Natural flu preventions the doctors don't tell you about

Well, here we are in flu season again and people are dropping right and left all around us to this little antagonist we call a bug. Despite the flu vaccines and prescribed antibiotics, friends, family and co-workers are succumbing to this evil little sickness, missing work, school and social gatherings to stay in bed, miserable and helpless to defeat the war raging inside. While i cant guarantee that this will not be your fate this year, i can share some of the things that have helped me and my family stay well in the past.

#1 First of all DON'T, I REPEAT, DO NOT TAKE VACCINES! People who take vaccines are way more likely to contract the very illness they are trying to avoid, while destroying their immune system's ability to fight it off with the cocktail of chemicals they contain. No, i am not crazy, i am serious! I can tell you that i have never had the flu vaccine and i have only had the flu once in my entire life, although i have been exposed to it plenty of times.

#2 DO NOT EAT SUGAR! Sugar is the worst thing for you when you are trying to avoid sickness. Just a small amount of sugar can take down your immune system for 24 hours. I have noticed time and again whenever i have been near someone with a cold, that the instant i eat anything with sugar, my throat starts to feel funny, and if not immediately treated, i usually end up getting sick as well. But if i refrain from sugar and keep my immune system boosted with some natural things that i will list below, i can usually stay well even when everyone else isn't. Trust me, it is worth missing that favorite dessert to avoid the days of aggravation and misery that sickness brings.

#3 Eat oranges and lots of them! They are a great source of vitamin c which is an immense immune booster. If you dont like oranges, i highly recommend getting some EmergenC, which i get from Wal-Mart. I use that more than oranges actually.

#4 Eat fresh garlic, lots of it! My favorite way to take it is chopped up in a spoonful of raw honey, which in itself is a powerhouse of germ prevention. Its not as gross as it sounds, especially if you swallow it quick.

#5 Ginger lemon tea is one of my favorite prevention/remedies because it is so good and refreshing! Its as simple as washing and slicing a small chunk of fresh ginger and putting it in about a quart of water, bring it to a boil, and simmer for about 15-30 minutes. Let cool, and squeeze two lemons into it and add honey or stevia to taste. Again, no sugar! Drink this several times a day or as much as you want, its good for any day, but especially for when you want to stay well.

#6 Another really good one is Elderberry Syrup. If you can find dried elderberries at a health food store and make your own, that is best. The store bought stuff contains sugar. To make it, put a large handful of the dried berries in a small pot and cover with 3-4 cups of water. Bring this to a boil and then simmer until the water is dark purple and the berries are plump. Add more water as needed to maintain the original level in the pot. This usually takes an hour or more. When that is done, strain off the berries and pour the liquid into a jar and add honey and/or stevia to taste. Drink about a quarter cup of this once or twice a day. Elderberries are wonderful for immune health, they are chock full of vitamins and antioxidants.

#7 Pay attention to your diet and exercise. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, especially berries and citrus fruits. All these contain vitamins essential for maintaining general health and wellness. Exercise is good as well, it keeps your systems flushed and running smoothly. Also, drink lots of water.