The news media proclaims a shortage of Flu Vaccine. President Bush nobly proclaims he will not receive a flu shot this year, so that someone more deserving can have his. I have always been suspicious of the flu shot. Each year a new strain of the flu arrives on the scene. Each year it is billed as particularly virulent (that means really bad). Since it takes 4 to 6 months to create a flu vaccine (which is why the manufacturers can’t just stir up another batch at a moments notice), I wonder how the drug companies know in advance, which strain of the flu will need to be vaccinated against. As you know vaccinations are highly specific to the particular disease and strain of the disease. Without going in to paranoid conspiracy theories, it just seems odd to me that the drug companies can know so far in advance the exact vaccine that needs to be manufactured. As some of you have surely read, the most dangerous part of the vaccine is not the vaccine, but the chemicals used to stabilize the vaccine. Reading the ingredients of this substance to be injected into your body can and should be very sobering.

The dangers of the flu are most pronounced in those whose immune systems are weak or depressed, such as the elderly or those with underlying disease and illness. We believe that everyone needs protection against disease and infection. Good nutrition, good hygiene and sanitation, adequate rest and exercise are all important. Those who get sick are not the ones who get exposed to illness, because we all will get exposed. Those who get sick are those who immune system is weak and vulnerable. I have found great success in boosting and building the immune system so that the body will be able to fight and fend off the flu and other illnesses naturally.

Infectious Diseases

Microorganisms are everywhere: in the soil, water and air. Everyday we eat, drink and breathe them. Yet it is rare that these organisms invade, multiply and produce infections in humans. When we do get an infection often they are so mild, we don’t even have symptoms. Occasionally, a microorganism (bacteria, virus, parasites, etc.) will gain a foothold in our bodies causing an infection. This triggers an immune response to fight and eliminate the infection. The key to overcoming an infection is to boost the immune system so that the body will eliminate the invading organism on its own. The primary tool in medicines arsenal are antibiotics. The overuse and abuse of antibiotics have resulted in virulent bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics and are even more difficult to fight naturally. In addition, many of the animal products such as meat, milk and cheese, we eat contain trace amounts of antibiotics because these animals are given antibiotics in their diets to prevent infection as a result of the unsanitary and crowded living conditions of these animals.

Our objective is to build and strengthen the body so that the body will effectively fight the disease or illness and heal itself, rather than trying to attack the organism with drugs we hope will be effective. The downside of drugs like antibiotics is that is kills both the good and the bad bacteria resulting in a weakened immune system. This leaves the body vulnerable to any other germs you may be exposed to.

Boosting Natural Immunity

The immune system is perhaps one of the most complex and fascinating systems of the body. The immune system’s prime function is protecting the body against infection and the development of cancers or abnormal cells. Conditions such as colds, influenza (the flu), allergies, asthma, mononucleosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, auto-immune disorders such as MS and many cancers are all directly associated with a weakened immune system. The key to recovery is Boosting Natural Immunity

Stress, both good and bad stress, cause an increase in the adrenal gland hormones, which inhibit and depress the immune system functions. Prolonged stress can leave a person susceptible to infections, cancer and other illnesses. Inadequate rest can be the greatest strain on the immune system. During sleep and deep relaxation, powerful immune enhancing compounds are released and many immune functions are greatly increased. Good quality sleep and relaxation to counteract stress are vital for healing and a healthy immune system.

Eating sweet and sugary foods reduces the white blood cells ability to destroy bacteria. One hundred grams of sugar (that’s 20 teaspoons) in the form of glucose, fructose, honey and fruit juices significantly reduces the immune response. Twelve ounces of soda can contain 50 grams or 10 teaspoons of sugar. Even eight ounces of orange juice has 5 teaspoons of natural sugars. In contrast, eating whole food starches has no negative effect. The average American consumes 150 grams of refined sugar in their diets each day (That’s 30 teaspoons each day). The inescapable conclusion is that most Americans have a chronically depressed immune system. Consuming simple sugars (even orange juice) during an infection is detrimental to the immune response.

Obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and high triglycerides also inhibit various immune functions. Consuming alcohol increases susceptibility to infections. Several herbs such asEchinacea, Garlic, Goldenseal, Cat’s Claw, Pau d’Arco have been shown to enhance the body’s immune mechanisms. These herbs are effective against viral as well as bacterial infections. Studies and research have also demonstrated that Vitamins A, beta-carotene, Vitamin C, Zinc, Iron, and pyridoxine (vitamin B6) all enhance and boost the body’s immune system.

The Common Cold is the Cure

For years scientists have tried to discover “the cure” for the common cold. It has not been found and never will be, because the common cold (or a rhinovirus) is the cure. It is the cure for increased toxicity within the body and a depressed immune system. Getting a cold is the body’s way of “cleaning house”, dumping toxins and exercising the immune system.

Modern medicine focuses primarily on relieving symptoms, even though symptoms may be part of the healing process. For example, a fever increases the ability and effectiveness of the white blood cells in fighting illness. When a fever is reduced with drugs, the immune response is diminished. Nearly eighty percent of infectious illnesses are viral and won’t respond to antibiotics. The use of antibiotics has been shown to weaken the immune system and should be reserved for life and death emergencies. The key to a speedy recovery is to assist and support the body in the healing process. We should focus on cleansing the body and boosting the immune system whenever we are sick or feel threatened by illness.

Work with the body’s natural healing processes. Remember, the body has an intelligence greater than medical science.

Recommendations for the 2004-2005 Flu Crisis

1. Eat a Health Building Diet
2. Plan for adequate Sleep and relaxation. Slow down and rest.
3. Exercise 4 to 5 times each week. Moderate exercise does boost the immune system.
4. Take Bountiful Blend or Earth’s Nutrition each day.
5. Take Immune Boost (3 capsules morning and evening or 3 dropperfuls AM & PM) each day for the next 3 months.
6. Drink at least 8 cups of water and/or herb tea daily (such as red raspberry, peppermint or one of Western Botanicals fine herbal tea blends)
7. Take Colon Cleanse™ to insure that you are having 2 to 3 bowel movements per day. Reabsorbing toxins that should be eliminated can weaken the immune system and leave you more vulnerable to getting sick.
8. Pay attention of good hygiene and sanitation. Wash your hands, etc.
9. De-Stress your life by nurturing good relationships and de-clutter your home.

Obviously, it is easier to prevent illness, however, at the first sign of illness or if you are like us, at the first sign that anyone is getting sick, then everyone takes the herbs.

Quick Recovery Protocol

1. Take 3 dropperfuls of Immune Boost every waking hour. – You should end up taking nearly 1 ounce of Immune Boost during 24 hours.
2. Drink 1 gallon or water and herb tea in 24 hours. (peppermint is a good choice)
3. Take 1 TBS of Anti-Plague Formula 3 times daily.
4. Take Earth’s Nutrition or Bountiful Blend twice daily.
5. Rest and keep warm.

For many of you this may seem a bit extreme, but this regiment has worked for many of us at Western Botanicals and sick days are almost unheard of.

~ Dr. Kyle D. Christensen D.C. ~

"Herbal first Aid is insightful, clear, and an easy to follow resource book on herbs. It covers herbal lifesaving techniques, storage of herbal remedies and ancient herbal wisdom. This book is a must for alternative health practitioners and I am looking forward to having it in my collection of books on remedies and first aid". - Ellen w. Cutler, D.C. Author of The Food Allergy Cure