Dr. Andrew Weil, possibly America's best known physician-champion of alternative health remedies, was targeted by the FTC and FDA in a letter demanding he cease and desist recommending "astragalus, a well-known immune-boosting herb that can help ward off colds and flu." Dr. Weil's website also stated "astragalus has been well studied...and has demonstrated antiviral and immunity-boosting effects in scientific investigation."
Dr. Weil told the Los Angeles Times that he supports the agency's efforts. An FDA spokesman said such claims "offer a false sense of protection and could delay someone from seeking treatment." He also warned, "Some marketers follow the news carefully...and take advantage of people who are fearful." With delays and shortages of swine flu vaccine and widespread worries about the availability of antiviral medications such as Tamiflu, some people who are fearful might be afraid they can't obtain a vaccine in time or get medicine if they need it.
Its Wise to Minimize Risks
Those most at risk for serious complications are offered vaccines, but others might be on their own. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ninety percent of hospitalizations due to H1N1 have been those under age 25. A robust immune system is not a guarantee that swine flu will be mild, but lifestyle changes might increase overall chances of survival. What can individuals, whether they get the vaccine or not, do to improve their current health?
Stop smoking
There's plenty of evidence that tobacco use decimates levels of antioxidants in the body, leaving it more susceptible to all kinds of illnesses. Smoking also increases the risk of developing secondary lung infections when the flu hits.
Exercise Regularly
Being active improves mood and helps the body eliminate wastes. A fit body, including a healthy heart, is capable of healing faster and avoiding complications when invaded by viruses.
Eat Unprocessed, or Whole, Foods
A high fiber diet is associated with less co-morbidities, such as diabetes, that can put people at risk during flu season. Foods should be consumed in as close to their natural state as possible. This makes meal preparation almost a full time job for someone in the home.
Lower Stress; Get Some Rest
Meditation, prayer, and massage help people meet the demands on their minds and bodies of a fast-paced world. Not getting enough sleep, or getting poor (interrupted) sleep is a real challenge to the immune system.
Remedies for a Less-Than-Perfect Lifestyle
While random double-blind peer-reviewed human studies are probably lacking to prove their efficacy (FDA law states that "claims that a dietary supplement can prevent, treat, or cure the H1N1 virus must be supported by well-controlled human clinical studies at the time the claims are made"), alternative remedies persist. Many natural health experts such as Phyllis Balch, CNC, author of Prescription for Nutritional Healing, believe these supplements can bolster the immune system: bee propolis, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, oregano oil, olive leaf extract, elder flower extract, and vitamin D3 (for short-term use). Although they aren't sanctioned yet by the FDA to treat flu symptoms, boneset powder, peppermint, and yarrow have been used by native cultures and many grandmothers to comfort and aid the sick.
The H1N1 virus as a national emergency has sparked some extraordinary measures to protect the public. Lifestyle improvements can help build overall health. Traditional medicines continue to wait for research to back the claims of native healers and herbalists.
References:
www.NaturalNews.com
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Inspections, Compliance Enforcement, and Criminal Investigations>Warning Letters, www.fda.gov
Diane C. Lade, "FDA Cracks Down on Internet Sales of Swine Flu Cures," Los Angeles Times, Oct 18, 2009
Centers for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov
Phyllis Balch, CNC, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Avery, 2004
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