Supporting your Immune System the Natural Way.

What is Swine Flu?

Flu is an illness caused by an infection of the influenza virus. The flu virus constantly changes and there are many different strains of flu. A new strain of Influenza A (H1N1) virus, also known as swine flu, was confirmed in the UK in April and has spread to more than 100 countries around the world.

Although symptoms have generally proved mild, a small number of patients will develop more serious illness.  Many of these people have other underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, that put them at increased risk. Where complications do occur, they tend to be caused by the virus affecting the lungs. Infections such as pneumonia can develop.

Flu Symptoms

Flu symptoms can include: fever, cough, headache, weakness and fatigue, aching muscles and joints, sore throat, and a runny nose. Most people who have contracted swine flu recover within a week and do not suffer complications, even without being given antiviral medication.

What is a Pandemic?

A pandemic sound very scary, however it signifies that the virus is rapidly spreading, and is crossing country mobility with many of us holidaying abroad it’s more likely for a virus to become a pandemic.

Swine Flu Facts

As of the 6th July 2009 the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports 94,512 cases worldwide, and 429 Deaths. Whilst any loss of life is tragic, these deaths have largely been individuals with underlying health problems. This rate is constant with the death rate shown with seasonal influenza.

Herbal Helpers

What can we do to fight back against the the flu? In short, quiet a lot! To begin with, you need to take a herb to stimulate the cells of the immune system itself.  A great herb for doing just this is Astragulus, shown to stimulate the immune system and used in traditional Chinese medicine to specifically treat chest and respiratory infections. To back this up you need to strengthen the lining of the nose, throat, airways and lungs, to ensure bugs cannot penetrate these important but delicate barriers. My favourite herb for strengthening these vital membranes is Oregon grape. Oregon grape not only strengthens membranes, but has a broad spectrum anti microbial effect, killing bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. The third arm of our fight back against the bugs is Black Elder. Black Elder from getting inside the cells of the body. if they cannot bind with the body cells, they cannot enter and cause any problems. The active components of Black Elder have been shown to block the sites of the body cells that the virus will normally grab hold of.

Nutritional Support

Nutrition is so important, to ensure adequate antioxidant nutrients, and support the immune system. The key to good nutrition is to Taste the Rainbow’; eat foods of every colour such as blueberries, raspberry, purple sprouting broccoli, purple corn, butternut squash, carrots, and green leafy vegetables. Seasonal fruits and vegetables have the highest nutrient contact. Nature naturally provides the foods you need at the best time. Even the most perfect diet can have difficulty meeting our body’s demand for nutrients. We  always recommend a good multi vitamin and mineral, and extra vitamin C to insure our body is getting enough to support our immunity and fight off unwanted viruses!

Shopping List

• Swiss Astragulus Extract
• Swiss Oregon Grape Extract
• Swiss Black Elder Extract
• Viridian Multi Vitamins and Minerals
• Vitamin C

Download a pdf of the Diva’s Swine Flu Fever article.