When it comes to acute viral illnesses like colds, flu, bronchitis, or even viral pneumonia, antibiotics aren’t the answer. Instead, adopting natural remedies that boost your immune system is the key to fending off viral invaders. Unfortunately, 20 million unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions are given to patients in the US each year because doctors don’t want their patients feeling like they wasted their time, according to shocking statistics in the article ‘Death by Medicine.’
If you find yourself feeling rundown with an escalating sore throat, it’s best to treat your illness at the earliest opportunity. Waiting too late means your discomfort will continue and your body will have to fight the virus alone. The following natural remedies are more effective during day one of your illness, not day five:
Stay hydrated: Drink lots of lime water and herbal teas containing cat’s claw, ginseng, or ginger root to help combat viral infections. Capra Mineral Whey™ is a great source of easily absorbable minerals to restore your strength.
Avoid refined sugar: Sugar suppresses your immunity, so avoid consuming products that contain refined sugar when you’re feeling down.
Get plenty of rest: Rest enables your available energy to focus on your immune system.
Keep emotions high: Positive emotional energy can fight illness and restore health, so use it to boost your physical state.
Maintain hygiene: Viruses often spread from contact with contaminated objects, like doorknobs, phones, and shared keyboards. Wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
Take high-dose vitamin C: Taking 10,000 mg of vitamin C in three divided doses per 24-hour period has been shown to inhibit viral activity and boost the immune system.
Consume more garlic: Taking between four and eight times the dose indicated on the bottle of a garlic supplement can help prevent viral illnesses and even shorten their duration.
Try Echinacea: The German government has approved Echinacea for the treatment of influenza-like symptoms due to its stimulant compounds.
Cimetidine (Tagamet®): Taking 800 mg daily of this medication can boost immune function and stimulate the immune system against certain viruses.
DHEA: Taking a high dose of 200 mg in the mornings during a flu infection can boost immune response and protect against the cytokine storm that can occur with viral infections.
Melatonin: In lab tests, a dose of 20 to 30 mg has been shown to boost the immune system and fight against cancer.
Lactoferrin: Found naturally in mother’s milk, Lactoferrin can help potentiate the immune system and inhibit viral attachment to cells. A dose of 1,200 mg daily can help during a flu illness.
Remember that these natural remedies work best when used at the earliest signs of illness. While they still provide some benefits later on, early intervention is crucial for your body’s ability to fight off viruses.
