The last time I got a cold or flu was February 2011. There were a few times since then that I felt like I was coming down with something, but I fought back quickly and was the victor. I firmly believe that the best way to avoid colds, the flu, and other viruses is by keeping your terrain strong like by eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, avoiding stress, exercising, and avoiding junky, processed, sugar-laden foods. It is also very helpful to wash your hands frequently and not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, which are all entry points for the bugs.
The way viruses work is they get in your system and start multiplying. So the best way to fight a virus is to launch a strong attack when you feel the very first symptom signaling a viral attack; attack it back as fast and hard as you can. Viruses multiply insidiously, kind of like that money thing I am sure you have heard about where if you start off with one penny on January 1st and double the amount each day, by the end of the month you would have about a gazillion dollars. In this respect, viruses are like pennies, except cold and flu viruses work much faster than doubling pennies. It is also important to remember that when you feel better stay diligent for the next few days in case there a few little viruses hanging around ready, like Jason in those horror movies, to assault you just when you think that you are safe.
Interesting virus fact: It is very rare to get a cold when you have the flu, and vice versa, at the same time because your body has already mounted an attack on viruses.
Attacking Oncoming Virus Regimen:
My top 2 recommendations are coconut oil and elderberry extract when I feel like I am coming down with something. I make green tea and add 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil, and 1-2 tablespoons of elderberry extract (see note below), and drink that a few times a day. Prophylactically, I drink this concoction on most days that I work as a nurse during the flu season.
Then also hammering it with:
- Vitamin C: 1000 mg 3X daily or more
- Echinecea: I brewed my own in vodka, but you can also buy the tincture at a health food store like Whole Foods. Hold it in your mouth for a couple of minutes, then swallow. If it is effective stuff you should feel tingling in your mouth. This is good for the gums too.
- Garlic: Raw, anyway you can get it in your body or capsules for the wimp
- Cold-Eeze: According to package. This is important because the zinc is toxic to the virus and sucking on it bathes the virus in one of the places it is first hanging out: your throat. Use caution. You can use too much of zinc.
- Lots of liquids, chicken soup, tea, etc.
- Reduce stress, increase rest
- Mentally attack the virus and resolve not to give in
- Sweating can be helpful, and hot baths
- Vitamin D3
The more artillery you use the better, in my opinion. A final thought I would like to pass on is that I use a lot of coconut oil all of the time. I cook with it like with roasting or sauteeing vegetables, I stir it in my tea, and I have a jar in the bathroom which I use on my skin. I think this keeps me from getting cold and flu viruses and explains why I rarely get them even though I am highly exposed to them being a nurse in a facility where many people come in sick.
***Elderberry Extract is a syrup you can buy at a health food store or on Amazon. It is kind of pricey, especially for the amount needed if you actually get sick. However, I recently came across a recipe from Wellness Mama to make your own that sounds easy and will be a lot less expensive. Also, I think it will be more healthy because you can control the ingredients.
