by Michael Downey

Odds are you hadn’t even dreamed of getting a flu shot until you learned there was a shortage of serum this season – and now, you’re convinced you’ll die if you don’t visit a doctor or hide indoors until spring. Get real. Better still, soup up your immune system yourself. We’ve carefully reviewed natural ways to prevent influenza and present them here.
Hand washing could prevent half of all cases.
Beta-glucan: Extracted from the cell walls of yeast, these long chain carbohydrates – polysaccharides – stimulate receptors on your macrophages, thus energizing your immunity. The normal 25-mg dosage is low for the flu and cold season; but don’t exceed 200 mg per day.
Antioxidants: Possibly protection themselves, antioxidants may enhance anti-viral qualities of beta glucan. Try vitamins A, C and E, selenium, quercetin, grape seed extract, pine bark extract, coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid.
Beta-carotene: This precursor to vitamin A stimulates the immune system, kills viruses and protects mucous membranes. If you are at risk for the flu, you can up the normal dosage of 10,000 IU to 50,000. But don’t take vitamin A in such doses; it can be toxic.
Allium: A number of studies back up claims of allium’s anti-viral effect. Eat more onions, shallots and garlic, or pop a few standardized, aged garlic pills daily.
Echinacea: Can boost immune activity against viral – not bacterial – infection. Never take for more than a few weeks at a time.
Astralagus and panax ginseng: Considered flu-preventive herbs. Don’t bother with them if you already have the flu.
Elderberry: Active ingredients may block an enzyme – called neuraminidase – that allows the virus to penetrate cell walls of its host. That’s you.
Omega-3 oil: A lower intake is linked to a compromised immune system.
If you still end up with the flu try these remedies
Goldenseal: If your flu is complicated by a bacterial infection – watch for green or yellow mucous – add this supplement and follow label dosages.
Bromelain: Reduce discomfort during a flu infection and help prevent
complications such as pneumonia. Take as directed on an empty stomach.
N-acetyl-cysteine: In complicated cases – where bronchitis or pneumonia are present – 500 mg can be taken three times daily to thin mucous in the lungs. And see a doctor.
A Toronto resident, Michael Doney’s work has appeared in such publications as Maclean’s, Men’s Health, Chatelaine, Better Nutrition, Vegetarian Times, Alive, Vitalité, Globe and Mail, Ottawa Citizen, Montreal Gazette, Toronto Star, Vancouver Sun, Boston Globe and Chicago Sun.