

In general the symptoms are much the same as for any other variety of influenza (not to be confused with “stomach flu”).  These include:

  • Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
  • Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 (swine) flu.

Most people recover to full health, as their immune systems get the upper hand. However, some will contract secondary infections, which can be far more serious than the original flu.  These include: pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 (swine) flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention:

In children:

  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish or gray skin color
  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Not waking up or not interacting
  • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse coug

Sources, and for more information:

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One Response to “Avoiding Swine Flu Naturally: Update September 3, 2009”

  1. Catherine says:
    April 30, 2009 at 10:58 am

    From Edmund Fitzgerald:
    The key to garlic’s value in viral and bacterial infections is to take it RAW. Cooked will not offer the full benefit.

    The easiest way is to chop two or three cloves fine, and gulp them down in one hit with a half-glass of water or juice first thing in the morning, for prevention. If you’re actually sick, do it again in the evening, also.

    For some people, your digestive system may not like the garlic treatment, but most will tolerate it just fine. Helps with digestion, too.